2

west, beyond 10 billion Buddha—lands there is a world
called Utmost Happiness (Sukhavati or Gokuraku). In
that land there is a Buddha named Infinite (Amitayus
or Amida). (He) is now, at present, teaching the
Dharma.

“Shariputra, what is the reason for naming that
land Utmost Happiness? Since that country’s various
living beings do not have any of the
all—kinds—of—sufferings and only receive various
happiness, it is named Utmost Happiness.

Also, Shariputra, in the country of Utmost
Happiness there exists the pond of 7 jewels filled
completely with water of the 8 kinds of virtues. The
inside of the pond, at the bottom, is covered
exclusively with gold sands. The four sides of the
pond) there are stairways comprised of gold, silver,
emerald, and crystal. Above, there is a pavilion
which is also excellently beautified with gold,
silver, emerald, crystal, coral, red—pearl, and agate.
In the pond there are lotus-flowers as large as the
wheel of a cart. Blue color (lotus) shine blue
light, yellow color (lotus) shine yellow light, red
color (lotus) shine red light, and white color (lotus)
shine white light. (These) are wonderful and give
an elegant fragrance. Shariputra, the country of
Utmost Happiness is accomplished with these virtues
and splendid decorations.
2

2