佛說佛名經

The Karunapundarika Sutra teaches: “All bodhisattvas who attain Buddhahood have their original vows.” The World-Honored Shakyamuni did not manifest a body that would remain in the world for a long time; his lifespan was a brief eighty years. This was because, out of compassion for the beings of this realm—whose lives diminish with every breath until they die as swiftly as a transformation, and who remain submerged in the ocean of suffering, unable to escape—the Buddha appeared in this realm to rescue corrupt and evil beings, expediently employing stern and earnest words to admonish and instruct them.

While dwelling in the ocean of suffering and liberating sentient beings, he never ceased to attend to the propagation of the teaching, the work of salvation, and the benefit of sentient beings, employing wholesome dharmas as skillful means. Therefore, the Samadhi Sutra teaches: “The mind of all Buddhas is the mind of great compassion; the Buddha’s compassionate mind shines upon the places where sentient beings suffer.” In remembrance of that kindness and virtue, we disciples today reverently bow to all Buddhas of the ten directions. May they compassionately bear witness for us disciples:

Homage to the Buddha Free from Sorrow

Homage to the Buddha Swift Power of Sustaining

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Joy

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign in Action

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Sound

Homage to the Buddha Maker of the Burning Lamp

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of the Precious Light

Homage to Amitabha Tathagata

Homage to the Buddha Discerning Exposition

Homage to the Buddha Discerning Sound

Homage to the Buddha King of the Lion’s Roar of the Supreme Treasury

Homage to the Buddha Firm as Vajra in Subjugation

Homage to the Buddha Light of the Precious Moon

Homage to the Buddha Precious Flame

Homage to the Buddha Most Excellent Sage

Homage to the Buddha Precious Padma Assembly

Homage to the Buddha Precious Victory

Homage to the Buddha Victory of the Golden Treasure

Homage to the Buddha Rare, Joyful, Delightful Victory

Homage to the Buddha Immeasurable Victory

Homage to the Buddha King of the Sugatas

Homage to the Buddha Sacred Sovereign Chief

Homage to the Buddha Inexpressible Discrimination

Homage to the Buddha Unfailing Victory

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Victory of the Moon

Homage to the Buddha Victory of the Bodhi Tree

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of Space

Homage to the Buddha Banner Adorned with Pure and Stainless Virtue

Homage to the Buddha King of the Treasury of Well-Established Roots of Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Victorious in Accomplishing Every Meaning

Homage to the Buddha Victory of Pure Wisdom and Merit

Homage to the Buddha Banner of Pure and Excellent Teaching

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Victory of the Lapis Lazuli Treasury

Homage to the Buddha Universal Diligence in Merit

Homage to the Buddha Precious Abode of Pure Merit

Homage to the Buddha Victory of the Pure Mind of Precious Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Golden Victory

Homage to the Buddha Victorious Moon

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Padma, Diligent Victory

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Padma

Homage to the Buddha Victory of Precious Accomplishment

Homage to the Buddha King of the Banner of Lightning

Homage to the Buddha Exalted King of Lightning Radiance

Homage to the Buddha King of the Tala Tree

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Victory

Homage to the Buddha Lamp of Space

Homage to the Buddha Accomplisher of All Merit

Homage to the Buddha King of the Exalted Banner of the Sages

Homage to the Buddha Sustainer of All Treasures Adorned with Interwoven Gems

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign King of the Majestic Sound of Wisdom Adorned with Precious Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Kusuma Flame, Diligent in Penetrative Powers

Homage to the Buddha Pure Lunar Disc

Homage to the Buddha King of the Sala Tree in Full Bloom

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign King of the Sound of the Moon of Excellent Tranquility

Homage to the Buddha Victory Abiding in Incalculable Diligence

Homage to the Buddha Flame of the Three Minds

Homage to the Buddha King of the Mountain Banner of Merit

Homage to the Buddha King of the Dharma Banner

Homage to the Buddha Mount Sumeru

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign Lion of Merit

Homage to the Buddha King of Tranquility

Homage to the Buddha King of Purity

Homage to the Buddha Praised Mountain

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Sumeru of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Sun-Faced

Homage to the Buddha Moon-Faced

Homage to the Buddha Free from Fear of Space

Homage to the Buddha Universal Light

Homage to the Buddha Accomplishment of the Directions

Homage to the Buddha Who Abides with an Oceanlike Countenance

Homage to the Buddha Precious Light

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Cloud

Homage to the Buddha Dharma Flame

Homage to the Buddha Mountain of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Born from a Flower

Homage to the Buddha Who Arouses the Mind of Great Compassion

Homage to the Buddha Flower of the Dharmadhatu

Homage to the Buddha Banner of the Dharma Flower

Homage to the Buddha Royal Intention

Homage to the Buddha Royal Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Mind of Meaning

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign

Homage to the Buddha Intention Superior to the Devas

Homage to the Buddha Swift King

Homage to the Buddha Victory of the Banner of Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Departed in Exalted Majesty

Homage to the Buddha Flower Light

Homage to the Buddha Precious Flame

Homage to the Buddha Mountain of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Precious Reality

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Ocean of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Dharma Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Flower Treasury

Homage to the Buddha Moon of the World

Homage to the Buddha Luminous Eyes

Homage to the Buddha Fragrant Light

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Mani Sumeru

Homage to the Buddha King of the Gandharvas

Homage to the Buddha Life of Radiance

Homage to the Buddha King of the Mani Treasury

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom of Mountainous Majesty

Homage to the Buddha Departed from the Tranquility of Form

Homage to the Buddha Countenance of Recompense

Homage to the Buddha Vast Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Precious Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Supreme within Space

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of Wondrous Marks

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign in the Wheel of Practice

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign in the Dharma Body

Homage to the Buddha of Narayana Practice

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Sumeru

Homage to the Buddha Who Turns the Wheel of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Mountain King

Homage to the Buddha Invincible

Homage to the Buddha Delightful Majesty

Homage to the Buddha Mountain of Longevity

Homage to the Buddha Treasury of the Mountain of the Sala King

Homage to the Buddha Whose Body Is Sovereign in the World

Homage to the Buddha Light of the Realm

Homage to the Buddha Precious Arising

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign Victory

Homage to the Buddha Light of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Majesty of the Earth

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of the Dharma Body

Homage to the Buddha Victorious King

Homage to the Buddha Intention Firm in the Lion’s Roar

Homage to the Buddha Victory of the Exalted Banner

Homage to the Buddha Mind of Faith

Homage to the Buddha Precious Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Pure Victory

Homage to the Buddha Sound of Space

Homage to the Buddha Victory of the Image of the Dharmadhatu

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of the Illuminating Wheel

Homage to the Buddha Distinctions of the Directions

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Banner of Intention

Homage to the Buddha Lamp of Space

Homage to the Buddha Victory of Freedom from Illness

Homage to the Buddha Illumination of Knowledge

Homage to the Buddha Luminous Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Victory of the Radiance of Blessed Merit

Homage to the Buddha Tranquil Victory

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Cloud of Great Compassion

Homage to the Buddha Intention of the Radiance of Power

Homage to the Buddha Who Manifests the Forms of All Sentient Beings

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing Victory

Homage to the Buddha Cultivator of Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Dharmodgata

Homage to the Buddha Swift as the Wind in Supreme Practice

Homage to the Buddha Banner of Purity

Homage to the Buddha Victory of the Wondrous Canopy

Homage to the Buddha Victory of the Images of the Three Times

Homage to the Buddha Firm as a Mirror Image

Homage to the Buddha Victory of the Image

Homage to the Buddha Vajra Victory

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Sumeru, Adorned with a Firm Body

Homage to the Buddha King of the Golden Banner

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom of the Dharma Body

Homage to the Buddha Victory of the Radiance of the Lamp of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Victory of Vast Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Intention of Worldly Wisdom in Dharma Practice

Homage to the Buddha Victory of Wisdom and Intention of the Dharma Seal

Homage to the Buddha Victory of Wisdom and Intention of the Dharma Ocean

Homage to the Buddha Wealth of Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Precious Wealth

Homage to the Buddha Blessed Virtue and Merit

Homage to the Buddha Victory in Turning the Dharma Wheel

Homage to the Buddha Cloud of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Lamp of Patience

Homage to the Buddha Intention of Supreme Majesty

Homage to the Buddha Swift and Tranquil Sound of Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Swift Victory of the Great Vow

Homage to the Buddha Unconquerable Banner

Homage to the Buddha Flame of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Accomplished Victory

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign in the Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Intention of Inconceivable Accomplishment

Homage to the Buddha Firm Voice and Radiance of the Languages of the World

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Sound from Which All Sounds Emerge

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign Merit

Homage to the Buddha Intention of Sovereign Accomplishment

Homage to the Buddha Deva of the Directions

Homage to the Buddha Who Never Turns His Face Away

Homage to the Buddha Mind of Sentient Beings

Homage to the Buddha Body of Equality

Homage to the Buddha Supreme in Bodily Conduct

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Practice

Homage to the Buddha Nature of Sovereignty

Homage to the Buddha Mountain King

Homage to the Buddha Light of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Adorned with a Billion Celestial Treasures

Homage to the Buddha Precious Victory

Homage to the Buddha King of Faith

Homage to the Buddha Heap of Jewels

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Subduer of Enemies

Homage to the Buddha Peace and Security

Homage to the Buddha Able to Preserve Reliance

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Majesty

Homage to the Buddha Golden-Colored Light

Homage to the Buddha Lion’s Diligent Advance

Homage to the Buddha Light of Amrita

Homage to the Buddha Capable of Sacred Accomplishment

Homage to the Buddha Universal Light

Homage to the Buddha King of the Supreme Heap of Merit

Homage to the Buddha King of the Well-Established Heap of Mani Jewels

Homage to the Buddha Who Dwells Securely, Far Removed from All Fears

Homage to the Buddha Who Drinks Amrita

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Light

Homage to the Buddha Exalted Treasure

Homage to the Buddha King of Boundless Adornment

Homage to the Buddha Free from Enmity

Homage to the Buddha Golden-Colored Light

Homage to the Buddha Maker of Treasures

Homage to the Buddha Stainless Victory

Homage to the Buddha King of the Lion’s Voice

Homage to the Buddha Precious Banner

Homage to the Buddha Wholesome Mind

Homage to the Buddha Exalted Abiding

Homage to the Buddha King of Flowers

Homage to the Buddha Maker of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Ocean of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Joy

Homage to the Buddha Adornment of Bliss

Homage to the Buddha Free from Darkness

Homage to the Buddha Firmly Accomplished

Homage to the Buddha Who Sees the Further Shore

Homage to the Buddha Virtue of Fearlessness

Homage to the Buddha King of Birth

Homage to the Buddha of Truthful Speech

Homage to the Buddha Praised as Supreme

Homage to the Buddha Discerning Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Majesty beyond Misfortune

Homage to the Buddha Flower of Humanity

Homage to the Buddha Far Removed from All Fears

Homage to the Buddha Able to Maintain Fearlessness

Homage to the Buddha Golden Flower

Homage to the Buddha Maker of Fearlessness

Homage to the Buddha Unfailing Vision

Homage to the Buddha Precious Flower

Homage to the Buddha Maker of Sixty Realities

Homage to the Buddha Staff of the Heap of Jewels

Homage to the Buddha Light of the Golden Flower

Homage to the Buddha King of Subjugation

Homage to the Buddha Excellent Light

Homage to the Buddha Who Sees Meaning

Homage to the Buddha Great Discernment

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Fearlessness

Homage to the Buddha Great Loving-Kindness and Compassion

Homage to the Buddha Unconquerable King

Homage to the Buddha Difficult to Overcome

Homage to the Buddha Foremost Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Victor over All

Homage to the Buddha Exalted Practice

Homage to the Buddha Exalted Praise

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Sage

Homage to the Buddha Constellation of Stars

Homage to the Buddha Conscious Awakening

Homage to the Buddha Lord of Merchants

Homage to the Buddha Renowned

Homage to the Buddha Exposition of Great Compassion

Homage to the Buddha Infinite Life

Homage to the Buddha Victory of Boundless Excellent Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Victory of the Radiance of the Mountainous Heap

Homage to the Buddha Diligent Victory in the Samadhi of Stainless Power

Homage to the Buddha King of All Merit, with Marks of Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Assembly of Fire

Homage to the Buddha Sumeru Kalpa

Homage to the Buddha Firm Sovereign King

Homage to the Buddha Pure Sound of Brahma’s Roar

Homage to the Buddha Milou Heap

Homage to the Buddha Excellent Eyes

Homage to the Buddha Heap of Accomplishment

Homage to the Buddha Diligent in Abandoning Delusion

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Eyes

Homage to the Buddha Precious Banner

Homage to Shakyamuni Buddha

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Treasury of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Ground Difficult to Overcome

Homage to the Buddha Adornment of Joyful Eloquence

Homage to the Buddha King of the Lion’s Roar of the Supreme Treasury

Homage to the Buddha Kalpa of the Majestic King Adorned with Boundless Merit and Treasures

Homage to the Buddha Kalpa of the Majestic King of Supreme Merit and Treasures

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Adornment of Joyfully Expounding All Dharmas

Homage to the Buddha Mark of Boundless Joyful Eloquence

Homage to the Buddha King of the Roaring Sound of Celestial Clouds

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Golden Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Radiance of the King of Manifold Majesties

Homage to the Buddha Self-Awakened

Homage to the Buddha Pure Golden Radiance of Space, Adorned with a Roar

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of Majestic Diligence in All Practices

Homage to the Buddha of the East, in the Vast World Adorned with Boundless Merit, Treasures, and Blessed Virtue: Stainless Pure Radiance, Factor of Bodhi, Kusuma Unceasing Radiance, Adornment of Light

Homage to the Buddha of the South, Boundless Merit and Treasure of Joyful Eloquence in the Buddha-World of Joyful Exposition

Homage to the Buddha of the West, Universal Light of the World of Radiance

Homage to the Buddha of the North, Sovereign in Boundless Precious Merit in the World Adorned with All Kinds of Treasures

Homage to the Buddha of the Southeast, Free from All Sorrow and Darkness in the World Free from Sorrow

Homage to the Buddha of the Southwest, Great Compassion Contemplating All Sentient Beings in the World Beautiful to Behold

Homage to the Buddha of the Northwest, King Adorned with Radiance in the World Far Removed from Darkness

Homage to the Buddha of the Northeast, Stainless Space in the Pure and Stainless World

Homage to the Buddha Above, Sound of Renown in the Adorned World

Homage to the Buddha Below, Supreme Precious Utpala in the World of Vairocana’s Radiance

Homage to the Buddha of the Stainless Kalpa and Stainless World, named Stainless Light Tathagata, who first attained Buddhahood in that world, wherein Buddhas as numerous as grains of sand appeared in the world

Homage to the Buddha of the Vast Stainless World, in the Kalpa named Accomplishment of Good Fulfillment, Supreme Protector Tathagata, who first attained Buddhahood in that world, wherein Buddhas as numerous as grains of sand appeared in the world

Homage to Akshobhya Buddha of the East

Homage to the Buddha Greatly Undeluded

Homage to the Buddha King of Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Precious Banner of the South

Homage to the Buddha Maker of Treasures

Homage to the Buddha Precious Citadel

Homage to the Buddha Precious Treasury

Homage to the Buddha Precious Moon

Homage to the Buddha Vajra Firmness

Homage to the Buddha Vajra Sage

Homage to the Buddha Vajra Banner

Homage to Amitabha Buddha of the West

Homage to the Buddha Amitabha Banner

Homage to the Buddha Amitabha Sound

Homage to the Buddha Amitabha Praise

Homage to the Buddha Amitabha Roar

Homage to the Buddha Amitabha Heap

Homage to the Buddha Amitabha Most Supreme

Homage to the Buddha Amitabha Lion

Homage to the Buddha Amitabha Sustainer

Homage to the Buddha Amitabha Victory

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Drum Sound of the North

Homage to the Buddha King of the Wondrous Drum

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Roaring Sound

Homage to the Buddha Free from All Fears

Homage to the Buddha Fearless

Homage to the Buddha Fearless Excellence

Homage to the Buddha Maker of the Radiance of the Sun’s Tongue

Homage to the Buddha Mandara Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Banner and Canopy

Homage to the Buddha Great Milou of the Southeast

Homage to the Buddha Mount Milou

Homage to the Buddha King of Milou

Homage to the Buddha Milou Banner

Homage to the Buddha Milou Heap

Homage to the Buddha Excellent King of Milou

Homage to the Buddha Treasury of the Sun

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Before and After

Homage to the Buddha King of Purity

Homage to the Buddha King of the Banner Amid the Rooster Constellation

Homage to the Buddha Great Hero Amidst All

Homage to the Buddha Sun Treasury of the Southwest

Homage to the Buddha Sunlight

Homage to the Buddha Free from Sorrow

Homage to the Buddha Free from All Sorrow

Homage to the Buddha Pure Karma of Buddha-Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Maker of the End

Homage to the Buddha Flower Light

Homage to the Buddha Great Flower Light

Homage to the Buddha King of Flowers

Homage to the Buddha Sound of Flowers

Homage to Vairocana Buddha

Homage to the Buddha Foremost Heap of the Northwest

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Mountainous Heap

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Oceanic Heap

Homage to the Buddha Maker of Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Sun

Homage to the Buddha King of Purity

Homage to the Buddha Who Expounds the Wondrous Dharma of the Northeast

Homage to the Buddha Pure Victory

Homage to the Buddha Sun-Faced

Homage to the Buddha King of the Wisdom Banner

Homage to the Buddha Radiance

Homage to the Buddha King of Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Light of Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Lion Above

Homage to the Buddha Lion King

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Lion King

Homage to the Buddha Lion Sage

Homage to the Buddha King of Sages

Homage to the Buddha Chief of Sages

Homage to the Buddha Light of the Sages

Homage to the Buddha Sage Who Relinquishes the Mirror

Homage to the Buddha Awakened Sage

Homage to the Buddha Great Lamp

Homage to the Buddha Lion Heap

Homage to the Buddha King of the Burning Lamp

Homage to the Buddha Mountain of Joyful Exposition

Homage to the Buddha Simile of the Lamp

Homage to the Buddha Sage of Counteraction Below

Homage to the Buddha Awakened from Contention

Homage to the Buddha Counteraction

Homage to the Buddha Counterpart

Homage to the Buddha Mountain of Counteraction

Homage to the Buddha Beloved Burning Lamp

Homage to the Buddha Reliance

Homage to Akshobhya Buddha of the East

Homage to the Buddha Milou Banner

Homage to the Buddha Great Milou

Homage to the Buddha Milou Light

Homage to the Buddha True Sound

Homage to the Buddha Lamp of the Sun and Moon of the South

Homage to the Buddha Great Mass of Fire

Homage to the Buddha Praised Light

Homage to the Buddha Milou Lamp

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Diligence

Next, we bow to the twelve divisions of the Venerable Sutras, the Dharma Wheel of the Great Canon:

Homage to the Venerable Sutra, King of the Courage of All Dharmas

Homage to the Venerable Sutra, Definitive Dharani

Homage to the Venerable Sutra, Register of the Buddhas

Homage to the Venerable Sutra, Buddha of Milk-White Light

Homage to the Venerable Sutra, Heir

Homage to the Venerable Sutra, Buddha’s Mani Jewel of the Sun

Homage to the Venerable Vajra Prajna Sutra

Homage to the Venerable Vajra Prajnaparamita Sutra

Homage to the Venerable Commentary on the Vajra Sutra

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Householder’s Son Zhi

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Youth Shih

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Bodhisattva Shih

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Manjushri Bodhisattva

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Summit of Mount Gaya

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Elephant-Head Monastery

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Contemplating the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination beneath the Patra Tree

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Textual Accomplishment of the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Transforming the Female Body

Homage to the Venerable Sutra Heard by the Woman in the Womb

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Womb Treasury

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Stainless Virtuous Woman

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Subtle and Secret Dharani of Immeasurable Gates

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Dharani That Brings Forth Immeasurable Gates

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Buddha’s Ananda Mukhani Hridaya Dharani

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Mara-Destroying Dharani of Immeasurable Gates

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Shariputra’s Dharani

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Bodhisattva Born from the Countenance

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Three Turnings in a Former Life

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Silver-Colored Woman

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Prince Hexiu

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Prince Weihu

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Dharani of Skillful Means in the Wholesome Dharma

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Vajra Secret Dharani of the Excellent Gate

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of King Ajatashatru’s Prediction

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Releasing the Bowl

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Buddha’s Prediction of Tihuaweiwangshang

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Questions of the Bodhisattva Lion’s Diligent Advance

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Flower-Heap Dharani

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Mass-of-Flowers Dharani

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Continuous Liberation

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Resolving the Knots

Homage to the Venerable Maharatnakuta Sutra

Homage to the Venerable Mahayana Sutra of Precious Adornment
We wholeheartedly bow to the great bodhisattvas of the ten directions:

I now rely upon the bodhisattvas and beseech them to accept my repentance:

Throughout the realms of the ten directions,

The ever-abiding Honored Ones, perfect in both wisdom and virtue,

May they bring forth their great compassion

And mercifully remember us.

Sentient beings have no refuge,

Nor have they any protector;

For all beings such as these,

May you become the objects of refuge.

I have now committed offenses,

And exceedingly grave evil karma;

Now before the ten directions,

I wholeheartedly repent of them all.

Formerly, I had no faith in the Buddha,

Nor did I honor the revered ones;

I did not diligently cultivate wholesome deeds,

But constantly created evil karma.

At times, relying upon my own superiority,

My lineage and social position,

For many years I indulged myself

And constantly created evil karma.

My mind continually gave rise to deviant thoughts,

My mouth constantly uttered evil words;

Failing to see my own faults,

I constantly created evil karma.

I constantly acted as a foolish common person,

Following evil companions;

I constantly created evil karma.

At times because of frivolous disputes,

At times while harboring grief,

Bound by greed and anger,

I therefore created evil karma.

Although I did not delight in faults,

Because I was afraid

And lacked freedom,

I therefore created evil karma.

At times my mind was agitated,

At times because of rage and resentment,

Even because of the torment of hunger and thirst,

I therefore created evil karma.

For the sake of food, drink, and clothing,

And through craving for beautiful forms,

Burned by the fire of afflictions,

I therefore created evil karma.

Before the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha,

I did not give rise to a reverent mind;

All such offenses as these,

I now repent of them all.

Toward bodhisattvas and pratyekabuddhas,

My mind likewise lacked reverence;

All such offenses as these,

I now repent of them all.

Through ignorance and arrogance,

And even through the force of greed and anger,

I committed offenses such as these;

I now repent of them all.

Having repented, we bow with utmost sincerity…

Homage to the Bodhisattva Celestial Crown

Homage to the Bodhisattva Celestial Crown Universally Illuminating the Ten Directions

Homage to the Bodhisattva Celestial Crown of Wisdom Universally Illuminating the Dharmadhatu

Homage to the Bodhisattva Celestial Crown of the Bodhimanda

Homage to the Bodhisattva Celestial Crown of the Treasury That Gives Birth to All Buddhas

Homage to the Bodhisattva Celestial Crown, Supreme in All Worlds

Homage to the Bodhisattva Celestial Crown of Luminous Purity

Homage to the Bodhisattva Celestial Crown of Immeasurable Treasures

Homage to the Bodhisattva Celestial Crown of Space Universally Illuminating the Dharmadhatu

Homage to the Bodhisattva Brahma-King Chula

Homage to the Bodhisattva Dragon-King Chula

Homage to the Bodhisattva Chula of the Transformative Radiance of All Buddhas

Homage to the Bodhisattva Chula of the Bodhimanda

Homage to the Bodhisattva Chula of the Sound of Wisdom throughout the Three Times

Homage to the Bodhisattva Great Light

Homage to the Bodhisattva Stainless Light

Homage to the Bodhisattva Precious Light

Homage to the Bodhisattva Dust-Free Light

Homage to the Bodhisattva Light of Night

Homage to the Bodhisattva Dharma Light

Homage to the Bodhisattva Light of Tranquility

Homage to the Bodhisattva Sunlight

Homage to the Bodhisattva Sovereign Light

Homage to the Bodhisattva Celestial Light

Homage to the Bodhisattva Banner of Merit

Homage to the Bodhisattva Banner of Wisdom

Homage to the Bodhisattva Dharma Banner

Homage to the Bodhisattva Banner of All Penetrative Powers

Homage to the Bodhisattva Banner of Light

Homage to the Bodhisattva Mani Banner

Homage to the Bodhisattva Bodhi Banner

Homage to the Bodhisattva Brahma Banner

Homage to the Bodhisattva Banner of Universal Light

Homage to the Bodhisattva Brahma Voice

Homage to the Bodhisattva Ocean Voice

Homage to the Bodhisattva Voice of the Great Earth

Homage to the Bodhisattva Voice of the Lord of the World

Homage to the Bodhisattva Voice of Space

Homage to the Bodhisattva Resounding Voice of the Mountain’s Marks

Homage to the Bodhisattva Voice of Dharma Radiance

Homage to the Bodhisattva Voice Filling the Entire Dharmadhatu

Homage to the Bodhisattva Thunderous Voice of the Ocean of All Dharmas

Having taken refuge with and bowed to the immeasurable and boundless great bodhisattvas throughout the worlds of the ten directions, we next pay homage to the noble sages, shravakas, and pratyekabuddhas:

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Ananda

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Rahula

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Chudapanthaka

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Pindola Bharadvaja

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Kaludayin

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Aniruddha

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Upali

Homage to the Noble Sangha member Revata

Homage to the Noble Sangha member, Venerable Mahacunda

Having paid reverence to the great arhats (1), all of whom are well known among the great assembly, and having bowed to the Three Jewels, we—who have already repented of the karmic retributions experienced in the three evil paths (2)—now continue to bow our heads and earnestly repent of the residual retributions (3) experienced in the human and heavenly realms. Considering and examining the lifespan of people in this Jambudvipa, although it is said that human beings may live for one hundred years, how many truly do so?

Among them, countless people die young, prematurely, or unjustly. Human beings experience every kind of suffering, scorching the heart and oppressing the body. Their many sorrows, anxieties, fears, and terrors scarcely ever leave their minds.

All this is because their roots of virtue (4) are too weak and their evil karma (5) is exceedingly strong. Consequently, in this life, none of their undertakings proceed as they wish. We should understand that these are precisely the residual effects of the various evil karmas created by each of us in past lives.

Therefore, today we disciples, with utmost sincerity and earnestness, return for refuge to all Buddhas, bowing and repenting:

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Lotus of the East

Homage to the Buddha King of Taming in the South

Homage to the Buddha Immeasurable Radiance of the West

Homage to the Buddha Victor over All Faculties of the North

Homage to the Buddha Venerable Lotus of the Southeast

Homage to the Buddha Immeasurable Flowers of the Southwest

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign Wisdom of the Northwest

Homage to the Buddha Virtue of the Crimson Lotus Flower of the Northeast

Homage to the Buddha Discrimination Below

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom That Subdues Enemies Above

Having bowed to the Three Jewels throughout space in the worlds of the ten directions, we disciples now repent of the immeasurable residual retributions we have experienced in the human and heavenly realms from beginningless time until today, and which we may experience in the present or even in the future: We repent of the karmic retribution of incomplete six faculties, the devastation of a hundred illnesses (6), calamities, and enmities from former times in the world; we repent of the karmic retribution of the eight adversities (7), the three evil paths, faith in falsehood and inverted views, and birth in borderlands (8) among humankind; we repent of the karmic retribution of premature death, short life, numerous illnesses, frailty, and emaciation among humankind;

we repent of the karmic retribution whereby the six classes of relatives (9) cannot protect one another or preserve mutual affection among humankind; we repent of the karmic retribution of the suffering of separation from those one loves (10) and the dissolution of family and friendships among humankind; we repent of the karmic retribution of sorrow and fear, and of encountering hated enemies (11), among humankind; we repent of the karmic retribution of terror and dread, warfare and banditry, floods and fires among humankind; we repent of the karmic retribution of losing one’s country, wandering in exile, hardship, and isolation among humankind;

we repent of the karmic retribution of imprisonment—being confined in darkness, fettered in chains, or constrained upright or sideways—among humankind; we repent of the karmic retribution of public and private disputes, resulting calamities, and false accusations among humankind; we repent of the karmic retribution of grave illnesses prolonged through months and years, leaving one able only to rest one’s head upon a pillow and lie down, bedridden and unable to sit up, among humankind; we repent of the karmic retribution of contagious diseases caused by unseasonable weather, virulent malaria, and typhoid fever among humankind; we repent of the karmic retribution of wind-borne toxins, swelling, hardness, obstruction, and blockage among humankind;

we repent of the karmic retribution of being watched by evil ghosts and spirits awaiting an opportunity to inflict calamity among humankind; we repent of the karmic retribution of strange creatures crying out, apparitions manifesting, and the fabrication of monstrous spirits (12) among humankind; we repent of the karmic retribution of being harmed by tigers, leopards, panthers, wolves, and all ferocious beasts on land and in water among humankind; we repent of the karmic retribution of binding oneself, hanging oneself, killing oneself, and harming oneself among humankind; we repent of the karmic retribution of tormenting oneself with worry, harming oneself, distressing oneself, becoming angry with oneself, and indulging oneself among humankind;

we repent of the karmic retribution of leaping into deep ravines, casting oneself into raging fires, drowning oneself, and submerging oneself among humankind; we repent of the karmic retribution of lacking dignity, virtue, and good repute among humankind; we repent of the karmic retribution of obtaining clothing and necessities that do not accord with one’s wishes among humankind; we repent of the karmic retribution of being unable to move about freely when coming and going, and of meeting evil spiritual friends (13) who create difficulties among humankind; we repent of such karmic retributions in the present and future human and heavenly realms—immeasurable disasters, unforeseen misfortunes, epidemics, adversities, decline, anguish, and sorrow…

Today we disciples, with utmost sincerity and earnestness, turn toward all Buddhas of the ten directions, the Venerable Dharma, and the noble Sangha. We lay bare our innermost hearts and beseech them to accept our repentance. We vow that, through the power of this repentance, merit shall arise through transformation.

May we, life after life and kalpa after kalpa, possess complete bodily marks like the Venerable Rahula (14); may we always encounter all Buddhas, the Venerable Dharma, and the noble Sangha; may we always hear the wondrous teaching; may our lives be as long as heaven and earth endure; may we never be threatened by any illness; may the six classes of relatives always protect one another; may we always remain far removed from enemies, bandits, and warfare; may clothing naturally fill our chests and cabinets; may fragrant rice of a hundred flavors always be abundant; may prisons close of themselves and the gates of heaven open for instruction and transformation; may verbal quarrels become harmony; may chronic illnesses (15) always remain far from our bodies;

may epidemics, poisons, and calamities forever depart from our homeland; and may monstrous spirits, wangliang demons, flying birds, tigers, leopards, panthers, and wolves flee, so that all calamities, adversities, and the like are swept away without remainder.

Whether mutilating ourselves or becoming angry or elated with ourselves—all offenses such as these, from this day onward until we attain Buddhahood, may we remain entirely free from them. We disciples further pray that we shall never undergo painful retribution in the evil paths, but shall always give rise to the mind (16) of great compassion, liberating all sentient beings and enabling every kind of being to attain perfect awakening together.

Notes:

1. Great arhat: Explained in Volume Two, note 5, page 184.

2. Three evil paths: Explained in Volume One, note 34, page 105.

3. Residual retributions: These are the karmic consequences remaining from former lives that each person experiences in the present life. Whoever bears a human body has residual retributions, whether many or few.

4. Roots of virtue: Wholesome roots. These are the three fundamental karmas of body, speech, and mind, all rendered wholesome, upright, and firmly established, neither weakened nor lost through adverse circumstances and conditions. Furthermore, these three roots of virtue can produce wondrous fruits—the blessings and happiness of the human, celestial, and Buddha realms—and can also give rise to other wholesome dharmas; therefore, they are called roots of virtue.

5. Evil karma is exceedingly strong: Unwholesome karma is exceedingly powerful. The evil and cruel deeds we created in former lives or in this life are, through the body: killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct; through speech: false speech, frivolous speech, divisive speech, and harsh speech; and through the mind: greed, anger, and delusion. The force with which such actions bring consequences upon us is exceedingly strong, producing the fruits of illness, poverty, misery, and unjust death. After death, evil karma may further drive our consciousness into perilous and painful states. Evil karma is the cause and condition; the painful circumstances of this and future lives are its retribution.

6. Devastation by a hundred illnesses: This refers to the many kinds of physical and mental illness that cruelly damage each person’s life.

7. Eight adversities: The eight unfortunate conditions and eight obstructive states, also called the eight states without opportunity: 1. the adversity of hell; 2. the adversity of hungry ghosts; 3. the adversity of animals; 4. the adversity of Uttarakuru; 5. the adversity of the heaven of non-perception; 6. the adversity of being blind, deaf, mentally impaired, or mute; 7. the adversity of possessing worldly intelligence and eloquence; and 8. the adversity of being born before or after a Buddha.

8. Borderland: Pays de la frontière (F). “Border” means being inclined to one side or situated at a boundary; “land” means ground, realm, or territory. A borderland is a realm or territory lying to one side rather than at the center or principal place. Those living in the central region may be close to superior persons, cultured people, excellent teachers, and good friends. Those living in borderlands at the edges of a country often endure many dangers, such as wild beasts and bandits, and also find study and cultivation difficult. Because of such circumstances, the sutras often speak of “borderland and lowly birth,” referring to those who dwell at the boundaries, whose dispositions are base, who do not practice generosity, and who take no delight in cultivation or study…

9. Six classes of relatives: Explained in Volume Five, note 1, page 423.

10. The suffering of separation from those one loves: It is painful to be separated from those one cherishes. This is one of the eight sufferings. For example, when a wife is far from her husband or a child is separated from a parent, they continually long for one another and therefore suffer because they cannot be reunited. Not only do people in the human realm undergo the suffering of separation from those they love; in the heavens, devas likewise grieve over the decay and dispersal of the things they cherish!

11. Encountering hated enemies: L’union avec ce que l’on n’aime pas, voilà la douleur (F). Also called the suffering of encountering those one resents. It is the suffering of meeting people one hates or circumstances one detests. It is one of the eight sufferings. Whether in hell, among hungry ghosts or animals, in the human realm, or in the heavens, the encounter with hated enemies exists everywhere.

12. Fabrication of monstrous spirits: Mistakenly fabricating demons, spirits, and monstrous beings in this world, causing all who see them to become terrified. This too is a way of creating offenses for oneself and those around one.

13. Evil spiritual friend: A bad acquaintance or companion. Synonymous with an evil friend and opposite to a good friend or good spiritual friend. Such an acquaintance, relative, or evil companion possesses deviant tendencies and, through the three unwholesome karmas of body, speech, and mind, incites one to think wrongly, speak falsely, and act improperly, while continually obstructing one from doing good.

14. Rahula: Rahula (S). The son of Prince Siddhartha while the prince still resided in the palace. After Siddhartha attained Buddhahood, Rahula renounced the household life, cultivated under him, and attained arhatship.

15. Chronic illness: An illness that persists continually, causing the body to suffer over a prolonged period. In the sutras it is often called a grave and lingering disease.

16. Mind of great compassion: A vast, compassionate heart. It is the compassion of bodhisattvas and Buddhas, who always seek to liberate all sentient beings. Thus the great compassion of the loving mother Avalokiteshvara constantly seeks to rescue sentient beings from suffering and calamity. The mind of great compassion is the mind of Buddhas and bodhisattvas.