佛說佛名經

Today, we disciples further vow that, life after life and age after age, wherever we are born, we shall never fall into barbarous frontier regions, but shall be born into families of right faith, with upright and dignified features, wisdom, and eloquence; we shall remain far from evil dharmas, draw near to good spiritual friends, uphold the precepts, and establish places of practice.

We further vow that, life after life and age after age, wherever we are born, we shall revive the Buddhadharma, destroy the snares of Mara, diligently cultivate the six paramitas in their fullness, make extensive offerings to adorn the two kinds of merit and wisdom, and practice patience and diligence to realize bodhi-wisdom. Each day we shall reflect upon repaying the kindness of the Buddhas by constantly performing prostrations and repentance, practicing the Way, and bringing benefit, peace, and happiness to all sentient beings.

We disciples wholeheartedly bow before all the Buddhas throughout the worlds of the ten directions:

Homage to Lion Renown Buddha

Homage to King of Merit Buddha

Homage to Dharma-Flower Rain Buddha

Homage to Light-Maker Buddha

Homage to Lofty Mountain Buddha

Homage to Stainless Wondrous Dharma King Buddha

Homage to Stainless-Eyed Master of Fragrance Buddha

Homage to Gatherer of Great Unobstructedness Buddha

Homage to King of Unobstructed Power Buddha

Homage to Power of Innate Wisdom and Merit Buddha

Homage to Refuge of Wisdom Buddha

Homage to Sovereign Buddha

Homage to Immeasurable Peace and Security Buddha

Homage to Treasury of Wisdom Buddha

Homage to Great Maitreya Buddha

Homage to Sun Treasury Buddha

Homage to Adornment Made of Merit Buddha

Homage to Flower Banner Buddha

Homage to Radiance of Merit Buddha

Homage to King Who Has Left the Darkness of Merit Buddha

Homage to King of Merit Buddha

Homage to Dharma Banner Buddha

Homage to King Master of Sound Buddha

Homage to Self-Protecting Buddha

Homage to Vajra Guhyaka Buddha

Homage to True Sovereign Buddha

Homage to Wondrous Banner Buddha

Homage to Mountain Kalpa Buddha

Homage to Cloud of Joy Buddha

Homage to Dharma-Maker Buddha

Homage to Sala King Buddha

Homage to King of Universal, Firm Merit Buddha

Homage to Sandalwood Buddha

Homage to Well-Abiding Buddha

Homage to Good Resolve Buddha

Homage to Lamp of the Victorious Banner Buddha

Homage to Division of Wisdom Buddha

Homage to Firm Banner Buddha

Homage to Renowned for Praising the Dharma Buddha

Homage to Subduer of Arrogance Buddha

Homage to Flame of Merit Buddha

Homage to Radiance of Wisdom Buddha

Homage to Wisdom Lamp-Lighter Buddha

Homage to Fearless King Buddha

Homage to Banner That Gathers the Sound of Wisdom Buddha

Homage to Vajra Lamp Buddha

Homage to King of Adornment Buddha

Homage to Victorious Number Buddha

Homage to Well-Abiding Mind Buddha

Homage to Moon King Buddha

Homage to King Who Subdues in Sequence Buddha

Homage to Firm and Sovereign King Buddha

Homage to Lion Division Buddha

Homage to Narayana’s Supreme Treasury Buddha

Homage to Gatherer of the Jewel Treasury Buddha

Homage to Bodhi-Tree Treasury Buddha

Homage to Renowned for the Distinctions of the Constellations Buddha

Homage to King of Firmly Established Power of Merit Buddha

Homage to Tree of Wondrous Sound Buddha

Homage to Brahma Sound Buddha

Homage to Supreme Brahma Buddha

Homage to Firm Deliverance Buddha

Homage to Celestial Fragrance Buddha

Homage to Supreme King Padma Buddha

Homage to Light of the Radiant Wheel Buddha

Homage to King of Fiery Radiance Buddha

Homage to King of Fragrant Padma Buddha

Homage to Swift Knower of the Boundless Ocean of Merit Buddha

Homage to Jambudvipa Emblem Buddha

Homage to Mountain Banner of Merit Buddha

Homage to Lion Banner Buddha

Homage to Dragon’s Roar Buddha

Homage to King of the Majestic Virtue of Flowers Buddha

Homage to Seed of Good Fragrance Buddha

Homage to Kalpa King of the Majestic Virtue and Merit of the Selfless Nectar Buddha

Homage to the Further Eighty Buddhas Sharing the Name Kalpa King of the Majestic Virtue and Merit of the Selfless Nectar

Homage to Dharma Wisdom Buddha

Homage to Sovereign Liberation of the Dragons Buddha

Homage to Vajra Flower Buddha

Homage to Sovereign Sound of the Dragon’s Roar Buddha

Homage to Accumulation of Jewels Buddha

Homage to Flower Illumination Buddha

Homage to Fiery Fragrance Buddha

Homage to Sumana Flower Buddha

Homage to Mountain King Buddha

Homage to Eye of the World Buddha

Homage to Supreme Purity Buddha

Homage to Jambudvipa Emblem Buddha

Homage to Supreme Root Buddha

Homage to Jewel Mountain Buddha

Homage to Ocean Treasury Buddha

Homage to Firm Power Buddha

Homage to Supreme Sage Buddha

Homage to Sovereign Sage Buddha

Homage to Lion Division Buddha

Homage to Kaundinya Buddha

Homage to Wisdom Banner Buddha

Homage to Heard Sound Buddha

Homage to Vast Victory Buddha

Homage to Peace and Security Buddha

Homage to Radiance of Wisdom Buddha

Homage to Great Sovereign Buddha

Homage to Tranquilly Transcending the World Buddha

Homage to Foremost Joy Buddha

Homage to King of the Nyagrodha Tree Buddha

Homage to Golden-Eyed Buddha

Homage to Supreme Offering Buddha

Homage to Sun Joy Buddha

Homage to Jewel Flame Buddha

Homage to Good-Eyed Buddha

Homage to Lofty Purity Buddha

Homage to Pure Sage Buddha

Homage to the Sound of the Roar Buddha

Homage to Seer of Meaning Buddha

Homage to Renowned Joy Buddha

Homage to Renowned Victory Buddha

Homage to Delightful Buddha

Homage to Good Fragrance Buddha

Homage to Swift in Practice Buddha

Homage to Wondrous-Eyed Buddha

Homage to Excellent and Beneficial Victory Buddha

Homage to Cultivator of Meaning Buddha

Homage to Good Mind Buddha

Homage to Wondrous Wisdom Buddha

Homage to Golden Banner Buddha

Homage to Good-Eyed Buddha

Homage to Celestial Purity Buddha

Homage to Candana Wheel Buddha

Homage to Good Vision Buddha

Homage to Vaidurya Banner Buddha

Homage to Virupaksa Buddha

Homage to Brahma Sound Buddha

Homage to Accomplished Victory Buddha

Homage to Supreme Radiance Buddha

Homage to Stainless and Undefiled Buddha

Homage to Manibhadra Buddha

Homage to Marici Buddha

Homage to Great Marici Buddha

Homage to Capable Sage Buddha

Homage to Master of Sound Buddha

Homage to Accomplishment of Praise Buddha

Homage to Flower of Supreme Accomplishment Buddha

Homage to Kusuma Buddha

Homage to Akshobhya Buddha

Homage to Sun Treasury Buddha

Homage to Joyful Sound Buddha

Homage to Light-Maker Buddha

Homage to Dragon Virtue Buddha

Homage to Vajra Light Buddha

Homage to King of Renown Buddha

Homage to Tiger King Buddha

Homage to Lofty Light Buddha

Homage to Initiator of Practice Buddha

Homage to Accomplishment of Wisdom Buddha

Homage to Master of Fragrance Buddha

Homage to Narayana Treasury Buddha

Homage to Fire Treasury Buddha

Homage to Supreme King Who Destroys Defilement Buddha

Homage to Supreme Radiance of the Jeweled Canopy Buddha

Homage to Sovereign King of Mountains Buddha

Homage to Jewel Moon Buddha

Homage to Sovereign King of the Banner of the Lion’s Vigorous Advance Buddha

Homage to True-Rooted, Vast-Eyed Buddha

Homage to Sovereign King of the World Buddha

Homage to the Sound That Is Far Removed from All Fears and Subsidiary Afflictions Buddha

Homage to Flower-Emitting Vairocana Buddha

Homage to Fragrant Padma Buddha

Homage to King of Stainless Merit and Majestic Virtue Buddha

Homage to Akshobhya Buddha

Homage to Sun Treasury Buddha

Homage to Fiery Sound of Sovereign Joy Buddha

Homage to Wisdom Sun Buddha

Homage to Dragon’s Roar Buddha

Homage to Vajra Tooth Buddha

Homage to Sun and Moon Treasury Buddha

Homage to Supreme Sovereign Buddha

Homage to Inconceivable King Buddha

Homage to Great Supreme Treasury Buddha

Homage to Banner of Joy Buddha

Homage to Fearless Sovereign Buddha

Homage to Seer of Maitreya Buddha

Homage to Wisdom Image Buddha

Homage to Stainless-Eyed Buddha

Homage to Supreme Freedom from Sorrow Buddha

Homage to Sovereign Roar of the Dharma Buddha

Homage to Sovereign Sala King of the Dharma Buddha

Homage to the Lion’s Vigorous Advance Buddha

Homage to Narayana’s Resolve Buddha

Homage to Treasury of Good Discernment Buddha

Homage to Jewel Collection Buddha

Homage to Vigorous Advance of Merit Buddha

Homage to Fire Treasury Buddha

Homage to Renown of the Constellations Buddha

Homage to King of Firmly Established Power of Merit Buddha

Homage to Vigorous Advance of the Wondrous Roaring Sound Buddha

Homage to King of the Supreme Sala Crown Buddha

Homage to Sovereign Radiance of Majestic Virtue Buddha

Homage to Wondrous Roaring Sound Buddha

Homage to Dragon Sovereign of the Jeweled Palm Buddha

Homage to Impartial Sovereign Roar of the Dharma Cloud Buddha

Homage to Jewel Mountain Buddha

Homage to Treasury of Wondrous Light Buddha

Homage to Renowned Lion Tara Buddha

Homage to Universal Treasury Buddha

Homage to Pure Flower Buddha

Homage to the Vigorous Advance of Kalavinka Buddha

Homage to Swift Dharma Lamp-Lighter Buddha

Homage to Unsurpassed Maitreya Buddha

Homage to King of Renowned Sound Buddha

Homage to the Sound of Brahma and Sakra Buddha

Homage to Far Removed from Affliction Buddha

Homage to Firm King Vaisravana Buddha

Homage to Destroyer of the Palace of the Mara King Buddha

Homage to King Vira Buddha

Homage to Light of Great Vigorous Advance Buddha

Homage to Supreme Flower Buddha

Homage to Sandalwood Buddha

Homage to Maitreya King Buddha

Homage to Firm Bodhi Tree of Kulaga Buddha

Homage to Vigorous Advance of Wisdom Buddha

Homage to the Twenty Thousand Buddhas Sharing the Name Moon Lamp-Lighter

Homage to Stainless-Body Buddha

Homage to Padma Light Buddha

Homage to Division of Supreme Flowers Buddha

Homage to Flower Light Buddha

Homage to Banner of Renown Buddha

Homage to Jambunada Golden Light Buddha

Homage to Tamalapatra Sandalwood Fragrance Buddha

Homage to Great Penetrating Wisdom Victory Buddha

Homage to Venerable Akshobhya Buddha

Homage to Maitreya Mountain Buddha

Homage to Lion’s Roar Buddha

Homage to Lion Banner Buddha

Homage to Abiding in Empty Space Buddha

Homage to Ever-Entering Nirvana Buddha

Homage to Sakra Banner Buddha

Homage to Brahma Banner Buddha

Homage to Amitayus Buddha

Homage to Well-Delivered Buddha

Homage to Universal Savior of Sentient Beings Buddha

Homage to Penetrating Tamalapatra Sandalwood Fragrance Buddha

Homage to Number of Maitreya Kalpas Buddha

Homage to Cloud Lamp Buddha

Homage to Sovereign King of Clouds Buddha

Homage to the Loftiest in All Worlds Buddha

Homage to the One Able to Destroy All Fears Buddha

Homage to Shakyamuni Buddha

Homage to Dharma Radiance Buddha

Homage to Five Hundred Universal Radiance Buddha

Homage to Penetrating Vigorous Advance of Wisdom That Sustains the Great Ocean Buddha

Homage to Division of the Seven-Jeweled Padma Buddha

Homage to Two Thousand Jeweled Banners Buddha

Homage to Prabhutaratna Buddha

Homage to Beloved and Beheld by All Sentient Beings Buddha

Homage to Banner Fulfilled with a Hundred Thousand Lights Buddha

Homage to Twenty Thousand Kotis of King of the Terrifying Roaring Sound Buddha

Homage to Twenty Hundred Kotis of Sun and Moon Lamp-Lighter Buddha

Homage to Twenty Hundred Kotis of King of Wondrous Sound Buddha

Homage to Twenty Hundred Kotis of King of Cloud Sound Buddha

Homage to Lofty King of Jeweled Majestic Virtue Buddha

Homage to Supreme Stainless Moon and Sun Radiance Buddha

Homage to Penetrating Lotus-Leaf Flower of the King of Constellations Buddha

Homage to King of the Cloud of Wondrous Drum Sounds Buddha

Homage to the Sustaining Sound of the Roaring Waters Buddha

Homage to Penetrating Kusuma of the King of Constellations and Wondrous Sound Buddha

Homage to King of Sala Trees Buddha

Homage to Stainless Radiance Buddha

Homage to Jewel Flame Buddha

Homage to Penetrating Flower of the King of the Garland Grove Buddha

Homage to Radiance Made of the Sun, Moon, and Jewels Buddha

Homage to Jeweled Radiance of Merit Buddha

Homage to Jeweled Staff Buddha

Homage to Cloud King Buddha

Homage to Supreme Radiance of the Jeweled Canopy Buddha

Homage to Universal Vision Buddha

Homage to Sovereign Merit Buddha

Homage to Maker of the Lion’s Sound Buddha

Homage to Manifestation of the Jewel Accumulation Buddha

Homage to Firm Joy Buddha

Homage to the Mind of Bodhi Buddha

Homage to Immeasurable Life Buddha

Homage to Akshobhya Buddha

Homage to King of Fragrance Buddha

Homage to Jewel-Maker Buddha

Homage to Cultivator of the Dharma Buddha

Homage to Canopy King Buddha

Homage to Mani King Buddha

Homage to Moon Treasury Buddha

Homage to Sun Treasury Buddha

Homage to King of the Body of Sound Buddha

Homage to Well-Awakened Buddha

Homage to Sumeru Kalpa Buddha

Homage to Capable Sage Buddha

Homage to Supreme King of the Pure Moon of the Jeweled Padma Buddha

Homage to Venerable Akshobhya Buddha

Homage to Universally Full Buddha

Homage to Inexhaustible Wisdom Buddha

Homage to Jeweled Banner Buddha

Homage to Renowned for Reverent Vigorous Advance Buddha

Homage to Treasury of Stainless Radiance Buddha

Homage to Cloud Protector Buddha

Homage to the Lion’s Vigorous Advance Buddha

Homage to Supreme King of the Lofty Mountain Buddha

Homage to Supreme Padma Buddha

Homage to Supreme Body Buddha

Homage to Wondrous Abundant Jewels Buddha

Homage to Increasing King of the Mountain of Supreme Treasures Buddha

Homage to Supreme Forerunner of Heroic Resolve Buddha

Homage to Nectar Treasury Buddha

Homage to King of Wondrous Drum Sound Buddha

Homage to Sun and Moon Buddha

Homage to the Jeweled Canopy Alone Buddha

Homage to King of the Light of the Vigorous Advance of Universal Radiance Buddha

Homage to the Sage Able to Practice and Accomplish Buddha

Homage to Akshobhya Buddha

Homage to King Renowned for Stainless Radiance Buddha

Homage to Adornment of the Dharma of the Nine Heavens Buddha

Homage to Mani Golden Canopy Buddha

Homage to Constellations Buddha

Homage to Joy of the Lofty Mountain Buddha

Homage to Flower Body of the Factors of Bodhi Buddha

Homage to the One Able to Practice Buddha

Homage to Jewel-Maker Buddha

Homage to Like a Jewel Buddha

Homage to Lofty Assembly Buddha

Homage to Jeweled Radiance Buddha

Homage to Jewel-Come Buddha

Homage to Lofty Jewel Buddha

Homage to Akshobhya Buddha

Homage to King of Jeweled Radiance Buddha

Homage to Great Radiance Buddha

Homage to Immeasurable Sound Buddha

Homage to Inconceivable Sound Buddha

Homage to Great Renown Buddha

Homage to Jewel Illumination Buddha

Homage to Attainer of Great Fearlessness Buddha

Homage to Jeweled Sound Buddha

Homage to Boundless Purity Buddha

Homage to Moon Sound Buddha

Homage to Boundless Renown Buddha

Homage to Pure Moonlight Buddha

Homage to Pure Light Buddha

Homage to Stainless Light Buddha

Homage to Boundless Jewels Buddha

Homage to Supreme Padma Buddha

Homage to Supreme Body Buddha

Homage to Golden-Hued Buddha

Homage to King of Brahma Sound Buddha

Homage to Golden Radiance Buddha

Homage to Maker of the Golden Hue Buddha

Homage to Sovereign King of Dragons Buddha

Homage to Pure Moon Buddha

Homage to Sovereign King of the Fragrance of Golden-Hued Flowers Buddha

Homage to Firm King Buddha

Homage to Supreme Forerunner of Firm Heroic Courage Buddha

Homage to Mani Light of the Supreme Treasury Buddha

Homage to Immeasurable Fragrant Light Buddha

Homage to Lion’s Sound Buddha

Homage to the One Who Ultimately Reaches Great Power through Diligent Practice Buddha

Homage to Firm Wisdom Buddha

Homage to King of Wondrous Drum Sound Buddha

Homage to Wondrous Moon Buddha

Homage to Supreme Flower Buddha

Homage to Lamp of the World Buddha

Homage to Fire Lamp Buddha

Homage to Jeweled Wheel Buddha

Homage to Stainless Wisdom Buddha

Homage to Ever-Quiescent Extinction Buddha

Homage to Boundless Radiance of Jeweled Flowers Buddha

Homage to the Vigorous Advance of Mount Sumeru Buddha

Homage to Jeweled Udumbara Flower Buddha

Homage to Gatherer of the Heap of Jewels Buddha

Homage to Supreme Jeweled Abode of the Irreversible Wheel Buddha

Homage to Pure Virtue of Universal Vairocana Buddha

Homage to Sun and Moon Lamp Buddha

Homage to Maitreya Buddha

Homage to Great Maitreya Buddha

Homage to Sumeru Kalpa Buddha

Homage to Fragrant-Faced Buddha

Homage to Accomplished Fragrance Buddha

Homage to Maitreya Fragrance Buddha

Homage to Pure Light Buddha

Homage to Supreme Dharma Buddha

Homage to Sovereign King of Fragrance Buddha

Homage to Great Mani Buddha

Homage to Fragrant Light Buddha

Homage to Fire Light Buddha

Homage to Nectar Light Buddha

Homage to Moonlight Buddha

Homage to Moon-Lamp Light Buddha

Homage to Moon Illumination Buddha

Homage to Gatherer of Sounds Buddha

Homage to Maker of Victory Buddha

Homage to Prabhutaratna Buddha

Homage to Lion’s Roar Buddha

Homage to Lion’s Sound Buddha

Homage to Heroic Sage Buddha

Homage to Vajra Joy Buddha

Homage to Protector of All Buddha

Homage to the One Free from All Doubts Buddha

Homage to the Retinue of the Jewel Flame Buddha

We shall now wholeheartedly bow before the twelve divisions of the revered sutras and the Dharma wheel of the Great Canon:

With utmost sincerity, we rejoice in others’ merit.

Since beginningless time, jealousy has abounded;

We have not rejoiced when others surpassed us.

Whenever we encountered superior, wholesome causes and conditions,

We could not act as the Buddhas did.

If someone taught meditation or expounded the teachings,

We disliked hearing other meditation or Dharma discourses.

We should instead create supreme conditions for the flourishing of the Buddhadharma;

Yet in ordinary encounters, we always behaved in this way.

Now, rejoicing, our minds awaken and open;

We gather our deluded thoughts and illuminate them as they truly are.

Henceforth, we shall courageously direct this mind;

Whatever we see or hear, we shall rejoice in it.

Whether the complete Avatamsaka Teaching is transmitted,

Or we see the sudden and gradual gates proclaimed,

Even the provisional vehicle and the lesser vehicle,

So long as they are free from wrong views, we shall rejoice.

Whether we see pure conditions within a meditation chamber,

Or encounter the revival of a Dharma assembly,

Or hear of the construction of halls and towers,

Or meet dhutanga practitioners in a pure place—

Such forms of practice and their many activities

Are all skillful gates of remedy.

Even toward humans and devas whose minds are weak,

We shall accord with them and give rise to joy.

The great division of the Lotus Sutra declares

That the merit of rejoicing cannot be measured.

We shall use this vow to perfume our minds,

So that the roots of jealousy are entirely severed.

Having rejoiced, we now bow with utmost devotion…

Homage to the Revered Sutra of Immeasurable Life

Homage to the Revered Sutra of Establishing the Akashagarbha Bodhisattva

Homage to the Revered Sutra of Contemplating the Akashagarbha Bodhisattva

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Akashagarbha Bodhisattva

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Akashagarbha Bodhisattva’s Mantra

Homage to the Revered Sutra of Maitreya’s Attainment of Buddhahood

Homage to the Revered Sutra of Maitreya’s Descent and Birth

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Time of Maitreya’s Coming

Homage to the Shorter Revered Sutra of Immeasurable Life

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Lapis-Lazuli Radiance of the Medicine Master

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Original Vows of the Medicine Master Tathagata

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Elderly Mother

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Elderly Mother’s Six Infants

Homage to the Revered Sutra of Manjushri’s Circuit of Practice

Homage to the Revered Sutra of Manjushri’s Practice

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Supreme Vajra Dharani

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Vajra Banner Dharani

Homage to the Revered Sutra of Right Reverence

Homage to the Revered Sutra of Good Reverence

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Woman Donor Free from Defilement

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Bodhisattva Donor Free from Defilement’s Discriminating Responsive Eloquence

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Stainless Maiden

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Fearless and Virtuous Maiden

Homage to the Revered Sutra of King Ajatashatru’s Daughter, Bodhisattva Ashudatta

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Dharani Dharma Gate of the Limits of the Horizon

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Supreme Dharma of the Ultimate Truth

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Supreme Bodhisattva’s Entry into the Dharani of Immeasurable Gates

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Great Majestic Lamp-Light Seer’s Questions on Doubt

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Eight Auspicious Signs

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Names of Eight Buddhas

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Dragon Maiden Donor

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Original Arising of the Dragon Donor Bodhisattva

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Young Man Dama

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Bodhisattva Young Man Dama

Homage to the Revered Sutra of Comprehending the Basis of Birth and Death

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Sprout of the Way

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Ten Grounds of the Great Vaipulya Bodhisattva

Homage to the Revered Sutra of Adorning the Bodhi-Mind

Homage to the Revered Sutra of Being Without Expectations

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Elephant’s Armpit

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Great Vaipulya King of Sutras

Homage to the Revered Sutra of Turning Existence

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Essential Wisdom of the Mahayana Vaipulya

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Questions of Maitreya Bodhisattva

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Samadhi of the Seal of Wisdom

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Tathagata’s Seal of Wisdom

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Lofty King of All Dharmas

We reverently bow before all the great bodhisattvas throughout the worlds of the ten directions.

Homage to Bodhisattva Unobstructed Transformation

Homage to Bodhisattva Sovereign Blazing Light of Wisdom

Homage to Bodhisattva Banner That Spreads All Transformations

Homage to Bodhisattva King of the Dharma Banner

Homage to Bodhisattva Banner King of the Ground of the Dharmadhatu

Homage to Bodhisattva Banner King of the Worlds of All Sentient Beings

Homage to Bodhisattva Banner of Night-Light

Homage to Bodhisattva Banner of Mount Sumeru

Homage to Bodhisattva Jeweled Banner

Homage to Bodhisattva Unobstructed Banner

Homage to Bodhisattva Banner of Sunlight

Homage to Bodhisattva Right Banner

Homage to Bodhisattva Banner Free from Dust

Homage to Bodhisattva Bright and Pure Banner

Homage to Bodhisattva Majestic Adornment of the Great Earth

Homage to Bodhisattva Jeweled Adornment

Homage to Bodhisattva Majestic Adornment of Great Wisdom

Homage to Bodhisattva Majestic Adornment of Vajra Wisdom

Homage to Bodhisattva Stainless Majestic Adornment

Homage to Bodhisattva Majestic Adornment of the Dharma Sun

Homage to Bodhisattva Majestic Adornment of the Mountain of Merit

Homage to Bodhisattva Majestic Adornment of the Light of Wisdom

Homage to Bodhisattva Majestic Adornment of Universal Wondrous Virtue

Homage to Bodhisattva Great Earth Treasury

Homage to Bodhisattva Jewel Treasury

Homage to Bodhisattva Sun Treasury

Homage to Bodhisattva Treasury of Pure Virtue

Homage to Bodhisattva Treasury of the Dharma Seal

Homage to Bodhisattva Treasury of Deliverance

Homage to Bodhisattva Eye of Good Virtue

Homage to Bodhisattva Eye of Universal Vision

Homage to Bodhisattva Pure Eye

Homage to Bodhisattva Stainless Eye

Homage to Bodhisattva Unobstructed Eye

Homage to Bodhisattva Eye of Good Contemplation

Homage to Bodhisattva Blue-Lotus Eye

Homage to Bodhisattva Vajra Eye

Homage to Bodhisattva Jeweled Eye

Homage to Bodhisattva Empty-Space Eye

Homage to Bodhisattva Good Eye

Having reverently bowed before such immeasurable and boundless great bodhisattvas throughout the worlds of the ten directions, we now bow before the Noble Ones, shravakas, and pratyekabuddhas.

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Gavampati

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Revata

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Pilindavatsa

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Bakkula

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Mahakausthila

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Nanda

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Sundarananda

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Purnamaitrayaniputra

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Subhuti

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Cudapanthaka

Homage to all the great arhats renowned and known throughout the great assembly. Having thus bowed before the Three Jewels, we continue our repentance: We disciples have already repented of the karmic retributions of the hells; we shall now repent of the retributions within the three evil paths. The Buddha taught in the sutras: Those with many desires who seek much gain and support must consequently endure much suffering and distress.

Those who know contentment (1) find peace and joy even while lying upon the ground; those who know no contentment remain dissatisfied even when dwelling in heaven. Yet most people in the world are habitually anxious and hurried. Regardless of whether their wealth is little or great, they expend it in greedy pursuit, not realizing that this body approaches the “three evil paths” (2), a deep abyss.

Once the breath fails to return, they immediately fall. If someone of understanding instructs them to perform meritorious deeds and thereby accumulate provisions of wholesome Dharma for future lives, they remain obstinate; their miserly and greedy minds refuse to comply. Alas!

Such people are exceedingly foolish and deluded. Why is this so? The Buddha taught in the sutras: At birth, one does not bring even a single coin; at death, one cannot carry away a single object.

One painfully exhausts the body in amassing wealth and anxiously guarding possessions, yet in the end they are of no benefit to oneself and irrationally become the property of others. Having no virtuous conduct upon which to rely, one falls into the evil paths at the end of life. This is plainly evident.

Today, we disciples bow our heads with utmost sincerity and earnestness, wholeheartedly taking refuge in all the Buddhas of the ten directions:

Homage to Great Pure Light Buddha in the East

Homage to Abiding in Empty Space Buddha in the South

Homage to Vajra Division Buddha in the West

Homage to Boundless Power Buddha in the North

Homage to Boundless King Buddha in the Southeast

Homage to Destroyer of All Hostile Marauders Buddha in the Southwest

Homage to Stainless Light Buddha in the Northwest

Homage to Golden-Hued Light and Sound Buddha in the Northeast

Homage to Lion’s Play Buddha below

Homage to King of the Moon Banner Buddha above

Having bowed before the Three Jewels throughout empty space and the worlds of the ten directions, today we disciples again repent within the animal realm, repenting (3) of karmic retributions arising from ignorance. We repent of the karmic retribution of animals that carry heavy burdens and pull plows to repay debts owed to others; we repent of the karmic retribution of animals that lack freedom and are hewn, butchered, cut, and stabbed; we repent of the karmic retribution of animals with no legs, two legs, four legs, or many legs; we repent of the karmic retribution of bodies covered with fur or scales and of small creatures that gnaw and bite.

Within the animal realm there are immeasurable and boundless karmic retributions of these and similar kinds. Today, with utmost sincerity, we take refuge and repent.

Today, we disciples again repent of the hungry-ghost realm: We repent of the karmic retribution of enduring hunger and thirst for long ages, never even hearing the word “water” for hundreds of thousands of myriads of years; we repent of the painful retribution of hungry ghosts who consume blood, pus, and filthy excrement; we repent of the karmic retribution whereby, whenever their bodies move, flames burst from every limb, hair, and joint and burn them; we repent of the karmic retribution of hungry ghosts whose bellies are as large as drums and whose throats are as narrow as needles. Within the hungry-ghost realm there are immeasurable and boundless karmic retributions of these kinds. Therefore, today we wholeheartedly bow our heads and repent.

We disciples next repent of all offenses within the paths of ghosts and spirits (4) and asuras (5): We repent of the karmic retribution of ghosts and spirits that flatter, deceive, collude, and scheme cunningly; we repent of the karmic retribution of ghosts and spirits that carry sand and stones to obstruct and dam rivers and seas; we repent of the karmic retribution of evil ghosts that devour raw and living creatures, consume blood and flesh, and assume ugly bodies, such as rakshasas (6) and kumbhandas (7) among the ghosts and spirits.

Within the path of ghosts and spirits there are immeasurable and boundless karmic retributions of these kinds. Today, we bow our heads toward all the Buddhas of the ten directions and the Great Earth Bodhisattvas, beseeching them to accept our repentance, so that all such offenses and karma may be entirely extinguished.

We disciples reverently pray that, through the power of this repentance, the karmic retributions of the animal realm may be transformed into merit. We vow that, life after life and age after age, we shall eliminate the defilements of ignorance and delusion (8), know our own karmic causes and conditions, possess luminous and discerning wisdom, and end embodiment within the evil paths (9). Likewise, through the power of repenting of karmic retributions in the hungry-ghost realm, may they be transformed into merit.

We vow that, life after life and age after age, we shall forever remain far from the sufferings of miserliness, greed, hunger, and thirst, and constantly enjoy the nectar-like flavor (10) of liberation. Through the power of repenting of karmic retributions among ghosts, spirits, and asuras, may they be transformed into merit. We vow that, life after life and age after age, we shall be upright and free from flattery, abandon the cause of deviant pride (11), cut off evil effects, and enjoy blessed benefit in the human and heavenly realms.

We disciples vow that, from this day forward until the moment we sit in the bodhimandala (12), we shall certainly never undergo retribution within the four evil paths. The sole exception is when, out of great compassion and our vow to universally liberate sentient beings, we enter those places without ever becoming weary.

Notes:

1. A person who knows contentment: One who knows what is sufficient; one knows that what one has is enough and does not seek excessively. Few desires and contentment are two closely related virtues. Few desires means having little craving. Contentment means regarding whatever one has as sufficient and harboring no regret even when receiving little…

2. The three evil paths: The path of fire, the path of blood, and the path of blades; in other words, the hells, hungry ghosts, and animals.

3. Repentance: Explained previously in Volume One, note 19, page 101.

4. Ghosts and spirits: Génies, Esprits (F), a collective term for ghosts and spirits. In the broad sense, it refers to spiritual beings in the unseen realm, from the higher ranks of immortals and spirits down to the lower ranks of demons and ghosts. Among ghosts and spirits, some are benevolent and others ferocious. Benevolent and wholesome ghosts and spirits protect the Three Jewels, aid good people, support practitioners, and safeguard the nation and its people. Ferocious ghosts and evil spirits delight in harming people and disturbing practitioners.

Asura: Àsura (S), Génie (F), abbreviated as asura. It is translated as “non-deva,” meaning a class of sentient beings that possess spiritual powers and palaces, yet whose forms are not as upright and beautiful as those of the devas in the heavenly realms. Asuras are also called spirits. They constitute one of the ten classes of sentient beings, one of the six paths, and also one of the eight classes of beings that frequently come to hear sutras and acclaim the Buddha whenever he teaches the Dharma.

6. Rakshasas: Ràkchasas, ferocious spirits and evil ghosts. The term means “violent and evil” or “fearsome.” Their forms and faces are extremely terrifying, and they delight in eating human flesh. Their realm lies amid the great ocean, though they are also scattered throughout the land. The males are called Rakshasa (Ràkchasas), abbreviated as rakshasa. The females are called Rakshasi (Ràkchasis), female rakshasas.

7. Kumbhanda: A ghost. Kumbhànda (S), a fierce demonic spirit. It is a type of ghost that consumes the vital essence of human beings. In the Parable chapter of the Lotus Sutra, it is said that within the burning house, as serpents race in every direction, kumbhandas rush upon people, seize them, and devour their flesh.

8. Eliminate the defilements of ignorance and delusion: A prayer to eradicate all obscuring defilements, darkness, ignorance, and delusion, so as to attain clarity and peace in both the present and the future.

9. Within the evil paths: Namely, the paths of asuras, animals, hungry ghosts, and hell-beings. One aspires to exhaust offenses and end transgressions so as to ascend to the realms of immortals, sages, devas, and Buddhas.

10. Nectar-like flavor: Amrta (S); Breuvage d’immortalité (F). It is also translated as “wine of immortality,” a medicinal wine that prevents death; heavenly wine, the medicinal wine of the devas. It is a delicious, fragrant, and wondrous liquid medicine used as a drink by devas and spirits. Nectar has four colors: blue, yellow, red, and white. Nectar is the medicine of immortals and the medicine of the Buddhas, sweeter and more wondrous than ordinary medicines. When sprinkled upon someone’s body, it ends every illness; even one near death may return to life. By analogy, the Buddhadharma and nirvana are therefore called nectar.

11. Deviant pride: An arrogant and crooked disposition. For example, one who truly possesses no virtue imagines that one possesses virtue, clings to wrong views, refuses to bow before stupas and shrines, fails to revere the Three Jewels, and does not recite the sutras. Deviant pride is one of the seven kinds of pride…

12. Sitting in the bodhimandala: Bodhimandala (S), the place of awakening—the ground where the Buddha sat and attained the Way. The following places are also called bodhimandalas: a place where offerings are made to the Buddha; the main shrine hall of a monastery; a place where sutras are recited daily; a place where the Way is taught and transmitted; and a pure place where monastics cultivate and practice meditation…