佛說佛名經

We disciples contemplate the true aspect of mind. At all times and in whatever we do—whether walking or standing, going out or coming in, defecating or urinating, sprinkling, sweeping, washing, laundering, moving about and carrying out tasks, bowing or looking up, seeing or hearing—we must single-mindedly recollect the Three Jewels and examine the nature of mind as true emptiness. We must not, even for a single instant, think of the five desires or worldly affairs and give rise to wrong thoughts;

nor converse and gossip with outsiders, behave heedlessly and jest, gaze upon beautiful forms, listen to pleasing sounds, cling to sense objects, create unwholesome karma, or entertain miscellaneous thoughts that are in fact afflictive and indeterminate, thereby failing to practice in accordance with the Buddha’s teaching.

If, indeed, thought after thought continues without departing from the true aspect, if we do not cherish body or life but practice the method of repentance for the sake of all sentient beings, this is called truthfulness and single-minded diligence, adorning ourselves with the Buddha-Dharma. Therefore, with utmost sincerity, we bow in homage to all Buddhas throughout the worlds of the ten directions:

Our minds have been diseased since beginningless time,

For many kalpas submerged in the sea of birth and death.

Buddhas in succession have appeared in the world,

Yet as for the blind turtle and floating log, an encounter is rare.

Fortunate indeed, this body has encountered the teaching;

A thousand layers of doubt have melted away like ice.

Through many lives, thoughts accumulated and perfumed the mind;

We are ashamed that for many kalpas we had no good spiritual friend.

The compassionate great beings pity the age of decline,

Successively arranging wholesome conditions from beginning to end.

The Responsive Able and Humane One accords with the source of mind;

From ancient times until now, His teachings have ever been expounded.

Knowing sentient beings and knowing the principle of the Way,

They explain the scriptures according to conditions and the sacred intent,

And universally dedicate it all to sentient beings,

Directing consciousness toward the great treasury of light.

Bhikshu Zongmi, filled with profound feeling,

Now before this place of practice wishes to speak for himself:

Since beginningless time, I have not awakened by myself;

Ignorance, craving, and attachment have continued without cease.

For many kalpas I sank in the sea of birth and death,

Dwelling constantly in the three evil realms and only briefly among gods and humans.

Each arrival among humans or gods was like a temporary guest’s stay;

Passing repeatedly through the three paths was like returning to the family garden.

The countless Buddhas have always shown compassion,

Frequently coming to the human world to rescue those hanging upside down.

Yet because I had not cultivated or perceived the Buddha’s practice,

As time gradually passed, wholesome conditions were lost.

When a Buddha appeared and opened the Dharma assembly,

My life was bound by the ceaseless suffering of the eight difficulties.

When the Buddha entered nirvana and the Dharma reached its final age,

I came into the human world, scorched by the eight sufferings.

Or when a Buddha was born in this world,

I was born far afterward, beyond the Buddha’s age.

Thus, throughout thousands upon thousands and myriads upon myriads of kalpas,

I was born either after a Buddha or before a Buddha.

It is like a blind turtle fallen into the vast ocean,

Hard-pressed to put its head through the hollow of a log floating upon the sea.

Should it enter the hollow and drift to the shore,

Its efficacy would be like encountering a boat or raft.

For turtle and log to meet is exceedingly difficult,

Only because the vast ocean is boundlessly wide.

Even if they meet, its eyes cannot see;

Once they part, they remain separated for thousands of years.

Sentient beings’ encounter with a Buddha is likewise;

Deluded, they have never recognized sages and worthies.

As experience shows, sages and ordinary beings rarely meet;

The needle’s point and mustard seed provide a manifest analogy.

Without a good spiritual friend, awakening is difficult;

Contention and ignorance become great enmity.

Only because of the ignorance and the bandits of craving and attachment,

We are driven about by them and treated with utter contempt.

The suffering of many lives has truly been endured in vain;

We fled our home and wandered for so many years.

At last, this present body is now here:

We have obtained a human body complete with the six faculties,

And encountered the semblance and final Dharma of Shakyamuni.

We also know the Three Jewels to be a field of merit.

At first, before directing the mind toward sudden awakening,

We remained fettered and bound by karmic conditions.

Who could have expected us to meet a true and wholesome friend,

Who swiftly opened the source of mind and revealed the principle of the Way?

In contemplation, we see that from beginningless time until now,

Whatever we did within the dream was all sleep.

Though we have awakened to the fundamental basis from beginning to end,

The seeds of differentiation still continue to bind us.

In carrying out each task, we have not yet accorded with the Way;

Our knots of doubt are tightly bound like glue and lacquer.

Fortunately, once again we encountered words of instruction,

Through which the foundations of principle and phenomena were perfectly penetrated.

The words are accessible but their intent profound, serving as a bright mirror;

Their meaning is lofty and their text concise, yet all-embracing.

Compassionate bodhisattvas in the age of decline

Successively establish the various conditions from beginning to end.

The Tathagata responds from the ground of mind;

Root and branch unobstructedly penetrate the primal source.

If one forms the aspiration to cultivate the unsurpassed Way,

One must know which Dharma should first be practiced.

Therefore it is taught that ignorance is like a dream,

And that perfectly radiant pure awareness is the fundamental source.

Delusion has originally never existed, while truth is originally complete;

The principle of cultivation resembles untying bonds.

If one does not cultivate at the root amid illusory transformations,

It will be difficult to reveal for oneself the calming of attachment.

If it is said that ignorance depends upon fundamental awareness,

Then use illusion to eliminate illusion with wholehearted dedication.

When illusion is exhausted, perfect awareness is not annihilated;

Naturally, mind and its objects enter nonduality.

Having awakened, one must eliminate illusory transformations;

To eliminate illusion, which gate must first be employed?

One must cultivate right mindfulness as the skillful means,

Relying upon the concentrated mind to sever all conditions.

Dwelling peacefully among the assembly or in a quiet chamber,

Constantly contemplate the many faults of the four great elements.

Body, mind, sense objects, and their spheres are thereby seen as delusion;

Both phenomena and self are entirely without foundation.

When the twofold emptiness appears, as when a mirror is polished,

The fundamental essence of true suchness remains clearly present.

Then cease even notions of awakening and cultivation, extinguishing reflected images;

The awakened mind appears perfect, vast, and boundless.

Because all is clearly seen to be pure,

There remain eighty-four thousand Dharma gates.

Without stirring, all universally pervade the dharmadhatu;

At that time, one stands shoulder to shoulder with the Buddhas.

On hearing this teaching, one may still harbor doubt,

For one presently sees one’s greed and anger differ from the World-Honored One.

If deluded thoughts arise when directing the mind toward Buddhahood,

The Tathagata dispels dullness and delusion morning and evening.

Therefore the various characteristics of samsara are explained,

All to be regarded as illusory persons.

Because the mind turns, awareness turns along with it;

One must board the Dharma boat directly for the shore of awakening.

Having recognized the faults along the paths of samsara,

They are like water vanishing beneath a blazing lamp.

Yet a current flowing of itself is difficult to stop;

How could one know which Dharma is its source?

Therefore defiled attachment is said to be the root of samsara;

From affection comes attachment, and attachment gives rise to anger.

The perfuming of craving and desire produces the five paths,

And their revolutions cause the five natures also to become deluded.

Those who wish to cultivate the true Way must first eliminate attachment;

Thought after thought, accord with awareness and do not cling delusively.

Practicing accordingly, one gradually severs the obstructions;

When obstructions are removed and the fruition fulfilled, it is truly difficult to describe.

Again, one may doubt that ordinary beings and sages alike accord with awareness,

And that the nature of awareness does not differ in sages and ordinary beings.

Therefore it is taught that the awakened mind is originally no different;

Differences and successive stages arise from deluded thoughts.

Once the Dharma and its meaning concerning cultivation and realization have been fully explained,

There remains concern that in the age of decline faculties will be diverse.

Thus were then opened the three modes of contemplation,

Interwoven into the twenty-five cycles of meditation.

If one cultivates these contemplations over an extended time,

Even slight obstructions may arise, and entering delusion, be difficult to sever.

These are precisely the true self and the four characteristics,

Together with the quiescent storehouse consciousness and its class of latent tendencies.

These characteristics are subtle and difficult to distinguish;

Only a true spiritual guide can examine them rigorously.

One should therefore follow an enlightened teacher and abandon the four illnesses;

Only then can one decisively realize liberation from the cycle of suffering.

The capacities of the middling grade have already been explained;

Yet another class remains deserving of compassion.

They are determined to seek the path of realization and entry,

But inwardly do not know which road to follow.

Or they know that their karmic obstructions from the past are heavy,

And fear that cultivating realization may disturb their numinous spirit.

Therefore the preparatory practices for the place of practice are taught,

Relying upon their wondrous power to gather and focus the mind.

Homage and repentance naturally remove karmic obstructions;

When obstructions are removed, the mind is pure like an autumn lotus.

In a pure dwelling, the body is at peace and sense objects cease;

At the gate of contemplation, gathered mindfulness dissolves deluded feelings.

Within this, the principal doctrine unfolds through many stages;

From beginning to end, its intent and direction are skillfully connected.

Accord with principle and accord with capacities are both complete;

The scripture’s title, employing its virtue, should rightly be proclaimed.

Many Buddhas have taught it so that each may preserve their own Buddha-nature,

Wishing to make it circulate perpetually throughout the age of decline.

Even the many fruits of sagehood cannot compare with it;

Awaited within and protected without, all remains serene.

When I first began cultivation, I immediately rejoiced,

Diligently seeking its meaning and principles to transform karmic conditions.

Through quiet nights and peaceful days over many years,

Illuminating the ground of mind, I gradually gained clarity.

Thoughts of doubt melted like ice and snow in spring;

The wisdom of mind shone like the moon on an autumn night.

There arose the Nature, the Avatamsaka, the Consciousness-Only teachings, and all the rest,

All likewise enter the profound meaning from here,

Having experienced former causes throughout many lives,

And met many good friends who helped inspire courage and vigor.

Had the store consciousness not been perfumed through many lives,

How could one awaken to one thing and immediately know a thousand?

I recall that at first I doubted this Dharma;

Even knowing it, I did not believe, and my life underwent changes.

I argued and boasted for a brief moment,

But fortunately, through skillful means employing the profound mechanism,

Only after many lives such as these did I consent to believe.

Only after passing through many kalpas did my understanding become complete;

Through many kalpas and many lives, I aroused the resolve to cultivate,

And only then did this body itself turn away from error.

The guiding teacher’s kindness is exceedingly great;

If medicine is not bitter to the mouth, the illness is difficult to cure.

Cultivation is solely the elimination of deluded thoughts;

To oppose the truth only creates enmity.

One must follow right principle and eliminate attachment to self and others;

Do not say that self and others are unrelated.

One must rely upon a hundred expedient plans, taxing the mind’s strength,

Only then may the karmic grievances of this life be resolved.

Again and again, I reflect upon the events of many lives,

And have often wept alone, tears flowing without cease.

I regret not having encountered more good friends,

And earnestly bow in gratitude and repent of my faults.

Therefore, with every thought, I constantly make this heartfelt vow:

May my offenses and obstructions be extinguished in future lives;

May the wisdom and spiritual knowledge of former lives awaken in complete clarity;

May I make offerings with body and mind to repay that kindness.

Now I briefly recount the thoughts within my heart,

Intending to explain them clearly as counsel for future generations.

The cart before me has already gone astray;

May the cart behind be repaired and set upon a new course.

With all my heart, I repent:

Since beginningless kalpas, countless as grains of sand and motes of dust,

I have wandered through the six paths, finding escape difficult.

Who could know that this present life is but a sojourn in a temporary realm?

Fortunately, I have been able to encounter the Dharma of the Buddha.

The pure original source is not easily seen;

Through cultivation, one escapes the abyss of the river of craving.

The light of compassion shines forth inconceivably;

Offenses and merit are originally empty—there is neither grasping nor rejecting.

The nature of awakening changes according to conditions;

Suchness, consonant with its nature, is the same in delusion and awakening.

The mani jewel showers its blessings throughout the ten directions;

The celestial drum resounds in every place.

My blood relatives and I are all bound together,

Through many kalpas of death and rebirth in the three evil paths.

May we constantly uphold the Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment and the Avatamsaka Sutra,

So that all deluded beings everywhere may attain liberation.

Having repented, with utmost sincerity I reverently bow to…

Homage to the Buddha Vajra Narayana Banner

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Supreme Conduct

Homage to the Buddha Blazing Flame

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Adornment of the Mountain

Homage to the Buddha Swiftly Abiding in the Supreme Adornment upon the Ocean of All Dharmas

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Light of the Profound Dharma Ocean

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Flame Subtly Blazing Lamp

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Wheel of the Radiance of the Ocean of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Vairocana Supreme Treasury

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Blazing Lamp Shikhara Filling the Empty-Space Dharma Realm

Homage to the Buddha Non-Retrogressing Blazing Lamp

Homage to the Buddha Dharma-Realm Roar

Homage to the Buddha Majestic Virtue of the Mountain King of the Wondrous Dharma Tree

Homage to the Buddha King of the Roar of the Ocean of All Dharmas

Homage to the Buddha Banner of the Blazing Lamp of Jeweled Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Majestic Virtue of the Light of Mount Sumeru’s Merit

Homage to the Buddha King of the Roar of the Dharma Cloud

Homage to the Buddha King of the Blazing Lamp of the Torch of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Banner of the Swift Canon of Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Blazing Lamp of Dharma, Vigorous Lion

Homage to the Buddha Mountain King of the Majestic Virtue of Wisdom Power

Homage to the Buddha Non-Retrogressing Roar of the Dharma Realm

Homage to the Buddha First-Radiating Sandalwood-Fragrance Radiance Illuminating the World, in the Kalpa of Lightning Radiance

Homage to the Buddha First Rochana, in the Stainless World of the Kalpa of Good Resolve and Purity

Homage to the Buddha First King of the Sandalwood Blazing Lamp, in the Well-Purified World of the Kalpa Adorned with Amrita

Homage to the Buddha First Supreme King of Sumeru Radiance, in the Wondrous Fragrance World of the Kalpa of Good Abiding

Homage to the Buddha First King Adorned with Infinite Merit and Various Jewels, in the Adorned World of the Kalpa of Good Vision

Homage to the Buddha First King of Vajra Vigor, in the Pure World of the Kalpa of Pure Flame

Homage to the Buddha First Vaishravana, in the Irreproachable World of the Irreproachable Kalpa

Homage to the Buddha First Jeweled Moon, in the First World Called Irreproachable, of the Irreproachable Kalpa

Homage to the Buddha First Inconceivable Radiance, in the World Called Wealth of the Indescribable Kalpa

Homage to the Buddha First Avalokiteshvara, in the Joyfully Pure World of the Kalpa of Pure Adornment

Homage to the Buddha First Fire Radiance, in the Radiant-Dust World of the Kalpa of True Dust

Homage to the Buddha First King of Powerful Adornment, in the Pure World of the Kalpa Praised by Brahma

Homage to the Buddha First Good Eye, in the Moon-Banner World of the Kalpa Adorned with Virtuous Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Accomplishment of the Impartial Practice of Sandalwood Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Radiant King of the Roar of the Dharma Ocean

Homage to the Buddha Stainless Turning of the Dharma Wheel

Homage to the Buddha King of the Majestic Virtue of Tranquility

Homage to the Buddha Blazing Lamp of the Empty-Space Kalpa

Homage to the Buddha Treasury of Celestial Sovereignty

Homage to the Buddha King of the Sun-Net Banner Ketu

Homage to the Buddha Majestic Virtue of Faith

Homage to the Buddha Treasury of Jeweled Flowers

Homage to the Buddha Body of the Wondrous Sun

Homage to the Buddha Undefiled Body

Homage to the Buddha Moon of the Radiance of Omniscience

Homage to the Buddha King of the Majestic Virtue of Jambunada Gold

Homage to the Buddha Body Adorned with Marks

Homage to the Buddha Moon of Various Radiant Fires

Homage to the Buddha Ketu of the Wisdom of Good Contemplation

Homage to the Buddha King of Stainless Wisdom Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Vajra Narayana Vigor

Homage to the Buddha Invincible Abode of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Universal Stainless Penetrating Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Cloud of the Stainless Eye

Homage to the Buddha Lion of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Vajra Bodhi Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Light-Lamp Flame Crest

Homage to the Buddha Ketu of the Sun of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Body Adorned with Jeweled Padma Flowers

Homage to the Buddha Attainment of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Cloud-Light of Wisdom Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Universally Illuminating Moon

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Roar

Homage to the Buddha Universally Radiant Vigorous Lion

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom-Moon of the Sphere of the Dharma Realm

Homage to the Buddha Awakening through Joyful Eloquence throughout All Empty Space

Homage to the Buddha Good Name of the First Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Universally Resounding Roar of Tranquility

Homage to the Buddha Majestic Virtue of the Amrita Mountain

Homage to the Buddha Sound of the Roar of the Dharma Ocean

Homage to the Buddha Tree of the Well-Firm Net

Homage to the Buddha Crest of the Image of Empty Space

Homage to the Buddha Mote of Dust of the Radiant Moon

Homage to the Buddha Full-Moon Face of Good Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Pure Wisdom Flower Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Supreme King of the Jeweled Flame Mountain

Homage to the Buddha Fire Radiance of Stainless Merit

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Moon Banner

Homage to the Buddha Body of the Samadhi Wheel

Homage to the Buddha King of the Majestic Virtue of Supreme Jeweled Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Conduct of Universal Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Blazing Lamp of the Ocean of Flames

Homage to the Buddha King of the Stainless Dharma Roar

Homage to the Buddha Banner Proclaiming Incomparable Merit

Homage to the Buddha Long-Armed, Original Vow, Stainless Sun

Homage to the Buddha Blazing Lamp of the Meaning of the Marks of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Sound Arising from the Dharma, Harmoniously Adorned with Jewels

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Illuminating Treasury King

Homage to the Buddha Vehicle Banner

Homage to the Buddha Fearless Deva of Broad Faith, Padma of the Dharma Ocean

Homage to the Buddha Radiant King of the Roar of the Dharma Ocean

Homage to the Buddha Stainless Dharma Mountain

Homage to the Buddha Crest of the Radiance of the Dharma Wheel

Homage to Buddha Dharma-Sun Supreme Cloud

Homage to Buddha Dharma-Ocean Proclaimer of the Kingly Voice

Homage to Buddha Dharma-Sun Wisdom-Wheel Kindling the Lamp

Homage to Buddha Dharma-Flower Ketu Banner Cloud

Homage to Buddha Dharma-Flame Mountain Ketu King

Homage to Buddha Profound and Supreme Dharma-Practice Moon

Homage to Buddha Universal Radiance of Dharma-Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Treasury of Universal Wisdom and Illumination

Homage to Buddha Mountain-King Supreme Treasury King

Homage to Buddha Universal-Gate Virtuous Radiance

Homage to Buddha Banner of Diligence Adorning All Dharmas

Homage to Buddha Dharma-Treasure Flower Supreme Cloud

Homage to Buddha Profound Diadem of Tranquil Radiance

Homage to Buddha Dharma-Radiance Compassionate Joyful Teaching Radiant Sun

Homage to Buddha Ocean of Flames

Homage to Buddha Wisdom-Sun Universal Radiance

Homage to Buddha Crown of the Universal Wheel

Homage to Buddha King of Wisdom-Radiance

Homage to Buddha Lamp of Merit, Radiance, and Flowers

Homage to Buddha King of the Lion of Wisdom Ketu Banner

Homage to Buddha King of Sunlight

Homage to Buddha Mountain of Jeweled Marks

Homage to Buddha Mountain of Adornment

Homage to Buddha Sun-Host Universal Illumination

Homage to Buddha Dharma-Net Enlightened Supreme Moon

Homage to Buddha Fearless Narayana Lion

Homage to Buddha Universal Wisdom, Nondual and Valiant

Homage to Buddha Dharma-Padma Blossoming Body

Homage to Buddha Ocean of Supreme Flowers of Merit

Homage to Buddha Bodhi-Wheel Well-Enlightened Supreme Moon

Homage to Buddha Supreme Moon Kindling the Dharma-Torch

Homage to Buddha Samantabhadra Image Diadem

Homage to Buddha Dharma-Banner Kindling the Lamp

Homage to Buddha King of the Vajra-Ocean Banner

Homage to Buddha Mountain of Renown Supreme Cloud

Homage to Buddha Sandalwood Supreme Moon

Homage to Buddha Majestic Radiance of the Universal Flower of Merit

Homage to Buddha King Who Illuminates Sentient Beings

Homage to Buddha Treasury of Supreme Padma Flowers

Homage to Buddha Supreme Fragrant Flame Radiance

Homage to Buddha Cause of the Padma

Homage to Buddha Mountain of Marks Vairocana

Homage to Buddha Banner of Universal Renown

Homage to Buddha Universal-Gate Radiant Sumeru

Homage to Buddha Supreme Radiance of the Dharma-City

Homage to Buddha Majestic Merit

Homage to Buddha Banner of Valiant Supreme Marks and Dharma-Power

Homage to Buddha Roar of Radiance Turning the Dharma-Wheel

Homage to Buddha Prajna-Illumination, Mountain of Radiant Merit

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Supreme Moon Turning the Dharma-Wheel

Homage to Buddha Dharma-Flower Vairocana Pure Ketu

Homage to Buddha Treasury of Jeweled Padma Radiance

Homage to Buddha Lamp of Jeweled Mountain Clouds

Homage to Buddha Flower of Universal Enlightenment

Homage to Buddha Treasury of Various Radiances and Supreme Meru

Homage to Buddha King of the Wind of the Radiant Wheel

Homage to Buddha Cloud-Canopy of Merit

Homage to Buddha Banner of Dharma-Wind and Clouds

Homage to Buddha Majestic Mountain of Merit

Homage to Buddha King of the Dharma-Moon Cloud-Lamp

Homage to Buddha Dharma-Cloud Renowned Supreme Moon

Homage to Buddha Cloud of the Power of the Dharma-Wheel

Homage to Buddha Majestic Wisdom Fragrance-Banner

Homage to Buddha Pure Supreme Moon of the Dharma-Wheel

Homage to Buddha Virtuous One of the Majestic Golden Mountain

Homage to Buddha Virtuous Foremost Meru Majesty

Homage to Buddha Roaring Cloud of Universal Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Supreme Mountain of Dharma-Power

Homage to Buddha King of Supreme Fragrant Flames

Homage to Buddha Voice of the Gayakamani Mountain

Homage to Buddha Crown-Treasury Wheel of the Radiance of All Dharmas

Homage to Buddha Majesty Kindling the Dharma-Wheel

Homage to Buddha Supreme Majesty of Mountain Winds

Homage to Buddha Cloud of Universal Diligence and Torchlight

Homage to Buddha Samadhi Virtuous Jewel Celestial-Crown Radiance

Homage to Buddha Supreme Jeweled Radiance

Homage to Buddha Voice of the Dharma-Torch Jeweled Canopy

Homage to Buddha Lion of Joyful Dharma-Radiance

Homage to Buddha Moon-Banner of Adorned Marks

Homage to Buddha Cloud of Thunder and Lightning over the Mountain of Radiance

Homage to Buddha Stainless Banner

Homage to Buddha Unobstructed Dharma, Space-Radiance

Homage to Buddha Blossoming Body of Joyful Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Voice of Wondrous Worldly Radiance

Homage to Buddha Voice of the Radiance of Dharma-Samadhi

Homage to Buddha Abundant Treasury of the Dharma-Voice

Homage to Buddha Voice of the Ocean of Dharma-Fire and Flames

Homage to Buddha Majestic Image of the Marks of the Three Times

Homage to Buddha Lofty Radiance of the Dharma-Wheel

Homage to Buddha Lion-Radiance of the Dharmadhatu

Homage to Buddha Vairocana Supreme Sumeru

Homage to Buddha Lion of the Ocean of All Samadhis

Homage to Buddha Universal Radiant Wisdom Kindling the Lamp

Homage to Buddha Kindling the Lamp of the Dharmadhatu City

Homage to Buddha King of Universal-Gate Roaring Radiance

Homage to Buddha Virtuous Foremost

Homage to Buddha Universal Radiant Foremost

Homage to Buddha King of the Womb

Homage to Buddha Kindling the Lamp of the Dharmadhatu

Homage to Buddha Space-Mountain Illumination

Homage to Buddha Anila Possessing Eyes

Homage to Buddha Dragon Sovereign King

Homage to Buddha Universal Illumination Supreme Mount Sumeru

Homage to Buddha King of the Unobstructed Space-Wisdom Ketu Banner

Homage to Buddha Roar of the Buddha’s Universal Wisdom and Radiance Illuminating the Ten Directions

Homage to Buddha Cloud-King Roaring Voice

Homage to Buddha Amoghadarshin

Homage to Buddha Universal Illumination

Homage to Buddha Voice of Truth

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Voice

Homage to Buddha Radiance of Dharma-Fire and Flames

Homage to Buddha Wondrous One Who Creates Realms of Jeweled Golden Hue

Homage to Buddha Golden Jambu-Banner Tsarjana Radiance

Homage to Buddha Hundredfold Radiance of Golden Hue

Homage to Buddha True Renown

Homage to Buddha Unfailing Renown

Homage to Buddha Beloved of the Sun

Homage to Buddha Accomplished Wisdom and Meaning

Homage to Buddha Practice of Samantabhadra

Homage to Buddha King of the Stainless Radiant Ketu

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Flame

Homage to Buddha Sun and Moon

Homage to Buddha Ocean Supreme

Homage to Buddha Dharma-Banner

Homage to Buddha King of Boundless Merit

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Treasury

Homage to Buddha Stainless-Faced

Homage to Buddha Flower of Infinite Life

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Assembly

Homage to Buddha Sarvavibhu

Homage to Buddha Arising Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Universal Protector

Homage to Buddha Stainless Radiance

Homage to Buddha Foremost in Virtue

Homage to Buddha Mountain of Wondrous Virtue

Homage to Buddha King Among Humans

Homage to Buddha Unsurpassed Flower

Homage to Buddha King of Fearless Power

Homage to Buddha Lion Physician-King

Homage to Buddha Dragon Sovereign King

Homage to Buddha Sovereign King

Homage to Buddha Universally Scattered Golden Radiance

Homage to Buddha Valiant One

Homage to Buddha Golden Mountain Jeweled Canopy

Homage to Buddha Golden Flower Flame-Radiance

Homage to Buddha Wisdom-Radiance

Homage to Buddha Celestial Radiance

Homage to Buddha King of Wondrous Honored Wisdom

Homage to Buddha King of the Jeweled Canopy Lamp

Homage to Buddha King of the Wisdom-Banner’s Supreme Adornment

Homage to Buddha Stainless Treasury

Homage to Buddha Mark of Radiance

Homage to Buddha Golden Flame-Radiance

Homage to Buddha Treasury of Golden-White Radiance

Homage to Buddha Avalokiteshvara

Homage to Buddha King of Mighty Supreme Power

Homage to Buddha Emanation of the Past

Homage to Buddha Present Immeasurable One

Homage to the Buddha Ten Billion Banner King Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Stainless Purple-Gold Sand

Homage to the Buddha Immeasurable Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Sun-Wheel Radiant King

Homage to the Buddha Accumulation of Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Lion Billionfold Image

Homage to the Buddha Lion Joyful Play

Homage to the Buddha Universal Light, King of the Mountain of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Well-Abiding Merit, King of Jewels

Homage to the Buddha King Adorned with Jeweled Flowers

Homage to the Buddha Difficult to Vanquish

Homage to the Buddha Sumeru Mark

Homage to the Buddha Sumeru Lamp King

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Moon

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Flame

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Majesty

Homage to the Buddha Difficult-to-Vanquish Lion's Roar

Homage to the Buddha Great Radiant King

Homage to the Buddha Akshobhya

Homage to the Buddha Medicine King

Homage to the Buddha Adornment

Homage to the Buddha Ruci

Homage to the Buddha Moon Canopy

Homage to the Buddha Universal Light

Homage to the Buddha King of Jewels

Homage to the Buddha Vipashyin

Homage to the Buddha Shikhin

Homage to the Buddha Vishvabhu

Homage to the Buddha Krakucchanda

Homage to the Buddha Kanakamuni

Homage to the Buddha Kashyapa

Homage to the Buddha Thunder-Sound King

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Dharma Treasury

Homage to the Buddha Sandalwood Flower

Homage to the Buddha Sandalwood Leaf

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Sound

Homage to the Buddha Unsurpassed Victory

Homage to the Buddha Drum of Amrita

Homage to the Buddha Vipashyin

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of the Sun and Moon

Homage to the Buddha Unexcelled Light

Homage to the Buddha King of Perfect Adornment

Homage to the Buddha Radiance Shining Everywhere, King of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Lion-Roaring King Who Destroys the Four Maras

Homage to the Buddha Indestructible Vajra

Homage to the Buddha Lapis Lazuli Light

Homage to the Buddha King of Mount Sumeru

Homage to the Buddha King of the Radiance of the Pure Land

Homage to the Buddha Universal Light

Homage to the Buddha Universal Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Universal Purity

Homage to the Buddha Fragrance of Tamalapatra Sandalwood

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of Sandalwood Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Mani Banner

Homage to the Buddha Treasury of Joy, Accumulation of Mani Jewels

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Great Diligence, Delighted in Beholding All the Worlds

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of the Mani Banner-Lamp

Homage to the Buddha Illuminating Torch of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Oceanic Virtue Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Adamantine Strength, Universally Diffusing Golden Light

Homage to the Buddha Greatly Powerful, Diligent, and Valiant

Homage to the Buddha Light of Great Compassion

Homage to the Buddha King of the Power of Loving-Kindness

Homage to the Buddha King of the Treasury of Loving-Kindness

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Sandalwood-Grotto Adornment

Homage to the Buddha Virtuous and Excellent Leader

Homage to the Buddha Good Intention

Homage to the Buddha King of Vast Adornment

Homage to the Buddha Golden Flower Light

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign King of the Jeweled Canopy Illuminating Space

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of the Jeweled Flower of Space

Homage to the Buddha King of Lapis Lazuli Adornment

Homage to the Buddha Light of the Universally Manifested Form-Body

Homage to the Buddha Unmoving Wisdom Light

Homage to the Buddha King Who Subdues the Hosts of Maras

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of Riches

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Maitreya Sage Light

Homage to the Buddha World-Purifying Light

Homage to the Buddha King of Wisdom, Wondrously Honored, with the Moon-Sound of Serene Quiescence

Homage to the Buddha Honored King of Supreme Wisdom, Dragon Palm

Homage to the Buddha Light of the Sun and Moon

Homage to the Buddha Pearl-Light of the Sun and Moon

Homage to the Buddha Victorious King of the Banner of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha King of the Sovereign Power of the Lion's Roar

Homage to the Buddha Victorious King of Wondrous Sound

Homage to the Buddha Banner of Constant Light

Homage to the Buddha Avalokiteshvara Lamp King

Homage to the Buddha King of the Lamp of Wisdom and Awe-Inspiring Power

Homage to the Buddha King of the Victory of the Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Sumeru Light

Homage to the Buddha Light of the Sumanā Flower

Homage to the Buddha Supreme King of the Udumbara Flower

Homage to the Buddha King of the Power of Great Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Akshobhya Joyful Light

Homage to the Buddha King of Immeasurable Sounds

Homage to the Buddha Light of Riches

Homage to the Buddha Golden Ocean Light

Homage to the Buddha Light of Great Penetration

Homage to the Buddha King of Sovereign Penetration and Oceanic-Mountain Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha King of the Perfection of the Marks of All Dharmas

Homage to the Buddha Shakyamuni

Homage to the Buddha Indestructible Vajra

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Light

Homage to the Buddha Honored Dragon King

Homage to the Buddha Army of Diligence

Homage to the Buddha Joy of Diligence

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Fire

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Moonlight

Homage to the Buddha Manifestly Free from Delusion

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Moon

Homage to the Buddha Stainless

Homage to the Buddha Free from Defilement

Homage to the Buddha Courageous Giving

Homage to the Buddha Pure

Homage to the Buddha Pure Giving

Homage to the Buddha Saluna

Homage to the Buddha Water Deva

Homage to the Buddha Firm Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Sandalwood Merit

Homage to the Buddha Immeasurable Cuckoo Light

Homage to the Buddha Radiant Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Virtue Free from Sorrow

Homage to the Buddha Narayana

Homage to the Buddha Flower of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Lotus Light, Play of Spiritual Powers

Homage to the Buddha Wealth of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Mindfulness of Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Merit of Excellent Renown

Homage to the Buddha Crimson-Flame Imperial Banner

Homage to the Buddha Merit of Excellent Progress

Homage to the Buddha Victorious in Battle

Homage to the Buddha Excellent Progress

Homage to the Buddha Merit Adorning the Surrounding Realms

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Flower Progress

Homage to the Buddha King of the Sala Tree, Well-Abiding Jeweled Flower

Homage to the Buddha Excellent Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Immeasurable Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Play of Dharani

Homage to the Buddha King of the Power of the Shurangama Samadhi

Homage to the Buddha Unsurpassed Merit

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign King of the Samadhi of Excellent Vision

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign in Spiritual Powers

Homage to the Buddha Without the Mark of Form

Homage to the Buddha Without the Mark of Sound

Homage to the Buddha Without the Mark of Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Without the Mark of Taste

Homage to the Buddha Without the Mark of Touch

Next, we bow in homage to the twelve divisions of the Honored Sutras, the Great Treasury of the Dharma Wheel:

Homage to the Honored Sutra of the Seven Matters

Homage to the Honored Sutra of the Simile of the Water Jar

Homage to the Honored Sutra of the Seven Bases and Three Contemplations

Homage to the Honored Sutra of the Nine Untimely Deaths

Homage to the Honored Sutra of the Noble Eightfold Path

Homage to the Honored Sutra of the Simile of the Five Skandhas

Homage to the Honored Sutra of Turning the Dharma Wheel

Homage to the Honored Sutra of the Seal of the Sacred Dharma

Homage to the Honored Samyukta Agama Sutra

Homage to the Honored Sutra of Not Following One's Own Mind

Homage to the Honored Sutra of the Fragrance of the Virtue of Precepts

Homage to the Honored Sutra of the Bhikshu Hearing the Teaching on Giving

Homage to the Honored Sutra of the Three Characteristics of a Horse

Homage to the Honored Sutra of the Eight Traits of a Horse as a Simile for a Person

Homage to the Honored Sutra of the Bhikshu Who, Fearing an Evil Reputation, Sought to Kill Himself

Homage to the Honored Sutra of Dharmas Associated with the Precepts

Homage to the Honored Sutra of the Thirty-Seven Factors of Meditative Practice

Homage to the Honored Sutra on the Meaning of Revering the Dharma

Homage to the Honored Sutra of Lau Khôi

Homage to the Honored Mahaparinirvana Sutra

Homage to the Honored Sutra of the Buddha's Parinirvana

Homage to the Honored Sutra of the Great Six-Direction Veneration

Homage to the Honored Brahmajala Sutra of the Sixty-Two Views

Homage to the Honored Sutra of the Ten Dharmas of Recompense

Homage to the Honored Sutra of the Fruit of Quiescent Resolve

Homage to the Honored Sutra of the Brahmin Abạt

Homage to the Honored Sutra of the Family Names of the Parents of the Seven Buddhas

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Brahmin Pārāśarya’s Questions on Lineage

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Collected Traditions of the Worthies and Sages

Homage to the Revered Mahāprajñāpāramitā Sutra

Homage to the Revered Collection on the Six Pāramitās

Homage to the Revered Collection of the Bodhisattvas’ Original Causes and Conditions

Homage to the Revered Sutra of Saṅgharakṣa

Homage to the Revered Extracts from the Bo Sutra

Homage to the Revered Sutra on Contemplation

Homage to the Revered Sutra on the Buddha’s Robe

Homage to the Revered Concise Collection on the Differentiation of Karmic Retribution

Homage to the Revered Admonition of Nāgārjuna to the Kings

Homage to the Revered Sutra of Miscellaneous Parables

Homage to the Revered Parable of the Rākṣasa of Ignorance

Homage to the Revered Miscellaneous Annotations

Homage to the Revered Sutra of the Buddha’s Former Practices

Homage to the Revered Compilation of One Hundred Causes and Conditions

Homage to the Revered Sutra of One Hundred Parables

Homage to the Revered Old Collection of Miscellaneous Parables

Homage to the Revered Sutra of Parables from the Dhammapada

Homage to the Revered Dhammapada Sutra

Homage to the Revered Sutra in Forty-Two Sections

Homage to the Revered Essential Dharma of the Mysteries of Meditation

We respectfully pay homage to the great bodhisattvas throughout the ten directions:

Homage to Bodhisattva Stainless Treasury

Homage to Bodhisattva Treasury Free from Defilement

Homage to Bodhisattva Treasury Adorned with Manifold Joyful Eloquence

Homage to Bodhisattva Treasury of the Great Radiant Jeweled Net

Homage to Bodhisattva Treasury of the Majestic King of the Great Golden Mountain’s Radiance

Homage to Bodhisattva Treasury of the Majestic King of Pure Radiance

Homage to Bodhisattva Treasury Adorned with the Marks of Vajra-Blazing Virtue

Homage to Bodhisattva Treasury of Blazing Banners

Homage to Bodhisattva Treasury Illuminated by the Light of the King of Constellations

Homage to Bodhisattva Treasury of the Wondrous, Unobstructed Voice of Space

Homage to Bodhisattva Treasury of Dhāraṇī Virtue, Upholding the Aspirations of All Worlds

Homage to Bodhisattva Ocean-Adornment Treasury

Homage to Bodhisattva Treasury of Mount Sumeru’s Virtue

Homage to Bodhisattva Treasury of All-Purifying Virtue

Homage to Bodhisattva Tathāgata Treasury

Homage to Bodhisattva Treasury of the Buddha’s Virtue

Homage to Bodhisattva King of Luminous Virtue

Homage to Bodhisattva Sovereign King of Dhāraṇī

Homage to Bodhisattva Dhāraṇī

Homage to Bodhisattva Who Eradicates the Illnesses of Sentient Beings

Homage to Bodhisattva Who Heals the Illnesses of All Sentient Beings

Homage to Bodhisattva Joyful Recollection

Homage to Bodhisattva Who Wearies of Desire

Homage to Bodhisattva Ever Weary of Suffering

Homage to Bodhisattva Moonlight

Homage to Bodhisattva Water Deva

Homage to Bodhisattva Lord of Devas

Homage to Bodhisattva Great Resolve

Homage to Bodhisattva Beneficial Resolve

Homage to Bodhisattva Tranquil Moon

Homage to Bodhisattva King Śibi

Homage to Bodhisattva All-Victorious

Homage to Bodhisattva Knower of the Great Earth

Homage to Bodhisattva Kauśa

Homage to Bodhisattva A-Li-Niệm-Di

Homage to Bodhisattva King Mūrdhajāta

Homage to Bodhisattva Uttara

Homage to Bodhisattva Hòa Đàn

Homage to Bodhisattva King of Longevity

We bow in homage to the immeasurable and boundless great bodhisattvas throughout the worlds of the ten directions. We pay homage to the Worthies and Sages, śrāvakas, and pratyekabuddhas. Today, we disciples listen attentively to the following teaching of the sutras: “While one remains an ordinary being, it is called bondage; once one has attained the fruit of sagehood, it is called liberation.” Bondage is the result produced by the sinful actions committed through the three evil karmas.

Liberation is the unobstructed wholesome recompense, the result produced by the three wholesome karmas. All members of the Sangha of Worthies and Sages direct their minds toward the path of liberation, and by means of spiritual powers, wisdom, and immeasurable Dharma gates, they know all sentient beings. Śrāvakas, pratyekabuddhas, and bodhisattvas can manifest immeasurable bodies from a single body (1), or manifest countless forms from a single form (2).

At times they can shorten an entire kalpa into a single day (3), or do the reverse. If they wish to live long, they never enter extinction; if they wish to manifest impermanence (4), they enter nirvana. In wisdom and spiritual powers, they come and go in complete freedom, fly wherever they wish, and sit or recline in empty space.

They walk and stand upon water as though walking upon dry land, encountering neither difficulty nor danger. They take the pure, perfect quiescence of nirvana as their resting place; they thoroughly comprehend the myriad phenomena and clearly know both existence and nonexistence. Endowed with unobstructed eloquence (5), they perfect wisdom.

These wholesome qualities do not arise from evil karma; they do not arise from greed or jealousy; they do not come from delusion or wrong views; they do not arise from laziness or arrogance; nor do they come from pride and self-conceit (6). These wholesome qualities arise solely from vigilance and the abstention from creating evil karma; all these wholesome qualities are brought forth by wholesome karma.

Nowhere is there anyone who practices wholesome karma in accordance with the Buddha’s teaching yet suffers evil retribution—such as poverty and hardship, illness, and so forth—or is scorned by others and has words that no one ever trusts or accepts. Today, before the Three Jewels, we vow to leave behind the state of ordinary beings and become sages, to follow the Buddha’s teaching and cultivate in accordance with it. We dare not shrink from even a minor hardship and thereby give rise to indolence.

Thus, with all our hearts, we diligently bow and repent so that our transgressions may be eradicated. The Buddha taught in the sutras: “Transgression arises from the mind, and through the mind it is also repented.” While bearing the body of an ordinary being, when we encounter objects, delusion arises in the mind. Therefore, apart from the method of repentance, there is no superior method by which to seek liberation.

Today, together we must arouse a courageous and vigorous mind and bring forth the resolve to repent. The power of repentance is inconceivable.

How is this known? Prince Ajātaśatru committed the grave five heinous offenses (7), but afterward he learned to give rise to shame, reproached himself, and repented; therefore, his grave offenses became light. Moreover, the Dharma of repentance enables practitioners to attain peace and joy. If anyone personally establishes regular periods of practice, strives wholeheartedly, bows the head in homage, repents, and takes refuge until becoming completely purified, it is impossible that the bodhisattvas of the ten directions would not respond. Evil karma and its retribution follow one another like a form and its shadow, affecting each other without the slightest discrepancy. Therefore, we must wholeheartedly endure hardship and diligently repent.

Homage to Buddha Golden Radiance in the East

Homage to Buddha Great Sumeru in the South

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Bliss in the West

Homage to Buddha Perfect in Dignified Wisdom in the North

Homage to Buddha Honored One of the Dharma Lineage in the Southeast

Homage to Buddha Imperial Banner in the Southwest

Homage to Buddha Who Instructs and Transforms Bodhisattvas in the Northwest

Homage to Buddha Wisdom and Vigor in the Northeast

Homage to Buddha Whose Garment and Hair Receive No Dust in the Nadir

Homage to Buddha Who Arouses the Wind of Measureless Vigor in the Zenith

Today, with single-minded earnestness, we cast ourselves upon the ground like Mount Tai (8) collapsing. With this thought in our minds and these words upon our lips, we beseech all Buddhas of the ten directions to regard us with loving compassion. May the Buddhas rescue us from suffering and distress, extending their great compassion to shelter all beings everywhere. May they emit brilliant rays of light that illuminate the ten directions, utterly dispelling delusion and removing every dark obstruction. Mindful of us and all sentient beings who have fallen into the torment of transgression and suffering, may they come here and rescue us. May they bestow happiness upon us so that we may be freed from suffering.

Notes:

1. Manifesting immeasurable bodies from a single body: This refers to bodhisattvas and arhats producing many transformation bodies and manifesting in response to circumstances in order to liberate sentient beings. For example, Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara manifests thirty-two responsive bodies to deliver beings in the world, bringing benefit to countless sentient beings.

2. Manifesting countless forms from a single form: The essential meaning is the same as in note 1 above. This means manifesting one or many forms as circumstances require in order to awaken sentient beings. They appear in myriad shapes and forms, manifesting countless skillful means to rescue and liberate all living beings.

3. Shortening an eon into a single day: This means that, according to the circumstances of time, bodhisattvas appear to liberate beings. Sometimes liberation can be accomplished only within a short period, so they must shorten the time; elsewhere, a long period may be required to liberate beings, so they must extend the time in order to liberate all beings completely.

4. Manifesting impermanence: This refers merely to manifesting impermanence in order to enter nirvana. That is to say, in their unobstructed and harmonious engagement with the world to aid it and deliver sentient beings, they “accord with conditions without changing; without changing, they accord with conditions.”

5. Unobstructed eloquence: Eloquence (F). This is peerless skill in expounding and discoursing upon the principles of the Dharma, and powerful eloquence that causes everyone to accept the teaching with faith. The eloquence of Buddhas and bodhisattvas is unobstructed: no force can hinder it, and no one can refute it. This is called the unobstructed understanding of eloquence. Buddhas and bodhisattvas fully possess the four kinds of eloquence.

6. Arrogance and self-importance: Here it is said that these noble ones, or anyone who understands the principles of the Dharma and undertakes work for the benefit of sentient beings, are never “arrogant or self-important.” These four words mean regarding oneself as exalted, regarding oneself as great and superior to all. This belongs to pride and conceit and is not wholesome.

7. The grave offenses of the five heinous acts: Explained in Volume Four, item 5, page 354 (Book I).

8. Mount Tai: This mountain signifies towering height, standing lofty and immovable. Here, the intention is to “personify” the matter in the words of the repentance vow.