Eight Ponds, Eight Virtues

Fifth, within the jeweled pond contemplation, the text likewise first raises the matter, next distinguishes it in detail, and finally concludes it. There are seven points in all.

First, from "next, you should contemplate water" onward, this generally names this contemplation, citing what precedes and opening what follows. This makes plain that, however exquisite these jeweled trees may be, without ponds of water, this land could not yet be called truly excellent. First, so that this world might not be left empty; second, so as to adorn its own dependent retribution — it is for these very reasons that this contemplation of ponds and channels exists.

Second, from "the Land of Ultimate Bliss" down through "arising from the wish-fulfilling jewel king," this makes plain the number of these ponds, and distinguishes their own place of origin. There are five points within it. First, this makes plain, pointing directly, the very land to which one goes. Second, this makes plain that these ponds are named by the number eight. Third, this makes plain that each and every pond's own bank is formed of seven jewels combined together, and, precisely because these jewels' own light shines through and illuminates everywhere, the water possessing these eight virtues shares the very same coloring as this assortment of jewels — hence it is called jeweled water. Fourth, this makes plain that the very substance and nature of these many jewels is itself soft and yielding. Fifth, this makes plain that the water of these eight ponds flows entirely from the wish-fulfilling jewel, and is thus called wish-fulfilling water. This water possesses eight distinct virtues. The first is purity and moistness, which belongs to the sense-sphere of form. The second is freedom from any foul odor, which belongs to the sense-sphere of smell. The third is lightness, the fourth is coolness, the fifth is softness, which belong to the sense-sphere of touch. The sixth is sweetness, which belongs to the sense-sphere of taste. The seventh is that, when drunk, it brings perfect comfort and ease; the eighth is that, once drunk, it leaves no affliction behind — these belong to the sense-sphere of mental phenomena. The meaning of these eight virtues has already been discussed at length within the commentary on Amitābha.

A further verse of praise says: "The Land of Peace and Bliss, adorned in splendor, its jeweled ponds of eight virtues flow and fill it everywhere; its four banks hold radiant light, interspersed with seven jewels, the water's own color clear and distinct, reflecting jeweled light; its very substance is soft and yielding, free of any hardness to the touch, as bodhisattvas walk slowly by, scattering jeweled fragrance. This jeweled fragrance and these jeweled clouds form their own jeweled canopy, this jeweled canopy hanging in the sky, covering a jeweled banner; this jeweled banner, solemnly adorned, encircles a jeweled palace, this jeweled palace hung with jeweled bells and nets of pearl; this jeweled net's own jeweled music turns through a thousand layers, praising, according to each being's own capacity, these jeweled palaces and towers. Within each and every palace and tower is an assembly of the Buddha, sages as numerous as the sands of the river seated there in contemplation; may all who share this very affinity constantly bear it in mind, and, when this present life ends, be reborn together within that hall of the Dharma."