AVATAMSAKA ASSEMBLY ON THE MASTER'S BIRTHDAY
CITY OF TEN THOUSAND BUDDHAS

REQUESTING DHARMA ON THE MASTER'S BIRTHDAY

-by Upasaka Kuo Chi Hopp

The sutra is like a gem,

within whose gleaming

Facet's interlacing

network are contained

Endless deep and precious

secret meanings

And the means by which

these treasures are attained.

Long within the Dragon's Cave

was hidden

All its wondrous wealth

from men not yet prepared;

Now, by great good fortune

we are bidden

To partake in riches

vast beyond compare.

But if there is no source

of light illumining,

The jewel from common eyes

would be concealed.

And if within the light

there is no turning,

How could its myriad aspects

be revealed?

O Master, from your rare presence

the needed brightness shines;

And you the precious Dharma Jewel

turn with awesome skill,

Creating a brilliant display

before our grateful eyes,

Expanding meanings within, without,

with further meanings still,

And return the many to the One,

eternally calm,

Compassionately making manifest

the ineffable Dharma Realm.