The Dharani Sutra of The Buddha on Longevity, The Extinction of Offences and The Protection of Young Children: 2 of 33

At that time, in the assembly there were forty-nine Bodhisattvas who had just brought forth the Bodhi Resolve. They also wished to enquire The Buddha on ways and means to obtain longevity but they did not know how to do so.

At the same time, Manjushri Bodhisattva knew about their wish and so he stoop up from His seat, revealed His right shoulder, put His palms together respectfully before The Buddha. On behalf of The forty-nine Bodhisattvas, He asked The Buddha:

World-Honored One, I know there are people in this Dharma Assembly who harbor doubts but do not know how to ask about them. So I wish to ask on their behalf and may The World Honored One grant your permission.” The Buddha said, “Good indeed! Good indeed! Manjushri Bodhisattva. Please do not hesitate but ask on their behalf in order to clear their doubts!”

Manjushri Bodhisattva said, “World Honored One, all the living beings who are within the sea of birth and death create all kinds of evil karma. From the kalpas of no beginning until now, they resolve constantly on the wheels of six paths without any respite. At times even if they may obtain the human bodies but the retribution of their lifespan is very short.

In what ways can all these living beings obtain longevity and put an end to all evil karma? May The World Honored One teach them the Dharma on ways to attain longevity and means to extinct all their offences.”

The Buddha answered, “Manjushri! Your kindness and compassion is great and immeasurable. Out of the pity for all sinful beings, you enquire on their behalf the Dharma for longevity and the ways to put and end to all offences. But if I were to talk about them in details, I am afraid that most sentient beings would be unable to believe, accept, practice and uphold this Dharma.”

Again Manjushri Bodhisattva pleaded with The Buddha for His compassion, “World Honored One! You are endowed with Great Wisdom. You are Leader and Teacher of the gods and people, the compassionate father for all living beings. You are the Great Dharma King who is able to pronounce all wonderful Dharma with one sound. May the World Honored One have pity on all living beings and bless them widely with this Dharma!”