Vision of the Universe Abhirati and the Tathágata Aksobhya

The Buddha turned to Licchavi Vimalakirti and asked, “Noble son, how do you perceive the Tathágata when you wish to see him?”

Vimalakirti replied, “Lord, when I seek to behold the Tathágata, I perceive him by transcending the notion of seeing a Tathágata. Why? Because I perceive him beyond the confines of time – not bound by the past, present, or future. He embodies essence, the very reality of existence, yet he is beyond the material realm. He is the essence of sensation, intellect, motivation, and consciousness, yet he transcends these aspects. Like space, he exists beyond the elements. He surpasses sensory perception and is untouched by the limitations of the six senses. Free from worldly entanglements, he embodies ultimate liberation and wisdom. He is beyond categorization, beyond the grasp of consciousness, and beyond duality. He is beyond light and darkness, beyond concepts and characteristics. He is beyond limitations, beyond birth and death, beyond causality, and beyond comprehension. The Tathágata defies explanation, encompassing all and yet transcending all.”

Shariputra inquired about Vimalakirti’s previous incarnation, to which the Buddha instructed him to ask directly.

Shariputra asked, “Where did you pass away before being reborn here?”

Vimalakirti replied, “Do you see anything that truly dies or is reborn?”

Shariputra conceded that nothing truly dies or is reborn.

Vimalakirti continued, “Likewise, just as nothing truly dies or is reborn, why ask about my past incarnations? If one were to question a creation of magic about its past lives, what answer would you expect?”

Shariputra replied that such a creation doesn’t die or reincarnate.

Vimalakirti reminded him that the Tathágata likened all things to magical creations.

Shariputra acknowledged this truth.

Vimalakirti elaborated, explaining that while death signifies the end of one performance and rebirth signifies continuation, a bodhisattva’s death doesn’t end virtuous deeds, and rebirth doesn’t perpetuate sin.

The Buddha revealed that Vimalakirti had come from the Buddha-field of Aksobhya in the Abhirati universe. Shariputra marveled at how Vimalakirti left such a pure realm to dwell in the flawed Saha universe.

Vimalakirti likened this to the sun dispelling darkness. Just as the sun rises to illuminate and dispel darkness, bodhisattvas voluntarily incarnate in impure realms to guide beings towards enlightenment.

Upon the multitude’s desire to witness the Abhirati universe, the Buddha instructed Vimalakirti to reveal it.

Vimalakirti, without rising, conjured the Abhirati universe into the Saha universe. Although some beings sensed this, the Saha universe remained unchanged.

The Buddha asked the assembly if they saw Abhirati and Aksobhya, to which they affirmed.

The Buddha emphasized that those aspiring for such realms should emulate Aksobhya’s bodhisattva practices.

Witnessing this, many beings aspired for rebirth in Abhirati, and the Buddha prophesied their future attainment.

Vimalakirti returned Abhirati to its original place, and the Buddha asked Shariputra if he had seen it.

Shariputra acknowledged, expressing gratitude for the teachings and the sight of holy beings, which bring immense benefit. He emphasized the transformative power of understanding and practicing the Dharma.

Thus, the teachings of Vimalakirti left a profound impact, guiding beings towards enlightenment and future Buddahood.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/05/09/vision-of-the-universe-abhirati-and-the-tathagata-aksobhya/