The Dharani Sutra of The Buddha on Longevity, The Extinction of Offences and The Protection of Young Children: 6 of 33

Before The Thus Come One Pervasive Lights And Proper Views had finished His teaching, suddenly there arose from the empty space a great thunder roar of harsh and evil voice which called out to the woman Confusion, “You have purposely murdered the fetus. You should receive the retribution of a short life, I am the messenger of the ghostly troop. Here I am to catch you to settle the case.”

The woman Confusion was frightened and lost. She caught hold of the feet of The Thus Come One and wept. She begged, “May The World Honored One widely propound the Great Dharma Store of The Buddhas for me, and the way to extinguish all sinful offences. Only then will I die in peace!”

At that time, The Thus Come One Pervasive Lights and Proper Views with the awesome spiritual strength of The Buddha told the ghost messenger, “The ghastly ghost of impermanence, I am now going to teach the woman Confusion on the Sutra of Longevity and the extinction of offences. Please wait for a while. Naturally there will be a change in circumstances.”

“You also should pay attention and listen carefully. I will also tell you the Secret Dharma Door which was taught by The Buddhas in the past, The Sutra of the extinction of offences and the prolongation of lifespan in order to help you all to stay away from the evil paths.”

The Buddha said, “Confusion, you should know that the ghastly ghost of impermanence does not give any special favor to people. Even if you use innumerable amount of gold, silver, lapis lazuli, beryl, red pearls, carnelian and other jewellery to bribe him in exchange of your life, it will still be in vain.”

“Even people who are at honorable position such as The King, the princes, great officers, respectable elders and others, who, with their awesome spiritual strength, will still be unable to escape the ghastly ghost of impermanence who comes to claim their lives.”

“Confusion, you should know that only the word ‘Buddha’ is able to sever the suffering of death. Confusion, there are two types of people who are very rare to be found. They are like the Udumbara Flowers which rarely bloom.”

“The first type refers to those people who never practice any evil dharma nor commit any karmic offences. The second type refers to those who are able to repent and reform when they realize their offences.”

“People like these are rare and the most precious. As you are able to repent sincerely before me, I will of course teach you The Sutra of Longevity and The Extinction of Offences, in order to free you from the suffering of being chased and caught by the evil ghost of impermanence.”