“‘All the good deeds practised by me are for the benefit of all sentient beings, for their ultimate purification [from sin]. By the merit of these good deeds I pray that all sentient beings be released from the innumerable sufferings suffered by them in their various abodes of existence. By the turning over (_parivarta_) of these deeds I would be a haven for all beings and deliver them from their miserable existences; I would be a great beacon-light to all beings and dispel the darkness of ignorance and make the light of intelligence shine.’ “He reflects again in this wise: “‘All sentient beings are creating evil karma in innumerable ways, and by reason of this karma they suffer innumerable sufferings. They do not recognise the Tathâgata, do not listen to the Good Law, do not pay homage to the congregation of holy men. All these beings carry an innumerable amount of great evil karma and are destined to suffer in innumerable ways. For their sake I will in the midst of the three evil creations suffer all their sufferings and deliver every one of them. Painful as these sufferings are, I will not retreat, I will not be frightened, I will not be negligent, I will not forsake my fellow-beings. Why? Because it is the will [of the Dharmakâya] that all sentient beings should be universally emancipated.’ {371} “He reflects again in this wise: “‘My conduct will be like the sun-god who with his universal illumination seeks not any reward, who ceases not on account of one unrighteous person to make a great display of his magnificent glory, who on account of one unrighteous person abandons not the salvation of all beings. Through the dedication (_parivarta_) of all my merits I would make every one of my fellow-creatures happy and joyous.’” (The _Avatamsaka Sûtra_, fas XIV). {372} APPENDIX. {373} {374} {375} HYMNS OF MAHÂYÂNA FAITH. DHARMAKÂYA (TATHÂGATA).[a01] In all beings there abideth the Dharmakâya; With all virtues dissolved in it, it liveth in eternal calmness. It knoweth nor birth nor death, coming nor going; Not one, not two; not being, not becoming; Yet present everywhere in worlds of beings: This is what is perceived by all Tathâgatas. All virtues, material and immaterial, Dependent on the Dharmakâya, are eternally pure in it. Like unto the sky is the ultimate nature of the Dharmakâya; Far away from the six dusts, it is defilement-free. Of no form and devoid of all attributes is the Dharmakâya, In which are void both actor and action: The Dharmakâya of all Buddhas, thus beyond comprehension, Quells all the struggles of sophistry and dialectics, Distances all the efforts of intellection, Thoughts all are dead in it, and suchness alone abideth. --- {376} THE DHARMAKÂYA OF TATHÂGATA.[a02] In all the worlds over the ten quarters, O ye, sentient creatures living there, Behold the most venerable of men and gods, Whose spiritual Dharma-body is immaculate and pure.