Thus have I heard:
One time, Budha was staying in the country of Magadha, beneath the Bodhi tree at the place of practice.
At that time, Budha, having attained enlightenment not long before, gave rise to this thought:
“The profound Dharma I have realized is difficult to understand, difficult to grasp, and hard to perceive. It is beyond conceptual thought, subtle and tranquil, and only the wise can comprehend it. Those who discern its meaning and practice it without weariness will attain joy.
However, if I were to teach this wondrous Dharma to people, and they neither believed nor practiced it, my effort would be in vain and bring harm. It is better for me to remain silent—why should I teach the Dharma?”
At that time, Brahma, dwelling in the Brahma Heaven, perceived the Tathaagata’s thoughts from afar. Just as a strong man might extend or contract his arm, Brahma instantly vanished from the Brahma Heaven and appeared before the Bhagavaan. He bowed with his head at the Bhagavaan’s feet and stood to one side.
Then, Brahma said to the Bhagavaan:
“If the Dharma is not expounded, this Jambudvipa will surely fall into ruin, and the beings of the Three Realms will be blinded. Since the Tathaagata, the Samyak Sambhudha, has appeared in the world, you should proclaim the precious Dharma. Yet now, you hesitate to reveal the flavour of the Dharma. I humbly request the Tathaagata to widely expound the profound teachings for the benefit of all beings!
Moreover, the roots of sentient beings are easily transformed. If they do not hear the Dharma, they will forever lose the eye of wisdom. These beings are like the Utpala flowers, Kumuda flowers, and Pundarika flowers—though they sprout from the earth, they have not yet risen above the water or bloomed. Some flowers gradually rise from the water, while others remain submerged and never blossom.
Likewise, these beings, oppressed by birth, aging, sickness, and death, are on the verge of ripening. If they lose the chance to hear the Dharma and perish, is it not truly sorrowful? Now is the right time—may the Bhagavaan expound the Dharma!”
At that time, the Bhagavaan, knowing the thoughts in Brahma’s heart and out of great compassion for all beings, spoke this verse:
“Brahma has now come to urge me,
The Tathaagata shall open the gate of Dharma;
Those who hear will gain firm faith,
Penetrating the profound Dharma-essence.
Just as from the peak of a high mountain,
One can see all beings below;
So now, with this Dharma,
I shall enter the hall and reveal the Dharma-eye.”
At that time, Brahma thought to himself:
“The Tathaagata will surely expound the profound and wondrous Dharma for the sake of all beings.”
Filled with joy and elation beyond measure, he bowed with his head at the Bhagavaan’s feet. After paying his respects, he returned to the Brahma Heaven.
When the Brahma heard what the Budha said, he followed it with joy.