佛說佛名經

The Buddhas, out of compassion for sentient beings, taught the Dharma of reverence and repentance before the Great Names. The karmic obstructions of sentient beings are exceedingly grave. Shrouded in darkness by ignorance, they do not understand cause and effect and do not earnestly seek to pay homage and repent.

Instead, they allow greed, anger, and delusion to act freely, committing boundless defilements and offenses—killing, stealing, false speech, and sexual misconduct—and thereby forming immeasurable bonds of karmic enmity, yet they remain wholly unaware. Their offenses grow deeper and heavier day by day. What one does, one must oneself endure; karmic retribution never errs.

Whether sooner or later, in this present life or in a future life, one must assuredly repay it, for the consequences of evil karma continue to follow. Because of all this painful karmic retribution, sentient beings fall into the three evil destinies; and even when born as humans in later lives, they are not long-lived and encounter manifold fruits of suffering and many forms of evil retribution. Therefore, with utmost sincerity, we reverently bow to the Buddhas of the ten directions and repent of our offenses and transgressions:

Homage to Buddha Definitive Form

Homage to Buddha Expedient Mind

Homage to Buddha Wisdom Station

Homage to Buddha Faith in Merit

Homage to Buddha Difficult to Subdue

Homage to Buddha Excellent Vision

Homage to Buddha Moonlight Radiance

Homage to Buddha Moon Canopy

Homage to Buddha Bridge of the World

Homage to Buddha Faithful Offering

Homage to Buddha Supreme Joy

Homage to Buddha Excellent Canopy

Homage to Buddha Worthy One of Shame and Remorse

Homage to Buddha Able to Contemplate

Homage to Buddha Boundless Dharma

Homage to Buddha Lion’s Voice

Homage to Buddha Great Practice

Homage to Buddha Universal Faith

Homage to Buddha Resounding Voice

Homage to Buddha Supreme Love

Homage to Buddha Universal Practice

Homage to Buddha Universal Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Great Diligence

Homage to Buddha Moon Banner

Homage to Buddha Steadfast Practice

Homage to Buddha Celestial Offering

Homage to Buddha Able to Inspire Awe

Homage to Buddha Supreme Renown

Homage to Buddha Accomplishment of All Merits

Homage to Buddha Firm and Stable

Homage to Buddha Ambrosial Light

Homage to Buddha Great Voice

Homage to Buddha Lofty Voice

Homage to Buddha Great Power

Homage to Buddha Great Exhaustion

Homage to Buddha Faith in Ambrosia

Homage to Buddha Practice of Bodhi

Homage to Buddha Contemplation of the Supreme Voice

Homage to Buddha Lofty Light

Homage to Buddha Rare Excellence

Homage to Buddha Delighting in Various Voices

Homage to Buddha Loving Righteousness

Homage to Buddha Cultivation of Faithful Practice

Homage to Buddha Free from Sorrow

Homage to Buddha Power of Excellent Birth

Homage to Buddha Power of Majestic Virtue

Homage to Buddha Faith in Merit

Homage to Buddha Renowned Voice

Homage to Buddha Emanating Radiance

Homage to Buddha Resolute Diligence

Homage to Buddha Supreme King

Homage to Buddha Grove of Flowers

Homage to Buddha Flower of Merit

Homage to Buddha Abandoning Contention

Homage to Buddha Great Vastness

Homage to Buddha Great Renown

Homage to Buddha Loving Space

Homage to Buddha Ambrosial Diligence

Homage to Buddha Solar Constellation

Homage to Buddha Moon Voice

Homage to Buddha Celestial Banner

Homage to Buddha Flourishing Purity

Homage to Buddha Powerful Sun

Homage to Buddha Delightful to Behold

Homage to Buddha Supreme Voice of Perceptive Intention

Homage to Buddha Rain of Ambrosia

Homage to Buddha Fearless Voice

Homage to Buddha Voice of Roots of Goodness

Homage to Buddha Supreme Voice

Homage to Buddha Supreme Love

Homage to Buddha Renown of Ambrosia

Homage to Buddha Discourse on the Dharma Flower

Homage to Buddha Great Adornment

Homage to Buddha Honored by the World

Homage to Buddha Supreme Intention and Thought

Homage to Buddha Lingering Radiance

Homage to Buddha Pure Contemplation

Homage to Buddha Lofty Radiance

Homage to Buddha Destroyer of Enmity

Homage to Buddha Citadel of Ambrosia

Homage to Buddha Flower Light

Homage to Buddha Great Renown

Homage to Buddha Thought of Peace and Security

Homage to Buddha Great Majestic Virtue

Homage to Buddha Pure Mind

Homage to Buddha Offered to by Devas and Humans

Homage to Buddha Who Crossed Over into Nirvana

Homage to Buddha Free from the Defilements of Existence

Homage to Buddha Dharma Lotus

Homage to Buddha Great Supreme One

Homage to Buddha Pleasing Radiance

Homage to Buddha Firelight

Homage to Buddha Beloved to Behold

Homage to Buddha Loving Radiance

Homage to Buddha Joyful Voice

Homage to Buddha Virtue of Great Giving

Homage to Buddha True Step

Homage to Buddha Unobstructed Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Attainment of Majestic Virtue

Homage to Buddha Moon Treasury

Homage to Buddha Pure Radiance

Homage to Buddha Adornment of the Great Ocean

Homage to Buddha Attainment of Sovereign Joy

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Radiance

Homage to Buddha Quiescent Radiance

Homage to Buddha Free from Doubt and Delusion

Homage to Buddha Unexcelled Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Accomplished Practice

Homage to Buddha Pure Body

Homage to Buddha Fearless Love

Homage to Buddha Roar of Praise

Homage to Buddha Roar of the Mahayana

Homage to Buddha Excellent Thought

Homage to Buddha Great Contemplation

Homage to Buddha Pure Mind

Homage to Buddha Great Diligence

Homage to Buddha Joyful Eye

Homage to Buddha Pure Life

Homage to Buddha Pure Practice

Homage to Buddha Wisdom Free from Affliction

Homage to Buddha Responsive Skillfulness

Homage to Buddha Wisdom Well Cultivated

Homage to Buddha Universal Faith

Homage to Buddha Majestic Virtue of Generous Giving

Homage to Buddha Citadel of Deathlessness

Homage to Buddha Unprotected Voice

Homage to Buddha Transforming Sun

Homage to Buddha Excellent Abiding Contemplation

Homage to Buddha Lofty Faith

Homage to Buddha Sumana Radiance

Homage to Buddha Power of Radiance

Homage to Buddha Rare Merit

Homage to Buddha Dharma-Endowed Suma

Homage to Buddha Pure Majestic Virtue

Homage to Buddha Goodness of Pure Practice

Homage to Buddha Mind of Celestial Form

Homage to Buddha King of Power

Homage to Buddha Universal Contemplation

Homage to Buddha Offering of Brahma

Homage to Buddha Sacred Flower

Homage to Buddha Space

Homage to Buddha Subduer of Melancholy

Homage to Buddha Incomparable Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Conqueror of Form

Homage to Buddha Citadel of Subjugation

Homage to Buddha Responsive Love

Homage to Buddha Merit of Moral Discipline

Homage to Buddha Impartial Provision for Beings

Homage to Buddha Undaunted Mind

Homage to Buddha Faith in Diligence

Homage to Buddha Lofty Radiance

Homage to Buddha Wisdom of Learning

Homage to Buddha Unobstructed Mind

Homage to Buddha Fearless Light

Homage to Buddha Ambrosial Voice

Homage to Buddha Various Suns

Homage to Buddha Supreme Penetrating Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Worthy of Veneration

Homage to Buddha King of Merit

Homage to Buddha Guardian of the Faculties

Homage to Buddha Meditative Liberation

Homage to Buddha Great Majestic Virtue

Homage to Buddha Sandalwood Fragrance

Homage to Buddha Vision of Faith

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Skillfulness

Homage to Buddha Worthy of Contemplation

Homage to Buddha Immeasurable Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Majestic Virtue of the Celestial Sun

Homage to Buddha Who Lays Down the Heavy Burden

Homage to Buddha Mind Concordant with Faith

Homage to Buddha Heard Throughout All Directions

Homage to Buddha Sovereign Mastery

Homage to Buddha Boundless Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Stainless Light

Homage to Buddha Faith in Ambrosia

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Eye

Homage to Buddha Practice of Liberation

Homage to Buddha Joyful to Behold

Homage to Buddha Lofty Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Great Abiding Voice

Homage to the Buddha Great Majestic Virtue Assembly

Homage to the Buddha Banner of Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Worthy of Offerings

Homage to the Buddha Accumulation of Merit and Majestic Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Mark of Faith

Homage to the Buddha Great Flame

Homage to the Buddha Worthy of Faith

Homage to the Buddha Well-Abiding Contemplation

Homage to the Buddha Tu-de-tha

Homage to the Buddha Creator of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Universal Jewel

Homage to the Buddha Sunlight

Homage to the Buddha Thuyet-de-tha

Homage to the Buddha Flame-Eyed

Homage to the Buddha Lion-Bodied

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of the Praised Body

Homage to the Buddha Pure Voice

Homage to the Buddha Realm of Joy and Delight

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Tranquility

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Majestic Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Excellent Majestic Virtue of Offerings

Homage to the Buddha Hair-Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Honored by the World

Homage to the Buddha Pure Excellent Conduct

Homage to the Buddha Excellent De-tha Majestic Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Worthy-Eyed

Homage to the Buddha Great Assembly

Homage to the Buddha Accomplisher of Meaning

Homage to the Buddha Peaceful and Beloved

Homage to the Buddha Thien-ma-tu-da

Homage to the Buddha Abandoner of the Stream of Pride

Homage to the Buddha Renouncer of Jewels

Homage to the Buddha Perfect Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Transcender of Arrogance

Homage to the Buddha Worthy Liberation

Homage to the Buddha Assemblies

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of Majestic Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Power of Loving-Kindness

Homage to the Buddha Moon Supreme

Homage to the Buddha Tranquil Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Loving-Eyed

Homage to the Buddha Voice of Du-thi-la

Homage to the Buddha Deathless Form

Homage to the Buddha Delighting in the Flavor of Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Great Moon

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Voice

Homage to the Buddha Diligence in Merit

Homage to the Buddha Deathless Flower

Homage to the Buddha Impartial Vision

Homage to the Buddha Great Moon King

Homage to the Buddha Flavor of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Tenfold Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Manifold Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Dragon Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Cloud Voice

Homage to the Buddha Assembly of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Mindful of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Great Voice

Homage to the Buddha Clear Voice

Homage to the Buddha Far Removed from Evil Destinies

Homage to the Buddha Celestial Flower

Homage to the Buddha Joyful-Eyed

Homage to the Buddha Great Dipankara

Homage to the Buddha Conduct Free from Delusion

Homage to the Buddha Firm Aspiration

Homage to the Buddha Renouncer of Falsehood

Homage to the Buddha Flower-Adorned

Homage to the Buddha Inconceivable Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Samantabhadra

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Moon

Homage to the Buddha Virtue of Joy

Homage to the Buddha Pure Voice

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Virtuous Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Firm Flower

Homage to the Buddha Mind of Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Virtue of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Fulfillment of Intention

Homage to the Buddha Joy of Liberation

Homage to the Buddha Subduer of Hostile Enemies

Homage to the Buddha Never Forsaking

Homage to the Buddha Free from the Abyssal River

Homage to the Buddha Ambrosial Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Stainless Mind

Homage to the Buddha Joyful Voice

Homage to the Buddha Immeasurable-Eyed

Homage to the Buddha Joyful Cultivation

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of Wondrous Height

Homage to the Buddha Accumulation of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Delightful One

Homage to the Buddha Great-Minded

Homage to the Buddha Celestial Faith

Homage to the Buddha Contemplation of Ambrosia

Homage to the Buddha Discerning Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Lamp

Homage to the Buddha Firm Resolve

Homage to the Buddha Assembly of Strength

Homage to the Buddha Lotus-Petal-Eyed

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of Bodhi

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Roaring Voice

Homage to the Buddha Voice of the Six Superknowledges

Homage to the Buddha Power of Majestic Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Greatly Praised

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Gathering of Flowers

Homage to the Buddha Great Crest

Homage to the Buddha Independent of Others

Homage to the Buddha Fearless Conduct

Homage to the Buddha Undaunted

Homage to the Buddha Free from the Darkness of Sorrow

Homage to the Buddha Beyond the Tides

Homage to the Buddha Moonlight

Homage to the Buddha Valiant Heart

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom of Liberation

Homage to the Buddha Never Clinging or Forsaking

Homage to the Buddha Bo-bac Lamp

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Fire

Homage to the Buddha Well-Contemplating Mind

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Majestic Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Trusted by the World

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Faith of Excellent Joy

Homage to the Buddha Flower Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Flower of Humanity

Homage to the Buddha Excellent Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Merit

Homage to the Buddha Manifold Flowers

Homage to the Buddha Lofty Supreme One

Homage to the Buddha Merit of Empty Space

Homage to the Buddha Celestial Faith

Homage to the Buddha Venerable Kieu

Homage to the Buddha Beneficial Moonlight

Homage to the Buddha Mass of Fire

Homage to the Buddha Utmost Strength

Homage to the Buddha Ground of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Lofty Resolve

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom of the Mountain King

Homage to the Buddha Joyful Ascent to Heaven

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Ascent

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Body

Homage to the Buddha Free from Doubt

Homage to the Buddha Worthy in Conduct

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Conduct Free from Contention

Homage to the Buddha Cultivation of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Mind of Great Diligence

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of Dipankara

Homage to the Buddha Gathering of the Assembly

Homage to the Buddha Cultivation of the Profound Mind

Homage to the Buddha Fragrant Aspiration

Homage to the Buddha Fragrant Hand

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom of Tranquility

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Mind

Homage to the Buddha Adornment of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Conduct

Homage to the Buddha Mind of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Pure Voice of the Mountain of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Gatherer

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Faith

Homage to the Buddha Power of the Sun's Vision

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of the King of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Incomparable Power of Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Diligently Free from All Doubts

Homage to the Buddha King of Praise

Homage to the Buddha Restraining All Faculties

Homage to the Buddha Ascending Above

Homage to the Buddha Ambrosial Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Ambrosial Mind

Homage to the Buddha Supreme among All Assemblies

Homage to the Buddha Pure Crest

Homage to the Buddha Form That Cannot Be Subdued

Homage to the Buddha Universal Faith

Homage to the Buddha King of Adornment

Homage to the Buddha Ambrosial Sun

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Lamp

Homage to the Buddha Ba-dau Supreme

Homage to the Buddha Treasury of Jewels

Homage to the Buddha Universal Illumination

Homage to the Buddha Most Supreme King

Homage to the Buddha King of the Most Supreme Accumulation of Universal Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Samantabhadra

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign King Who Turns the Dharma

Homage to the Buddha King Samantabhadra

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Garland of Flowers

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign Voice of the Celestial Worlds

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign King of the One Excellent Stainless Voice

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign King of the Celestial, Transcendent, Fearless Voice

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign King of Celestial Stainless Majestic Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign King of Five Hundred Sun Voices

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign King of Five Hundred Joys

Homage to the Buddha Joyful Sun Dragon

Homage to the Buddha King Praised as Fearless

Homage to the Buddha Banner of Wondrous Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Voice Free from Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Praised Sovereign Voice

Homage to the Buddha Voice Praising the Wondrous Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Voice Praising the Supreme Treasury

Homage to the Buddha King of Inconceivable Mind

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Banner

Homage to the Buddha Great Sovereignty

Homage to the Buddha King of the Valiant Banner of Sovereign Noble Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha of Inconceivable Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Treasury of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Lofty Banner of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha King of the Ocean of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign King of the Voice of Great Diligence

Homage to the Buddha Abiding in Supreme Merit

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign King of the Stainless Roar of Wisdom Manifesting Cultivation and All Kinds of Good Seeds

Homage to the Buddha King of the Ocean of Merit That Subdues

Homage to the Buddha King of the Power of Accomplished Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha King of Supreme Great Sovereignty

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign of Supreme Hidden Accumulations

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom of the Supreme Accumulation of Flowers

Homage to the Buddha Vajra Lion

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Precepts

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Worthiness

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Light

Homage to the Buddha Lion’s Joy

Homage to the Buddha Accumulation of Inexhaustible Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Conduct

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom Balabha

Next, we respectfully bow to the twelve divisions of the revered sutras, the Dharma Wheel of the Great Canon:

Homage to the Revered Sutra of Skillful Means in Accord with Provisional Teachings

Homage to the Revered Sutra of Skillful Means Delighting in Adornment with Jeweled Garlands

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Great Cloud Wheel Invoking Rain

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Great Cloud Invoking Rain

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Great Vaipulya Cloud Invoking Rain

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Tathagata’s Adorned Wisdom-Light Entering the Realms of All Buddhas

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Wisdom-Adornment That Transcends the Realms of All Buddhas

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Adornment of Wisdom-Light That Transcends the Realms of All Buddhas

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Elder Virtue-Protector

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Youth Moonlight

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Body-Sun

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Youth Good Reflection

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Great Vaipulya Crown King

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Mahayana Crown King

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Mirror of Dharma

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Questions of the Elder Ugra

Homage to the Revered Sutra of Ugra the Layman’s Questions on the Bodhisattva Conduct

Homage to the Revered Sutra of Immeasurable Purity and Perfect Awakening

Homage to the Revered Amitabha Sutra

Now we respectfully bow to the great bodhisattvas throughout the worlds of the ten directions:

Homage to the Bodhisattva Universal True Dharma

Homage to the Bodhisattva Universal Transformation

Homage to the Bodhisattva Universal Wisdom

Homage to the Bodhisattva Universal Eye

Homage to the Bodhisattva Universal Contemplation

Homage to the Bodhisattva Universal Illumination

Homage to the Bodhisattva Universal Banner

Homage to the Bodhisattva Universal Virtue and Light of Wisdom

Homage to the Bodhisattva Universal Radiant Lion

Homage to the Bodhisattva Universal Supreme Jeweled Light

Homage to the Bodhisattva Universal Banner of the Ocean of Virtue

Homage to the Bodhisattva Universal Radiance of Wisdom

Homage to the Bodhisattva Universal Banner of Jeweled Flowers

Homage to the Bodhisattva Universal Supreme Sound of the Tides

Homage to the Bodhisattva Universal Flame of the Voice of Virtue

Homage to the Bodhisattva Universal Light of the Marks

Homage to the Bodhisattva Universal Awakening

Homage to the Bodhisattva Foremost in Awakening

Homage to the Bodhisattva Foremost in Wealth

Homage to the Bodhisattva Foremost in Jewels

Homage to the Bodhisattva Foremost in Virtue

Homage to the Bodhisattva Foremost in Vision

Homage to the Bodhisattva Foremost in Diligence

Homage to the Bodhisattva Foremost in Dharma

Homage to the Bodhisattva Foremost in Wisdom

Homage to the Bodhisattva Foremost in Worthiness

Homage to the Bodhisattva Great Light, Ocean of Radiance

Homage to the Bodhisattva Cloud-Sound, Ocean-Treasury

Homage to the Bodhisattva Virtuous Jewel, Supreme Moon

Homage to the Bodhisattva Sovereign King of the Pure Flame of Wisdom-Light

Homage to the Bodhisattva Transcendent Flower-Light

Homage to the Bodhisattva Immeasurable Wisdom-Cloud of Innate Light

Homage to the Bodhisattva Vajra of Great Strength and Diligence

Homage to the Bodhisattva Banner of Fragrant Flame and Light

Homage to the Bodhisattva Wondrous Sound of Lunar Virtue

Homage to the Bodhisattva Radiant Honored Virtue

Homage to the Bodhisattva Treasury of Luminous Purity

Homage to the Bodhisattva King of Mind

Homage to the Bodhisattva Unobstructed Mind

Homage to the Bodhisattva Sovereign of the World

Having thus taken refuge in and paid homage to the immeasurable and boundless great bodhisattvas throughout the worlds of the ten directions, we next pay homage to the Worthies and Noble Ones, the sravakas and pratyekabuddhas:

With utmost sincerity, we exhort and entreat,

Exhorting and entreating as the supreme condition against slighting the Dharma,

Now first we discuss the fault of slighting the Dharma,

In former lives, we did not plant the causes of the Mahayana;

In this life, as soon as it is revealed, we slander it.

Whenever we encounter an exposition of Dharma, we criticize it;

Seeing others assemble, we immediately revile them.

We may say that honored teachers gather and convert people,

Or obstruct those newly learned from transmitting the sutras and Vinaya.

Whenever something opposes our wishes, we scorn it,

Delighting only in companions who conform to worldly ways.

Today our minds open and yearn for the profound Dharma;

Understanding this, we urge our minds to transmit it and exhort and entreat:

All Buddhas of the ten directions who have newly attained the Way,

I now entreat you to turn the Dharma Wheel.

Bodhisattvas of the ten directions who encounter suitable conditions,

I now entreat you to reveal the Dharma extensively.

Sravakas and pratyekabuddhas replete with wisdom,

Please employ your original teachings to transform deluded ordinary beings.

All spiritual friends dwelling in the world,

Please reveal the gates of meditation or expound the teachings.

All Buddhas and bodhisattvas of the ten directions,

Pratyekabuddhas, arhats, and all Noble Worthies,

Who wish to leave suffering behind and enter nirvana,

I entreat you all to remain for a long time.

In every thought, bring forth the supreme aspiration;

Let each preceding thought and following thought accord with one another.

Through this, the karma of slandering the Dharma is naturally eradicated,

And we shall move the Noble Ones always to expound the Dharma.

Having completed the exhortation and entreaty, we bow with utmost sincerity…

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Ajnata Kaundinya

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Mahakasyapa

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Uruvilva Kasyapa

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Gaya Kasyapa

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Nadi Kasyapa

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Sariputra

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Mahamaudgalyayana

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Mahakatyayana

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Anuruddha

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Mahakapphina

We pay homage to all the Noble Sangha members, the great arhats within the great assembly, each of whom clearly knows and understands. Having bowed to the Three Jewels, we next again make repentance. We, your disciples, have repented of the obstruction of afflictions and the obstruction of karma; what remains is the obstruction of retribution (1), which we shall now disclose and repent of in due order. The Sutra states: Whenever karmic retribution arrives, whether one is in the midst of empty space, in the depths of the great ocean, or within rocky mountains… there is nowhere one can escape it. Only through the powerful force of repentance can that retribution gradually be transformed.

How may this be known? For example, when the five signs of decline (3) appeared to the god Shakra Devendra (2), he became greatly afraid and reverently turned toward the Three Jewels, seeking repentance. The signs of death then vanished, and he lived for another thousand years.

Many such accounts are related in the sutras, not merely one or two. Therefore, we know that repentance can truly put an end to calamities and painful retributions. Yet ordinary beings (4), unless they encounter good spiritual friends to guide them, will commit every kind of evil, continuing until their lives draw near their end and the dreadful signs of hell appear before their eyes.

At that moment, remorse and fear come upon them all at once. While alive, they did not prepare themselves by cultivating repentance; only when they reach the end of the road do they feel remorse—how could it then be in time? Their various retributions have already been prepared and await the offenders, leading them into hell, where there is only the way forward: they tumble into fiery cauldrons, body and mind disintegrating under the painful fruits of karma.

At such a time, even if they wish to make a single prostration or perform a single act of repentance, they will never be able to do so. We must be exceedingly cautious and must not rely upon our youth, wealth, or power and thus become indolent and heedless, neglecting everything. Once the suffering of death arrives, regardless of whether one is old or young, rich or poor, noble or lowly, all must undergo their due retribution.

It comes suddenly, giving no one advance notice. This impermanent life is no different from a drop of morning dew. Though the outgoing breath may remain, the incoming breath is difficult to secure, and life may come to an end.

Why do we not awaken to this and undertake repentance? When the five heavenly messengers (5) and the demon of impermanence (6) arrive, no one, young or old, can escape. At that time, what connection will splendid houses and lofty mansions have with us?

How could fine carriages and great horses be taken along? Wives, children, and relatives will no longer belong to us, nor can precious wealth be retained. All the fruits of this world are like illusions and transformations.

Even the rewards of the heavenly realms, though more blissful than the human realm, must ultimately decay; after death, the spirit may fall into hell, the realm of hungry ghosts, or the animal realm.

Therefore, the Buddha taught Subhadra that his teacher, Udraka Ramaputra (7), though intelligent and keen-witted, had subdued his afflictions and been reborn in the Heaven of Neither Perception nor Non-Perception (8), yet after death he again assumed the body of a winged fox among the animals—how much more so other people.

Thus, we know that all who have not attained the fruits of sainthood (9) must continue revolving through the evil paths in the cycle of birth and death. If we are not cautious and one day suddenly undergo this ourselves, how could regret then be in time? Yet when people in this world incur an offense and must appear before an official, they already suffer mental anguish and ruin, while their relatives worry and seek help in countless ways.

Even if that suffering were multiplied a hundred thousand myriad times, it would still be insufficient to compare with or describe the suffering of hell. Throughout many lives and many kalpas, our karmic offenses have accumulated like Mount Sumeru (10). Why, upon hearing this, do we remain sitting at ease, neither anxious nor afraid, neither apprehensive nor wary?

If one day our consciousness must again undergo such pain, how pitiable that would be! Therefore, with utmost sincerity, we openly confess and repent:

Homage to the Buddha Tamer in the East

Homage to the Buddha Vajra Treasury in the South

Homage to the Buddha Illuminating the Dharma Realm in the West

Homage to the Buddha Boundless-Eyed in the North

Homage to the Buddha Free from Sorrow and Virtuous in the Southeast

Homage to the Buddha Destroyer of All Fears in the Southwest

Homage to the Buddha Courageous Subduer in the Northwest

Homage to the Buddha of Great Power and Radiance in the Northeast

Homage to the Buddha Path of Joy below

Homage to the Buddha King of the Upper Direction above

Having thus bowed to the Three Jewels throughout the worlds of the ten directions, we disciples now acknowledge that, from beginningless time until today, we have incurred many retributive obstructions, but the heaviest and most painful of all is the Avici Hell (11). The sutra teaches: Its form and features will now be briefly described. This hell is surrounded by seven layers of iron walls and covered above by seven layers of iron netting.

Below are seven layers of forests of knives, and its raging fire is immeasurable. It extends eighty-four thousand yojanas in length and breadth. The bodies of offenders completely fill it, yet because of the causes and conditions of their karmic offenses, they do not obstruct (12) one another.

The fire above descends, while the fire below surges upward, passing unobstructed through east, west, south, and north. Just as a fish placed upon a grill is dried of all its fat and moisture, so too are those who undergo suffering in this hell. In that hell-city are four great gates.

At each gate are enormous bronze dogs, their bodies extending forty yojanas in length and breadth. Their teeth and fangs are exceedingly sharp, and their eyes flash like lightning. There are also innumerable iron birds that beat their wings and fly aloft, devouring the flesh of the offenders.

The ox-headed, horse-faced beings resemble rakshasa demons. They have nine tails, each like a split iron spike, and eight heads, upon each of which are eighteen horns. Within every horn are as many as sixteen eyes, and from every eye emerge red-hot iron pellets that burn the offenders’ flesh.

When enraged, they roar with a sound like thunder.

There are also immeasurable wheels of knives that rain down from the sky, piercing the offenders’ heads or severing their feet. At that time, the pain penetrates their bones and marrow and pierces their hearts and livers. Tormented in this way, they endure suffering for countless years, unable to obtain life though they seek it, and unable to die though they long for death. For retributions such as these, today we feel the utmost shame and sincerely confess our remorse and repentance.

As for the other hells: we repent of the retribution in the hells of knife mountains and sword forests, where heads and bodies fall apart; we repent of the retribution of being boiled, baked, roasted, and stewed in the hells of boiling cauldrons and charcoal furnaces; we repent of the retribution of being burned in the hells of iron beds and bronze pillars; we repent of the retribution of being split apart and ground to pieces in the hells of fiery carts and knife wheels; we repent of the retribution of intense agony in the hell where tongues are pulled out and plowed by oxen; we repent of the retribution in which the five viscera (13) disintegrate in the hells where one swallows red-hot iron pellets and drinks boiling molten bronze;

we repent of the retribution in which bones and flesh are crushed into ash and powder in the hell of iron mills; we repent of the retribution in which hands and feet are torn apart joint by joint in the hell of black ropes; we repent of the retribution of suffocation in the hell of the river of ashes and floating excrement; we repent of the retribution in which the skin splits and cracks, the entire body is flayed, and one is then frozen in the hells of salt water and freezing ice; we repent of the retribution of mutual slaughter in the hells of tigers, wolves, hawks, and dogs; we repent of the retribution of seizing, binding, stabbing, and hacking one another in the hell of sharp claws; we repent of the retribution in the hell of fiery pits;

we repent of the retribution in which bodies are crushed flat in the hell where they are pressed between two stone slabs; we repent of the retribution of being dissected in the hell of the assembly of dark calamities; we repent of the retribution of being chopped apart in the hell of the darkened mountain of flesh; we repent of the retribution of being severed in the hell of sawing and nailing; we repent of the retribution of being flayed and cut in the hell of iron boards and hanging upside down; we repent of the retribution of resentment and anguish in the burning hell of wailing; we repent of the retribution of remaining in darkness day and night, unable to see the three kinds of light (14), within the greater and lesser encircling Iron Mountains;

we repent of the retribution in the Aba-ba Hell and the Ata-ta Hell; we repent of the Atra-tra Hell; we repent of the Ala-la Hell.

Thus there are eight cold hells (15) and eight hot hells (16). In each of all these hells are eighty-four thousand subsidiary minor hells. The suffering of retribution therein includes being seared, roasted, boiled, fried, flayed, having one’s flesh stripped away, bones split and marrow scraped out, intestines drawn out and lungs torn away.

Their sufferings are innumerable, difficult both to hear in full and to describe. Homage to the Buddha! Those who dwell therein today may have been ourselves since beginningless time, or our parents, relatives, and kin throughout many lives and many kalpas; and after our lives end, we ourselves may fall into such hell realms.

Therefore, today, with hearts cleansed and utmost sincerity, we pour forth our whole hearts, bow our heads, and touch our foreheads to the ground before all Buddhas and great bodhisattvas of the ten directions, beseeching them as we repent, so that all these obstructions of retribution may be utterly extinguished.

We, your disciples, vow that through the power of this sincere repentance, the obstructions of retribution in the hells shall be transformed into merit. We vow that, life after life and kalpa after kalpa, through the compassion of the Buddhas who rescue suffering sentient beings, the iron citadel of the Avici hell realm shall immediately be shattered, and all shall become a peaceful and pure world in which even the names of the evil destinies do not exist.

In all the other hells, every instrument used to torment offenders shall be transformed into a source of peace and joy; mountains of knives and forests of swords shall become precious groves, and boiling cauldrons and charcoal furnaces shall manifest as lotus flowers. The ox-headed and horse-faced beings shall abandon all brutality, give rise to compassion, and no longer entertain evil thoughts. Sentient beings in the hells shall be freed from the fruits of suffering and shall never again create evil causes.

All shall dwell in equal peace and joy, as in the third dhyana (17), and shall simultaneously resolve to attain the Unsurpassed Way (18).

Notes:

1. Obstructions of retribution: Explained previously in Volume One, note 27, page 103.

2. Shih-ti-huan-yin: Sakra Devas Indra (S). A title of Lord Sakra, king of the thirty-three heavenly realms—the Trayastrimsa Heaven—in the Desire Realm. His authority extends from the realm of the Trayastrimsa Heaven down to this human world. Shih-ti-huan-yin is a full transcription of the Sanskrit Sakra Devas Indra, translated as “Mighty Lord of the Devas.” Shih means “mighty,” possessing the power to act; Ti-huan means the devas, the heavenly beings dwelling in the various heavens; and Yin means lord, sovereign, or king.

3. The appearance of the five signs of decline: Cinq états de décadence (F). Also called the five declines. These five signs of decline appear when heavenly beings have exhausted their merit in the heavenly realms and are about to be reborn elsewhere. Volume 9 of the Nirvana Sutra records that when King Sakra—Shih-ti-huan-yin—was about to die, he saw five signs appear: 1. His garments were constantly soiled. 2. The hair upon his head became disheveled like withered flower branches. 3. His body became foul-smelling and unclean. 4. Sweat constantly appeared beneath his armpits. 5. He no longer delighted in his own seat and station.

4. Ordinary beings: Prthagjana (S); Profane (F). Ordinary people who do not believe in virtue and delight in ridicule. Ordinary beings stand in contrast to sages. An ordinary being is an ignorant person or common fool, whereas a sage is a wise person. The Lotus Sutra states: “Ordinary beings possess shallow understanding and crave physical pleasures.” Those called worldly commoners are people who still dwell in the world and remain caught in the turmoil of afflictions, in contrast to members of the Sangha, who leave home, sever attachment, and set foot upon the path of liberation.

5. The arrival of the five heavenly messengers: These are the five messengers who come to lead the consciousness to another realm: 1. Kesini. 2. Upakeseni. 3. Citra. 4. Vasumati. 5. Akarsani. These five messengers are exceedingly fearsome.

6. The demon of impermanence: A demon named Impermanence. This expression is used to denote death. Those who commit evil throughout their lives feel, as death approaches, that a demon has come to seize and lead them away. Therefore, in ordinary life, death is called Impermanence, the murderous demon of impermanence. Volume 41 of the Nirvana Sutra states: “When the great demon of Impermanence comes, escape is difficult even through earnest entreaty.” When the great demon Impermanence arrives, no matter how fervently people plead, they cannot escape it.

7. Udraka Ramaputra: Udrak-Ramaputta (S). Also written Uddaka or Udraka.

He practiced according to the Yoga school near Rajagrha in the kingdom of Magadha and was the son of the deceased Rama. He was the most accomplished teacher in all of India. He received the teaching transmitted by his father.

He maintained that attachment either to the forms of all phenomena or to their formlessness was entirely erroneous. Therefore, one must contemplate thoroughly and apprehend only the wondrous essence of all phenomena. Only in this way could one assuredly attain the highest fruit of liberation and be born in the Heaven of Neither Perception nor Non-Perception.

“I am now cultivating that wondrous practice.” After entering samadhi for a time, the Crown Prince attained the samadhi of neither perception nor non-perception. Having surpassed Udraka Ramaputra, he bade him farewell and departed elsewhere.

8. The Heaven of Neither Perception nor Non-Perception: The heavenly realm that is neither perception nor non-perception. It is also called the Heaven at the Summit of Existence. Because it is the highest heaven within the Formless Realm (Arupadhatu), it is the highest realm in the three realms. Practitioners who, through meditation, attain the concentration of the sphere of neither perception nor non-perception may be born here and enjoy an exceedingly long lifespan of eighty thousand kalpas, each kalpa lasting millions of years.

9. Not yet attaining the fruit of sagehood: Here, the fruit of sagehood refers to the fruit of arhatship. Only by attaining this noble fruit can one escape the cycle of birth and death. Those who have not attained it must continue to sink and wander through the six painful destinies.

10. Mount Sumeru: Mérou, Sumeru (S). It is also called Sumeru and means “Wondrously High” or “Wondrous Radiance.” It is the greatest mountain at the center of the world. It is the mountain of immortals and sages, around which the celestial bodies revolve each day. According to the sutras, Mount Sumeru rises 84,000 yojanas high, extends 84,000 yojanas beneath the water, and is equally broad above the water. Sakyamuni Buddha once went to Mount Sumeru and taught the Dharma to the Four Heavenly Kings. All four joyfully welcomed the Buddha and vowed to protect and uphold the Buddhadharma and its practitioners.

11. Avici hell: Explained previously in Volume One, note 11, page 98.

12. Unobstructed karmic offenses: This means that although offenders undergo retribution together in the same hell, each offender must personally receive the consequences of their own individual karma, without those consequences affecting the others. It is like people becoming full according to whatever food each has eaten.

13. The five viscera: The five important organs within each person: the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys.

14. The three kinds of radiant light: Namely, the radiant light of the sun, the radiant light of the moon, and the radiant light of the stars.

15. The eight cold hells: Huit enfers froids (F). Also called the eight freezing hells.

In these eight hell realms, offenders experience extreme cold, as though lying upon ice. The eight hells are: 1. Arbuda: Blisters arise; because of the piercing cold, the body breaks out in blisters. 2.

Nirarbuda: Bursting blisters; because of the unbearable cold, the blisters that arise all burst, causing the entire skin to split and crack. 3. Atata: Because of the extreme cold, the mouth continually utters these three syllables. 4. Hahava: Because of the extreme cold, the mouth continually cries, “Hahava.” 5.

Huhuva: Because of the extreme cold, the mouth continually cries, “Huhuva.” 6. Utpala: Because of the extreme cold, the body splits open like the petals of a blue lotus. 7. Padma: Because of the extreme cold, the body splits open like the petals of a pink lotus. 8.

Mahapadma: Because of the extreme cold, the body splits apart like the petals of a great pink lotus.

16. The Eight Hot Hells: Huit enfers chauds (F). The eight hot hells, also called the eight great hells: 1. The Reviving Hell. 2. The Black-Rope Hell. 3. The Crushing Hell. 4. The Wailing Hell. 5. The Great Wailing Hell. 6. The Blazing Heat Hell. 7. The Great Heat Hell. 8. The Uninterrupted Hell.

17. The Third Dhyana: Troisième degré de Méditation (F). The third level of meditative concentration, attained by one who has realized the first and second levels. It is also called the Third Dhyana or the Third Meditative Concentration.

18. Arousing the aspiration for the unsurpassed Way: The Dharma of giving rise to the resolve to cultivate until Buddhahood is attained. There are also many others whose merit and wisdom are vast and complete; after arousing this aspiration, they are immediately able to liberate countless classes of humans and devas. Thus, arousing the aspiration is itself the ultimate consummation.