subjects tried to dissuade
stones from the great ocean often in the past. As the king was about to depart with his retinue, all his ministers and subjects tried to dissuade him from leaving, but he would not listen. The king entered the ship, and four sails were raised in the four directions.
When a favorable wind blew the vessel would sail. When an unwanted wind blew it would not. and four great anchors of lead hanging from ropes made of camel hair were lowered in the four directions. By thus directing the ship, the king and his retinue found their way to the great ocean. The big sail was then hoisted and a favorable wind sent them on their way. They continued their journey with the speed of a strongly loosened arrow.
When they reached an island of precious gems, the retinue was left behind while the king and the captain continued the journey in a smaller boat. A white mountain came into sight and the king asked. “What kind of mountain is that?”
“That mountain is made of silver,” was the answer.
They proceeded further and a blue mountain appeared so he asked. “What kind of mountain is that?”
“It is a mountain of lapis lazuli,” was the answer.
After that, they saw a yellow mountain and the king asked about it.
“That is a mountain of gold; we are going to that place,” the captain said.
They went there and saw that the earth was made of golden sand and that in front of the mountain there was a castle made of various kinds of precious substances.
The captain then told the king. “You should proceed while I stay here. The castle is surrounded by seven rings of lakes. When crossing them, you will meet many vicious animals, such as poisonous snakes, so contemplate bodhichitta while walking. In the center of the lakes is a wall made of iron and many different