19.1 （一）

Thus have I heard:

At one time, the Buddha was at the Bodhi Tree in the country of Magadha.

At that time, not long after the World-Honored One attained enlightenment, he had this thought: "My profound Dharma is difficult to understand, difficult to comprehend, difficult to realize, inconceivable, subtle, and realized by the wise. Those who can discern the meaning and practice it without weariness will attain joy. If I were to teach the wonderful Dharma to others, but they do not believe and accept it, nor practice it, then my efforts would be in vain and there would be harm. I should now remain silent. Why speak the Dharma?"

At that time, Brahma Heaven, being far away in the Brahma Heaven, knew the Tathāgata's thoughts. In the time it takes for a strong man to bend and stretch his arm, he disappeared from the Brahma Heaven and appeared before the World-Honored One. He bowed his head to the Buddha's feet and stood to one side. Then Brahma Heaven said to the World-Honored One: "This Jambudvīpa will surely perish and the three realms will lose their eyes. The Tathāgata, Arhat, Perfectly Enlightened One has appeared in the world and should expound the Dharma treasure. But now he does not proclaim the taste of the Dharma. I only pray that the Tathāgata will widely explain the profound Dharma for all beings! Moreover, the roots of these beings are easy to liberate. If they do not hear it, they will forever lose the Dharma eye. These are the remaining sons of the Dharma, like the lotus, jasmine, and blue lotus flowers. Although they emerge from the ground, they have not yet emerged from the water and have not yet bloomed. At that time, those flowers gradually want to grow, so they have not yet emerged from the water. Sometimes those flowers emerge from the water, and sometimes those flowers are not attached to the water. These beings are also like this, being oppressed by birth, old age, sickness, and death. Their faculties are ripe, but if they do not hear the Dharma and perish, would it not be painful? Now is the right time. I only pray that the World-Honored One will explain the Dharma for them."

At that time, the World-Honored One knew the thoughts in Brahma Heaven's mind, and out of compassion for all beings, he spoke this verse:

Brahma Heaven has now come to encourage the Tathāgata to open the Dharma gate
those who hear will gain firm faith and discern the profound essentials of the
Dharma. It is like being on a high mountain peak, looking down on all
beings. I now have this Dharma, ascending the hall to reveal the Dharma eye.

At that time, Brahma Heaven immediately thought, "The Tathāgata will surely speak the profound and wonderful Dharma for the sake of beings." Joyfully leaping, unable to contain himself, he bowed his head at the Buddha's feet and then returned to the heavens.

At that time, Brahma Heaven, having heard the Buddha's teaching, joyfully accepted and practiced it.