Thus have I heard:
One time, the Budha was staying at Anaathapindidas Ashrama in Jetavana of Shraavastii.
At that time, the Bhagavaan addressed the bhikshus:
“Practice one dharma,
And widely propagate one dharma.
Having practiced this one dharma,
You will gain renown,
Attain great fruits,
Experience all wholesome qualities,
Taste the nectar of liberation,
Reach the unconditioned state,
Attain spiritual powers,
Dispel distracting thoughts,
Achieve the fruits of the Shramana path,
And realize Nirvaana.
What is this one dharma?
It is mindfulness of the Budha (Budhaanusmriti).”
The Budha addressed the bhikshus:
“How does practicing mindfulness of the Budha lead to renown, great fruits, the arising of all wholesome qualities, the taste of the nectar of liberation, the attainment of the unconditioned state, the realization of spiritual powers, the dispelling of distracting thoughts, the achievement of the Shramana fruits, and the realization of Nirvaana?”
At that time, the bhikshus addressed the Bhagavaan:
“The source of all dharmas is spoken by the Tathaagata. We beseech the Bhagavaan to explain this profound meaning to the bhikshus. Having heard it from the Tathaagata, we will uphold and practice it.”
At that time, the Bhagavaan addressed the bhikshus:
“Listen carefully! Listen carefully!
Reflect deeply on this, for I will explain it to you in detail.”
The bhikshus replied:
“So it is, Bhagavaan.”
The bhikshus then respectfully accepted the teaching.
The Bhagavaan said:
“If a bhikshu, with upright body and mind, sits cross-legged, fixes his mindfulness, and is free from distracting thoughts, single-mindedly practicing mindfulness of the Budha,
Contemplates the form of the Tathaagata without ever losing sight of it, and, not losing sight of it, reflects on the virtues of the Tathaagata:
- The Tathaagata’s body is as indestructible as a diamond,
Endowed with the ten powers and the four fearlessnesses,
Courageous and mighty among all beings. - The Tathaagata’s appearance is peerlessly majestic,
A sight that never tires the eyes. - His moral virtues are perfected like a diamond,
Unbreakable, pure, and flawless, like a crystal. - The Tathaagata’s samadhi is unwavering,
Forever tranquil, free from other thoughts. - Arrogance, stubbornness, and all afflictions—
Desire, anger, delusion, and doubt—
Are all completely eradicated. - The Tathaagata’s wisdom is boundless,
Unobstructed and limitless. - The Tathaagata’s body is the embodiment of liberation,
Free from all rebirth, with no further existence in samsara. - The Tathaagata has crossed the city of knowledge and vision,
Knowing the faculties of others,
Understanding who is to be liberated and who is not,
Seeing the cycle of birth and death,
And knowing who has attained liberation and who has not.
This is how practicing mindfulness of the Budha leads to renown, great fruits, the arising of all wholesome qualities, the taste of the nectar of liberation, the attainment of the unconditioned state, the realization of spiritual powers, the dispelling of distracting thoughts, the achievement of the Shramana fruits, and the realization of Nirvaana.
Therefore, bhikshus,
Always reflect and never stray from mindfulness of the Budha.
In this way, you will attain these virtuous qualities.
Thus, bhikshus, you should train yourselves in this manner.”
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.