佛說佛名經

From beginningless time until now, whenever we, your disciples, have undertaken any endeavor, nothing has gone according to our wishes. We should understand that this is entirely due to the residual retribution of evil karma created from the past until the present. Therefore, we must seek to pay homage and repent.

We must seek to pay homage and repent for all retributions of evil dreams and inauspicious signs in the human realm. We repent for the retribution of grave illnesses in the human realm that persist throughout the year and for many months without healing, leaving one constantly bedridden and unable to sit up. We repent for the retribution of winter epidemics, summer plagues, virulent pestilences, and typhoid diseases in the human realm.

We repent for the retribution of suffering and peril in the human realm from floods, fires, bandits, warfare, and weapons. We repent for the retribution of harm to people in the human realm by venomous lions, tigers, wolves, poisonous snakes, vicious scorpions, centipedes, and house centipedes. We repent for all retributions of grief and affliction, birth, aging, illness, and death in the human realm.

We repent for all retributions whereby suffering beings in the human realm will fall into the three evil destinies for immeasurable years and months. We repent for all retributions whereby beings are unable to return from the evil realms. We repent for all retributions whereby beings must become servants commanded by others.

We repent for all retributions whereby beings become oxen, horses, or camels, constantly beaten, made to travel bearing heavy loads, and oppressed by hunger and thirst. We repent for the retributions arising in the human realm from deceitful and uncanny beings, seductive spirits, solitary ghosts, and deviant demons… For these and immeasurable other retributions, today we reverently bow before all Buddhas of the ten directions.

We humbly beseech you, out of compassion, to bear witness and, through your unseen influence, bless and sustain us, so that our transgressions may be extinguished, merit may arise, our roots of goodness may increase, we may advance in cultivating the path, and we may be adorned with merit and wisdom.

Homage to the Buddha Kanaga Stainless Radiant Sun-Flame Cloud

Homage to the Buddha Indra Radiant Ceremonial Banner

Homage to the Buddha Stainless Moon of Every Place

Homage to the Buddha Who Awakens to the Equal Characteristics of Empty Space

Homage to the Buddha Vastly Responsive Cloud-Banner of the Ten Directions

Homage to the Buddha Equal and Unequal Locana

Homage to the Buddha Empty King Who Destroys Malicious Intent through Compassionate Liberation

Homage to the Buddha Sumeru Who Accomplishes All Meanings

Homage to the Buddha Unfailing Vision of the Lineage

Homage to the Buddha Victorious Wondrous Roar

Homage to the Buddha King of Foremost Sovereign Penetration

Homage to the Buddha Locana Wondrous Moon of Inconceivable Merit

Homage to the Buddha Banner of Trustworthy Power

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom That Receives the Sounds of the Dharma Realm

Homage to the Buddha Padma Light with Long and Excellent Arms

Homage to the Buddha Light of the Ocean of Non-Retrogressing Merit

Homage to the Buddha Swift One Who Universally Gives Rise to Wondrous Omniscience

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom of Immeasurable Power and Lion’s Light

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Wisdom That Sees the Purity of All Dharmas

Homage to the Buddha Far Removed from All Grief and Affliction

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign in Wondrous Awesome Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Golden Flower Fire-Light

Homage to the Buddha Who Vigorously Contemplates the Dharma Realm

Homage to the Buddha Dipankara, King of the Kinnaras

Homage to the Buddha Who Lights the Lamp of Incense

Homage to the Buddha King of Response

Homage to the Buddha Tathagata Whose Merit Is Seen through the Universal Gate

Homage to the Buddha King of Universal Vigor in All Dharmas

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign in Vast Transformation

Homage to the Buddha Inconceivable Mind of Liberating Light in the Dharma Realm

Homage to the Buddha Tathagata of Stainless Light

Homage to the Buddha Locana, Supreme Sound of the Wheel of the World

Homage to the Buddha Padma Sumeru of Boundless Eyes

Homage to the Buddha Accomplishment of Joy and Bliss

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom of the Sphere of Omniscient Practice

Homage to the Buddha Vast, Quiescent, Wondrous Sound

Homage to the Buddha Moon of Stainless Wisdom in Empty Space

Homage to the Buddha Flower of the Cloud-Form of the Vast Ocean of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Excellent Cloud Capable of Performing Good

Homage to the Buddha Banner of the Cloud of Supreme Sound

Homage to the Buddha Banner of the Roar of Supreme Sound

Homage to the Buddha Vigorous Observing Eye

Homage to the Buddha Vajra of Inexhaustible Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Universal-Eyed Illumination of the Treasury of the Sun

Homage to the Buddha Sound of Every Roar

Homage to the Buddha Hero of Immeasurable Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Above Sumeru of All Merit

Homage to the Buddha Awesome Virtue of the Sun of the Buddha-Root

Homage to the Buddha Light of the Body Filled with Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Foremost Flower-Form of the Earth

Homage to the Buddha Fearless Vision of the Clouds

Homage to the Buddha Ketu of Impartial Speech

Homage to the Buddha King of the Jeweled Dipankara

Homage to the Buddha Mind of Resolute Vigor, Diligent Advancement, and Accomplished Meaning

Homage to the Buddha Praised for Universally Illuminating Contemplation

Homage to the Buddha Supreme in Praise through Compassionate Light

Homage to the Buddha Supremely Praised for Merit

Homage to the Buddha Supreme in Praise for Being Mindful of All Beings

Homage to the Buddha Supreme in Praise like Mount Sumeru

Homage to the Buddha Supremely Praised for Perfect Shame and Moral Dread

Homage to the Buddha Who Teaches and Transforms All Worlds

Homage to the Buddha Free from All Grief

Homage to the Buddha Free from All Calamities

Homage to the Buddha Free from All Worlds

Homage to the Buddha Capable of Transforming the Womb

Homage to the Buddha Who Transforms Women

Homage to the Buddha Who Transforms and Subdues Men and Women

Homage to the Buddha Supreme King of the Buddha-Flower

Homage to the Buddha Whose Proclamation of the Name Is Unfailing

Homage to the Buddha King of Penetration through the Dharma of Excellent Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Whose Vast Merit in the Ten Directions Is Praised as Exhausting Celestial Bliss

Homage to the Buddha Whose Loving Great Wisdom and Vision Make Hearing His Name Unfailing

Homage to the Buddha Supreme in Immeasurable Power and Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Who Accomplishes Brahma-Merit

Homage to the Buddha Fragrant Elephant

Homage to the Buddha Vajra Guhyaka

Homage to the Buddha Who Skillfully Turns and Accomplishes Meaning

Homage to the Buddha Locana of the Supreme Flower and Awesome Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Constant Merit, Dipankara, Wisdom That Dispels

Homage to the Buddha Moon Who Has Reached the Other Shore of All Doubts

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom of Immeasurable Sound That Has Reached the Dharma Realm

Homage to the Buddha Dipankara of Supreme Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Sunlight of the Dharma Realm

Homage to the Buddha Sound of Turning the Dharma Wheel amid the Boundless Light of the Ocean of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Sun of Inconceivable Wisdom and Vision

Homage to the Buddha King of Awesome Virtue and Supreme Jeweled Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Adornment of Inexhaustible Merit

Homage to the Buddha Universal Roar of Immeasurable Power

Homage to the Buddha Dipankara Who Fulfills the Universal Eye

Homage to the Buddha Torch of Supreme Merit

Homage to the Buddha Voice of the Great Dragon

Homage to the Buddha Padma Lion-Throne, Vigorous Savior

Homage to the Buddha Awakened Light of Accumulated Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha King of Excellent Awesome Virtue Who Abides in and Upholds the Earth

Homage to the Buddha King of Dipankara Who Abides Well in the Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Whose Unfailing Vision Gives Rise to Joyful Deeds

Homage to the Buddha Banner of Flames Emanated from the Body

Homage to the Buddha Who Purifies the Conduct of Beings

Homage to the Buddha Universal Radiance of the Cloud of All Virtues

Homage to the Buddha Moon-Wisdom of the Blossoming Flower-Form

Homage to the Buddha Foremost Radiance, Golden Palace Illuminator

Homage to the Buddha Light That Contemplates the Ocean of All Dharmas without Distinction

Homage to the Buddha Transformation-Sun

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Canopy, Supreme Locana

Homage to the Buddha Excellent Contemplation

Homage to the Buddha Supreme and Resolute Wisdom of Vigor

Homage to the Buddha Padma of the Blossoming Flower-Heart

Homage to the Buddha Pure Eye

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign Moonlight

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Banner of the Inexhaustible Ocean of Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Vajra Padma

Homage to the Buddha Maker of the Vast Kusuma

Homage to the Buddha Banner of Sovereignty over Beings

Homage to the Buddha Locana, Wheel of Omniscient Wisdom and Illumination

Homage to the Buddha Dragon-Proclaimed Immeasurable Merit

Homage to the Buddha Jewel Merit, Cultivator of Light

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom Adorned with All Powers

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Flame, Mount Sumeru

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Light of All Practices

Homage to the Buddha Ocean of All Paramitas

Homage to the Buddha Banner of the Gateway of the Jeweled-Flame Countenance

Homage to the Buddha Light Accomplishing All Vows

Homage to the Buddha Who Broadly Attained the Ultimate Reach of All Dharmas

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Web of Light

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Mountain Banner

Homage to the Buddha Treasury of the Ocean of Wisdom Beyond Limits and Extremes

Homage to the Buddha Banner of the Merit of All Pure Meanings

Homage to the Buddha King Who Completely Comprehends All Things

Homage to the Buddha Locana of the Unobstructed Universal Dharma Realm

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom of Supreme Samadhi and Diligence

Homage to the Buddha Lamp of the Unobstructed Dharma Realm

Homage to the Buddha Supreme King, Mount Sumeru Banner of the Unobstructed Dharma Realm

Homage to the Buddha Kusuma King of the Factors of Enlightenment

Homage to the Buddha Who Attained the Great Ocean of Worldly Merit

Homage to the Buddha Lion’s Strength

Homage to the Buddha King of the Ocean of Universal Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Padma Banner of Excellent Transformation

Homage to the Buddha Voice of the Universal Gateway of Inexhaustible Light

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Majestic Virtue of the Cloud of Universal Merit

Homage to the Buddha Ocean of Supreme Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Cloud of Wisdom-Moon Flowers

Homage to the Buddha Majestic Virtue of Fragrant Light

Homage to the Buddha Pure and Unobstructed Vision of the Universal Gateway

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom of Dharma Sovereignty That Cannot Be Subdued

Homage to the Buddha King of the Blooming Padma Light

Homage to the Buddha Great Diligence and Excellent Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Banner of the Steadfast King

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Majestic Virtue That Cannot Be Subdued

Homage to the Buddha Virtue of Diligence

Homage to the Buddha King of the Supreme Mind of All Merit

Homage to the Buddha King Who Perfectly Accomplishes Boundless Merit

Homage to the Buddha Broad and Excellent Eye That Dispels All Doubts

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Wisdom of Wondrous Merit

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Light Surpassing All Lights

Homage to the Buddha Lamp of Mount Sumeru

Homage to the Buddha Cloud of Inexhaustible Excellent Transformations

Homage to the Buddha King of Transformations of Immeasurable Light

Homage to the Buddha Pure Wisdom and Brahma-Conduct

Homage to the Buddha Cloud of Flames from the Lion’s Eye

Homage to the Buddha Gateway of Celestial Flames of the Great Ocean

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Awakened Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Great Sage of Immeasurable Rank

Homage to the Buddha Stainless Swift Cloud of Renown

Homage to the Buddha Locana Who Fills the Dharma Realm

Homage to the Buddha Golden-Colored Flower

Homage to the Buddha Stainless Blooming Flower of Great Merit

Homage to the Buddha King of Illuminating Supreme Majestic Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Stainless Eye That Abides Nowhere

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Adornment

Homage to the Buddha Distinctive Wisdom of the Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Banner of the Turning Wheel of the Lamp

Homage to the Buddha Wheel of the Dharma Realm

Homage to the Buddha Supreme King of the Jewels of All Buddhas

Homage to the Buddha Banner of the Wisdom-Wheel of Boundless Light

Homage to the Buddha Banner of Unattached Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Lion

Homage to the Buddha Moon Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Sun Illumination

Homage to the Buddha King of the Ocean of Merit Whose Tongue Constantly Emits Universal Light

Homage to the Buddha King of the Adornment of the Dharma Realm with Boundless Light

Homage to the Buddha Long-Armed One

Homage to the Buddha Lofty Vision

Homage to the Buddha Locana of the Stainless Ground, Who Universally Illuminates the Worlds of Equal Light in the Ten Directions with a Roaring Voice of Light Throughout Space

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Light Seen through the Universal Gateway in the World Adorned by a Pure Lotus Pond

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Meritorious Universal Light in the World Sustained by Boundless Merit

Homage to the Buddha Vision of Space, Universal Light in the World of the Supreme Lamp of Di Luu

Homage to the Buddha Joyful Vision of Floral Fire in the World of All Wondrous Sounds, Delightful to Hear

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Mount Sumeru Lamp in the World Adorned by Wondrous Sounds

Homage to the Buddha Banner of the Voice of the Dharma Realm, Excellent in Transformation, in the World Illuminated and Adorned by All Jeweled Colors

Homage to the Buddha Roaring Voice of Vajra Light and Lightning in the World Adorned by the Vajra Treasury of Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Invincible Power of the Moon in the World of Blazing Sound

Homage to the Buddha Roaring Voice of Wisdom in the Dharma Citadel, in the Stainless World Adorned with Jeweled Padmas Set at Intervals

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom-Lamp Whose Name Is Widely Proclaimed throughout the Worlds of the Ten Directions, in the World That Can Bestow Happiness

Homage to the Buddha Lion’s Light, Perfect Great Ocean of Merit, in the World of the Stainless Hand and the Excellent Stainless Net

Homage to the Buddha Great Wisdom and Blooming Floral Light in the World Illuminated by the Wondrous Flower Banner

Homage to the Buddha Lofty Wisdom and Light of Variegated Flowers in the World Interspersed with Immeasurable Adornments

Homage to the Buddha Banner-Eye That Universally Fills the Dharma Realm, in the World of Boundless Adornments

Homage to the Buddha Foremost in Wondrous Wisdom, in the World Adorned by the Universal Light of a Jeweled Canopy

Homage to the Buddha Banner of Created Moonlight in the World of the Excellent King

Homage to the Buddha Excellent Enlightenment and Brahma-Majesty in the World Adorned by the Stainless Treasury

Homage to the Buddha Lamp of Space and Power of Every Kind, in the World of the Body of Jeweled Light

Homage to the Buddha Majestic Virtue of the Great Ocean of the Marks of All Paramitas, in the World Accomplished by Jeweled Necklaces upon the Hands

Homage to the Buddha Joyful Creator Who Severs All Attachments, in the World Universally Covered by the Wheel of Dust

Homage to the Buddha Roaring Illumination of Great Renown and Vast Merit, in the World of the Jeweled Garland and Wondrous Banner

Homage to the Buddha Ocean of Merit of the Light of Undifferentiated Wisdom, in the World of Inconceivable Adornment and Universally Adorning Light

Homage to the Buddha Stainless Light of the Boundless Dharma Realm, in the World of the Banner of the Radiance of Inexhaustible Light

Homage to the Buddha Pure Jeweled Vision in the World Emitting Jeweled Flame-Flowers

Homage to the Buddha Roar of the Unobstructed, Vigorous Light in the World of the Treasury of Majestic Flames

Homage to the Buddha Homage to the Buddha Universal Jeweled Light in the World Adorned by the Jeweled Wheel of Equal Light

Homage to the Buddha Pure and Unobstructed Light of Every Thought, in the World of the Sandalwood Tree and Cultivated Banner

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom of Vast, Joyful, Beheld Light, in the World Adorned by the Excellent Array of the Color-Wheels of Buddha-Lands

Homage to the Buddha Excellent Contemplation, Vigorous in the Dharma Realm, in the World Illuminated and Adorned by Subtle Light

Homage to the Buddha Accomplishment of Unobstructed Wisdom in the World of Boundless Colors, Shapes, and Marks

Homage to the Buddha Roar of the Irreversible Dharma Wheel in the World Blazing with Clouds of Universal Flames

Homage to the Buddha Majestic Virtue of Flowers of Pure Color and Form, in the World of the Pure Wheel Adorned with Various Jewels

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Sun-Moon in the World of Ultimate Excellent Cultivation

Homage to the Buddha Light of the Wisdom-Body That Transcends the Dharma Realm, in the Supreme World Accomplished by the Well-Made, Steadfast Vajra Seat

Homage to the Buddha Vast Jeweled Torch in the Unobstructed World Adorned throughout the Ten Directions

Homage to the Buddha King of Clouds of Flowers of Universal Light, in the World of Distinctive Colored Light

Homage to the Buddha Universally Perceived Wondrous Merit Light of the world Jeweled Gateway of Various Banners.

Homage to the Buddha Cloud of Sounds Throughout the Ten Directions of the world Mani-Crowned Radiance of Cultivation.

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom-Surpassing King Sumeru of the world Sovereign Mani Vajra Treasury.

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Adornment of Merit, Radiating Fragrant Light, of the world Mani Reliance and Throne Accomplishing Excellence.

Homage to the Buddha King of the Voice of the Banner of Universal Wisdom of the world Adorned with Utpala Flowers.

Homage to the Buddha Fearless Lamp of All Dharmas of the world Jeweled Adornment of Various Treasuries.

Homage to the Buddha King of Universal Joy and Swift Victory of the world Fragrant Excellence and Stainless Light.

Homage to the Buddha Universal Gateway Wisdom Vairocana Hum of the world Banner of the Treasury of Bliss.

Homage to the Buddha Immeasurable Ocean of Merit and Light of the world Fragrant Adornment and Joyful Treasury.

Homage to the Buddha Lightning of the Dharma Realm of the world Jeweled Lion’s Blazing Light.

Homage to the Buddha King of the Light of Liberation Proclaimed as Merit Equal to the Unbannered of the world Illuminated by Joyful Marks.

Homage to the Buddha Stainless Lamp of the Pure Eye of the world Illuminated by the Light of Accomplished Merit.

Homage to the Buddha Lion’s Light and Supreme Radiance of the world Supremely Adorned with Various Fragrant Flowers.

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom-Surpassing Banner of Vast Light of the world Jeweled Adornment and Impartial Light.

Homage to the Buddha Accomplishment of the Sun of Golden Light and Immeasurable Power of the world Joyful Crown of Various Lights.

Homage to the Buddha Firm in the Power of Joy and Fragrant Light of the world Radiating Kusuma and Sinking Wheel.

Homage to the Buddha Firm in the Power of Light of the world Pure Light and Various Creations.

Homage to the Buddha Great Sovereign Banner of Universal Light of the world Pure Light and Various Creations.

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign King Proclaimed by Merit, Adornment of the Ocean of Joy, of the world Adorned with the Flaming Wheel of Kusumita.

Homage to the Buddha Banner of the Vastly Proclaimed Ocean of Wisdom of the world Accomplished Earth and Majestic Virtue.

Homage to the Buddha Moon of the Light of Excellent Marks of the world Resounding with a Lion’s Roar.

Homage to the Buddha Supreme King of the Ocean of All Dharmas of the world Vajra Banner.

Homage to the Buddha Dharma-Abiding Merit of Immeasurable Sentient Beings of the world Adorned with Immeasurable Merit.

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Sovereign Brahma of the world Illuminated by Light.

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Roar of the Wondrous Dharma Realm of the world Born of Stainless Light.

Homage to the Buddha Banner of Inconceivable Power and Universal Light of the world Lamp Illuminated by Various Lights.

Homage to the Buddha Sun-Eye of Stainless Merit of the world Illuminated by Impartial Light.

Homage to the Buddha Universal Illumination of the Ten Directions through Unobstructed Wisdom of the world Jeweled Creation and Adorned Treasury.

Homage to the Buddha Banner of Immeasurable Supreme Practices of the Dustless World.

Homage to the Buddha Impartial Light Illuminating the Dharma Realm and Empty Space of the world Pure Light.

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Majestic Virtue of the Cloud of Meritorious Marks of the world Jeweled Treasury, Baling, and Supreme Accomplishment.

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Crowned Light of Vairocana of the world Banner of Palace Adornment.

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom of the Boundless Ocean of All Dharmas of the world Treasury of the Supreme Crown.

Homage to the Buddha Universal Light of the Manifested Marks of Dharma of the world Excellent Fragrance of Skillful Transformation.

Homage to the Buddha Vairocana of Excellent Retinues of the world Joyful Earth and Form-Light.

Homage to the Buddha Joy in Dharma Practice and Inexhaustible Wisdom of the world Skillfully Created Blossoming Flowers.

Homage to the Buddha Stainless Pure Universal Light of the world Wheel of Supreme Merit and Majestic Virtue.

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Flower of the Pure Eye of the world Adorned with Mani Jewels and Padma Flowers.

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom Accomplished through Immeasurable Power of the world Accomplished Blazing Earth.

Homage to the Buddha Moon of the Vast Eye of Empty Space of the world Illuminated by Brahma.

Homage to the Buddha Golden-Hued Lamp of Ranmiru of the world Impartiality of Sound and Dust.

Homage to the Buddha Light of Wisdom Surpassing the Wondrous Dharma Realm of the world Adorned with Jeweled Colors.

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Lamp and Banner of Universal Light of the world Golden-Hued Excellent Light.

Homage to the Buddha Skillful Illumination of the Vigorous Supreme Blazing Flower of the world Moon of Vairocana’s Light.

Homage to the Buddha Majestic Virtue of the Flower of Inexhaustible Merit of the world Jeweled Moon and Created Treasury.

Homage to the Buddha Ambrosial Roaring Voice of the Power of Practice of the world Illuminated by Mirror-like Light.

Homage to the Buddha Light of Supreme Majestic Virtue and Wisdom of the Wondrous Dharma of the world Adorned with Wondrous Sandalwood and a Joyful Moon.

Homage to the Buddha Supreme King of the Light of Merit and Boundless Vigor of the world Accumulation of Boundless Merit.

Homage to the Buddha King of the Sun-Lamp of the world Accomplishment of Great Adornment.

Homage to the Buddha Padmavati of the world Universal Flowers.

Homage to the Buddha Marici of the world Vairocana.

Homage to the Buddha Narayana Flower Banner of the world of Pure Practice.

Homage to the Buddha Majestic Virtue of Padma of the world Possessing Flowers.

Homage to the Buddha King of Thunderous Sound of the world Possessing Clouds.

Homage to the Buddha Bubaksa of the world Impossible to Traverse.

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Padma of the Lotus World.

Homage to the Buddha King of Light of the world Flower Banner.

Homage to the Buddha King of Adornment of the world Light, Adorned with Boundless Merit.

Homage to the Buddha Samantabhadra of the world Immeasurable Light.

Homage to the Buddha King of the Lion’s Vigorous Advance of Golden-Hued Light, Manifesting Peace and Bliss through the Accumulation of Boundless Merit and Jewels, of the world Manifesting Peace and Bliss through Boundless Merit, Jewels, and Deeds.

Homage to the Buddha King of the Wondrous Supreme Mountain of Universal Light of the world Universally Interspersed with Jewels.

Homage to the Buddha King Proclaimed as Stainless of the world Universally Stainless.

Homage to the Buddha Universal Flower of the world of Pure Practice.

Good men! Pay homage to all the Buddhas in the many worlds; and the entire great assembly should also pay homage to those great bodhisattvas dwelling within those worlds. At that time, the bhiksus (1) addressed the Buddha, saying: “World-Honored One! Are the lifespans of those Buddha-Tathagatas long or short, and are they equal or not?”

The Buddha told the bhikkhus: “Listen attentively, and I shall explain this matter to you. Bhikkhus! One kalpa here in the Sahā world (2), the present Buddha-land of Śākyamuni Buddha, is only one day and one night in the Land of Peace and Bliss.

One kalpa in the Land of Peace and Bliss of Amitābha Buddha is only one day and one night in the Kāṣāya Banner world of Crushed Vajra Buddha. One kalpa in the Kāṣāya Banner world is only one day and one night in the Irreversible Wheel’s Roar world of the Tathagata Excellent Joyous Radiance Padma Universal Body. One kalpa in the Irreversible Wheel’s Roar world is only one day and one night in the Stainless world of the Tathagata Dharma Banner.

One kalpa in the Stainless world is only one day and one night in the Buddha-land of the Tathagata Lion, Teacher of the World of Excellent Blazing Lamps. One kalpa in the Excellent Blazing Lamps world is only one day and one night in the Buddha-land of the Tathagata Vairocana Treasury of the World of Excellent Radiance. One kalpa in the Excellent Radiance world is only one day and one night in the Buddha-land of the Tathagata Dharma Radiance Padma Universal Body of the Difficult-to-Surpass World.

One kalpa in the Difficult-to-Surpass world is only one day and one night in the Buddha-land of the Tathagata All-Pervading Radiance of the Adorned Wisdom World. One kalpa in the Adorned Wisdom world is only one day and one night in the Buddha-land of the Tathagata Lunar Wisdom of the Realm-Wheel Radiance World… Bhikkhus, continuing the complete enumeration in this manner, one passes through ten asaṃkhyeyas (3) of hundreds of thousands of myriads of worlds.

At the very end, one kalpa in the Padma Supreme world is only one day and one night in the Buddha-land of the Tathagata Excellent Sage. Bhikkhus! These many worlds are measureless and boundless, and their durations differ.

The lifespans of the Buddha-Tathagatas and the periods for which they abide in the world are likewise so. Bhikkhus! You should extol and bow in homage to the names of the Buddhas.”

(In the Hu-country manuscript, the names of the worlds are given throughout the text from this point onward, but they have been omitted in this version.)

All chant together as follows:

We bow reverently to all Buddha-Tathagatas.

Homage to Buddha Unmoving Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Anila Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Varuṇa Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Asita Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Wisdom of Practice

Homage to Buddha Aruṇa Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Constant Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Joyful Sovereign Deva

Homage to Buddha Brahmā Deva

Homage to Buddha Deva of Supreme Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Yamala Moon

Homage to Buddha Irreversible Moon

Homage to Buddha Unmoving Moon

Homage to Buddha Anila Moon

Homage to Buddha Varuṇa Moon

Homage to Buddha Asita Moon

Homage to Buddha Supreme Moon

Homage to Buddha Aruṇa Moon

Homage to Buddha Stainless Moon

Homage to Buddha Moon of Supreme Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Irreversible Eye

Homage to Buddha Foremost Eye

Homage to Buddha Anila Eye

Homage to Buddha Unmoving Eye

Homage to Buddha Asita Eye

Homage to Buddha Eye of Practice

Homage to Buddha Aruṇa Eye

Homage to Buddha Varuṇa Eye

Homage to Buddha Supreme Eye

Homage to Buddha Subtle and Pure Eye

Homage to Buddha Irreversible Banner

Homage to Buddha Anila Banner

Homage to Buddha Asita Banner

Homage to Buddha Varuṇa Banner

Homage to Buddha Banner of Practice

Homage to Buddha Aruṇa Banner

Homage to Buddha Constant Banner

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Banner

Homage to Buddha Sovereign Banner

Homage to Buddha Brahmā Banner

Homage to Buddha Supreme Banner

Homage to Buddha Milu Banner

Homage to Buddha Treasury of Padma’s Supreme Victory

Homage to Buddha Universal Eye

Homage to Buddha Brahmā Life

Homage to Buddha Vajra Boundary

Homage to Buddha Pātṛ Treasury Deva

Homage to Buddha King of Certainty in All Dharmas

Homage to Buddha Supreme Tranquil Eye of the Milu Banner

Homage to Buddha Jñānaśa

Homage to Buddha Puṣya

Homage to Buddha Padma Supreme

Homage to Buddha Great Radiance

Homage to Buddha Dharma Mind

Homage to Buddha Excellent Dharma

Homage to Buddha Praised Victory

Homage to Buddha Precious Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Eye

Homage to Buddha Suspended Lamp

Homage to Buddha Discerning Meaning

Homage to Buddha Sovereign

Homage to Buddha Vāsu Deva

Homage to Buddha Never Departing

Homage to Buddha Discerning Victory

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Practice

Homage to Buddha Unobstructed Moon

Homage to Buddha Foremost of Boundless Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Universal Eye

Homage to Buddha Hậu Bà La La

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Victory

Homage to Buddha Sunlight

Homage to Buddha Boundless Light

Homage to Buddha Dharma Banner

Homage to Buddha Lamp of Boundless Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Lamp of Universal Contemplation of Merit

Homage to Buddha Merit

Homage to Buddha Vajra Banner

Homage to Buddha Banner of Supreme Merit, Precious Flame of Universal Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Supreme Banner of the Indra Banner

Homage to Buddha Ketu of Supreme Merit, Precious Flame of Universal Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Stainless Wheel, Banner of the Great Compassionate Cloud

Homage to Buddha Light of a Hundred Koṭis of Samādhis

Homage to Buddha Far-Reaching Light

Homage to Buddha Moonlight

Homage to Buddha Sandalwood Fragrance

Homage to Buddha Excellent Mountain King

Homage to Buddha Celestial Crown of Mount Sumeru

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Equal to Sumeru

Homage to Buddha Moon-Hued

Homage to Buddha Right Mindfulness

Homage to Buddha Free from Defilement

Homage to Buddha Unattached

Homage to Buddha Nāga Deva

Homage to Buddha Immovable Ground

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Lapis Lazuli Flower

Homage to Buddha Golden-Hued Lapis Lazuli

Homage to Buddha Golden Treasury

Homage to Buddha Blazing Light

Homage to Buddha Root of Flame

Homage to Buddha Seed of Earth

Homage to Buddha Image of the Moon

Homage to Buddha Sound of the Sun

Homage to Buddha Flower of Liberation

Homage to Buddha Adorned Radiance

Homage to Buddha Oceanic Awakening and Spiritual Powers

Homage to Buddha Water-Light

Homage to Buddha Great Sound

Homage to Buddha Free from Defilement

Homage to Buddha Renouncing the Mind of Aversion

Homage to Buddha Precious Flame

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Crown

Homage to Buddha Courageously Established

Homage to Buddha Wisdom Sustained by Merit

Homage to Buddha Light Obscuring the Sun and Moon

Homage to Buddha Lapis Lazuli Light of the Sun and Moon

Homage to Buddha Unsurpassed Lapis Lazuli Light

We now bow reverently to the twelve divisions of the Venerable Scriptures, the Dharma Wheel of the Great Canon:

Homage to the Venerable Scripture of the Miscellaneous Treasury

Homage to the Venerable Scripture of Maudgalyāyana’s Questions to the Ghosts

Homage to the Venerable Scripture of the Retributions of Hungry Ghosts

Homage to the Venerable Scripture in Which Maudgalyāyana Explains the Causes and Conditions of Hells and Hungry Ghosts

Homage to the Venerable Scripture of King Virūḍhaka

Homage to the Venerable Scripture of Aṅgulimālīya

Homage to the Venerable Scripture of the Topknot

Homage to the Venerable Scripture of the Strongman Who Moved a Mountain

Homage to the Venerable Scripture of Samāgata

Homage to the Venerable Scripture of Mahāprajāpatī’s Parinirvāṇa

Homage to the Venerable Scripture of Sudatta

Homage to the Venerable Scripture of the Present Retribution for Practicing the Seven Deeds

Homage to the Venerable Scripture of Ānanda’s Fellow Student

Homage to the Venerable Ekottarika Āgama Scripture

Homage to the Venerable Scripture of the Simile of the Herd of Cattle

Homage to the Venerable Scripture of King Bất Lê Tiên Ni’s Ten Dreams

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of King Prasenajit’s Queen Mother Passing Away and Being Reborn in the Pure Land

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Gaining the Reward of Five Blessings through the Giving of Food

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Four Rare and Wondrous Dharmas

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Anathapindika Converting His Seven Sons

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Cowherd

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Elder’s Son Who Left the Household Life after Six Transgressions

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Distribution of the Contaminations

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Four Noble Truths

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of What Is and Is Not Dharma

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Causes and Conditions for the Arising and Cessation of All Streams

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Former Deeds of King Murdhaja

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of King Yama’s Five Celestial Messengers

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Ancient Times

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of King Long Life

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Aniruddha’s Eight Recollections

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Former Deeds of Shakya Mahanama

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Gautami’s Prediction of Fruition

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Foundation of All Dharmas

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Mara’s Disturbance

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Ratthapala

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Parable of Brahma and Mara

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Parrot

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Equality

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Ten-Branched Lay Follower and the Eightfold Accomplishment

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Ganges River

Homage to the Venerable Sutra in Which a Bhikkhu Asks the Buddha about Many Lay Followers Who Have Died

Homage to the Venerable Sutra Spoken by the Buddha on Seeking Desire

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Venerable One of Many Wrong Views

Homage to the Venerable Sutra on the Three Matters in Which Ordinary People Are Foolish and Insatiable

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of King Bimbisara’s Five Vows

Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Seven Knowledges

We reverently pay homage to all the great bodhisattvas throughout the ten directions:

Homage to Bodhisattva Unobstructed Awakening

Homage to Bodhisattva Excellent Awakening

Homage to Bodhisattva Awakening That Universally Illuminates the Three Times

Homage to Bodhisattva Vast Awakening

Homage to Bodhisattva Universal Radiant Awakening

Homage to Bodhisattva Awakening of the Light of the Dharma Realm

Homage to Bodhisattva Luminous Purity of the Light of Vows

Homage to Bodhisattva World-King of Indestructible Diligence

Homage to Bodhisattva King of Unsurpassed, Universally Sublime Virtue

Homage to Bodhisattva King of the Treasury of Unobstructed Sublime Virtue

Homage to Bodhisattva King Who Shares the Vow to Skillfully Transform the Dharma Realm

Homage to Bodhisattva King of the Wisdom-Flame of Dharma and Meaning

Homage to Bodhisattva King of the Banner of Wisdom That Destroys and Scatters All Hosts of Maras

Homage to Bodhisattva King of the Banner of Wisdom of Luminous and Pure Vows

Homage to Bodhisattva World-King of Wisdom That Destroys and Scatters All Obstructions

Homage to Bodhisattva King of Penetrating Wisdom That Discerns the Dharma Realm

Homage to Bodhisattva Wisdom Grove

Homage to Bodhisattva Supreme Grove

Homage to Bodhisattva Unobstructed Grove

Homage to Bodhisattva Grove of Conscience and Shame

Homage to Bodhisattva Grove of Diligence

Homage to Bodhisattva Grove of Accomplished Power

Homage to Bodhisattva Steadfast Grove

Homage to Bodhisattva Tathagata Grove

Homage to Bodhisattva Wisdom Grove

Homage to Bodhisattva Supreme Voice

Homage to Bodhisattva Voice of the Lion’s Blazing Radiance and Vigorous Advance

Homage to Bodhisattva Banner of the Radiance of Myriad Jewels

Homage to Bodhisattva Wisdom Surpassing the Sun of Knowledge

Homage to Bodhisattva Wisdom Renowned for Inconceivable Merit

Homage to Bodhisattva Wondrous Floral Topknot of Skillful Means and Tranquility

Homage to Bodhisattva Golden Radiant Flame

Homage to Bodhisattva Universal Voice of the Dharma Realm

Homage to Bodhisattva Banner of the Pure Cloud-Moon

Homage to Bodhisattva Excellent Transcendent Pure Light

Homage to Bodhisattva King of Wondrous, Pure Dharma Who Contemplates Supreme Dharma

Homage to Bodhisattva Moonlight of the Equal Adornment of Fragrant Flames

Homage to Bodhisattva Adornment of the Lion’s Light

Homage to Bodhisattva Dharma Treasury of Merit

Homage to the immeasurable and boundless great bodhisattvas throughout the worlds of the ten directions. We next bow in homage to the sages, saints, shravakas, and pratyekabuddhas:

Homage to the Noble Sangha, Venerable Son of Fulfilled Vows

Homage to the Noble Sangha, Venerable Freedom from Obstructions

Homage to the Noble Sangha, Venerable Flowing Contemplation of Water

Homage to the Noble Sangha, Venerable Firmly Subdued

Homage to the Noble Sangha, Venerable King of Countenance

Homage to the Noble Sangha, Venerable One Who Came in an Extraordinary Manner

Homage to the Noble Sangha, Venerable Nature of Humanity

Homage to the Noble Sangha, Venerable Increasing Joy

Homage to the Noble Sangha, Venerable Well-Come

Homage to the Noble Sangha, Venerable Rahula

Having paid homage to the great arhats and bowed before the Three Jewels, we now proceed to repentance. We, your disciples, have already repented of offenses bearing their respective retributions; we shall now set forth our offenses in general and repent of them further. We earnestly beseech the Buddhas of the ten directions to rescue and protect us.

From beginningless time, throughout immeasurable hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of kalpas until now, we disciples have committed evil karma beyond all telling: we may have committed the ten evil deeds (4), committed the five heinous offenses (5), or slandered the Vaipulya sutras (6); we may have created immeasurable asamkhyeyas (7) of offenses. We now take refuge with the Buddhas of the ten directions, take refuge with the revered Dharma of the ten directions, and take refuge with the Sangha of sages and saints throughout the ten directions.

Furthermore, we take refuge, bow our heads, and pay homage to Akshobhya Buddha in the east, Jeweled Appearance Buddha in the south, Amitabha Buddha in the west, Wondrous Victory Buddha in the north, Fragrant Accumulation Tathagata above, and Recollected Image Buddha below. We bow our heads and pay homage to the Great Being Samantabhadra in the east, the Great Being Upholder of the World in the south, the Great Being Avalokiteshvara in the west, the Great Being Full Moon in the north, the Great Being Space in the direction above, and the Great Being Firm Virtue in the direction below.

We pay homage to the Fundamental Teacher Shakyamuni Buddha and return to the Buddha-nature of the future.

Moreover, we bow our heads in homage to the great beings in other directions who are transformation Buddhas and emanated bodies, such as Vimalakirti and Manjushri. We also bow our heads and pay homage to Ananda and Kashyapa, and to the noble ones who appear upon the four paths (8). We likewise take refuge with those who first instructed us when we began our studies.

We bow our heads and pay homage to the twelve divisions of the scriptures and the other orthodox Vaipulya scriptures, and pay homage to the eight portions of images and relics (9). We also take refuge in the extant works of the Buddha; in the Heavenly Kings of the four directions; in the Heaven of the Thirty-Three, Brahma, Shakra, and the thirty-three celestial realms (10); and in all the spirits dwelling in mountains, forests, trees, throughout heaven and earth, as well as all immortals and all those possessing great spiritual powers, the divine eye (11), and the divine ear (12).

May all of you hear and know of this and come to bear witness.

May all sentient beings who have not yet repented obtain this Dharma of repentance and thereby extinguish offenses and increase blessings. Today, we disciples repent by laying bare our innermost hearts, with utmost sincerity and earnestness, and return to take refuge with the Buddhas:

Homage to Immovable Wisdom Buddha in the East

Homage to Sun-Moon Lamp Radiance Buddha in the South

Homage to Preeminent Victory Buddha in the West

Homage to King of the Majestic Peak of Inner Virtue Buddha in the North

Homage to Accomplished Guardian Buddha in the Southeast

Homage to Jeweled Illumination of Emptiness Buddha in the Southwest

Homage to Beholding without Fear Buddha in the Northwest

Homage to Lion Power Buddha in the Northeast

Homage to Severing Doubt, Uprooting Desire, and Dispelling Darkness Buddha Below

Homage to Golden Jewel Radiance Buddha Above

We reverently bow before the Three Jewels throughout empty space and the worlds of the ten directions. From beginningless time until today, we, your disciples, have committed evil with the body, while our minds have been disturbed and frenzied in every way. We have held innumerable false beliefs and inverted views, producing afflictions and evil karma beyond all possibility of description.

We did not recognize the offenses we committed; our evil minds blazed fiercely, and we did not perceive the evil consequences of future lives. We saw only the many troubles we caused in the present, strayed far from wholesome roots, associated with evil spiritual friends (13), and were obscured by evil karma. We may have remained beside bhiksus while engaging in unlawful conduct, or stayed beside bhiksunis while displaying impure conduct; we may have acted ungratefully toward our parents, or treated everyone with contempt before the great assembly.

We may have freely used articles belonging to the Sangha, or spoken of right as wrong and wrong as right among the five divisions of the Sangha (14). We may have spoken of the immeasurable evil consequences in the world, killed beings possessing wholesome roots of bodhi, or slandered Dharma teachers by calling correct teachings incorrect and incorrect teachings correct. We may have said that the Tathagata is also subject to impermanence, that the true Dharma is impermanent, and that the Jewel of the Sangha is likewise impermanent.

We took no delight in giving and believed and listened to false teachings. Offenses such as these are measureless and boundless.

Therefore, today, filled with profound fear and profound shame, we return and take refuge in the Three Jewels. Through the awe-inspiring power of the Buddhas and the compassionate forgiveness of the bodhisattvas, our parents, and our virtuous spiritual friends, may we be permitted today to disclose and repent of our offenses. From immeasurable kalpas until now, we, your disciples, have committed the five rebellious offenses (15), violated the precepts and prohibitions of the Buddhas of the past, present, and future, engaged in the conduct of an icchantika (16), uttered harsh and evil words, and slandered the true Dharma.

Although we created such grave karma, we never reformed or repented, and our minds felt no shame. We may have committed offenses among the ten evil deeds (17), knowing ourselves to have committed many grave offenses, yet never inwardly repenting or giving rise to shame. We accepted offerings contrary to the Dharma but never revealed the truth.

Toward the true Dharma, we never formed the resolve to protect and establish it; during that time, we also uttered many words of slander and contempt. At times we said that there are no Buddha, Dharma, or Sangha, or did not believe that painful retribution exists in the hells. Offenses such as these are measureless and boundless.

Today, filled with profound fear and profound shame, we return and take refuge in the Three Jewels. Through the loving-kindness of the Buddhas and the magnanimity of the bodhisattvas, may our parents and virtuous spiritual friends permit us to disclose and repent of our offenses. From immeasurable kalpas until today, we, your disciples, may have regarded the Dharma of the four grave offenses (18) and the four inverted views (19) as a sthulatyaya offense (20); conversely, we may have regarded a sthulatyaya offense as one of the four inverted views or as a grave offense.

We regarded an offense that should not be committed as though it had been committed, while regarding an extremely grave offense that had been committed as though no offense had occurred. We regarded light offenses as heavy and heavy offenses as light; we saw purity as impurity and regarded impurity as purity. We may have embraced false views, praised worldly books, and slandered the Buddha’s scriptures, compiling evil arguments into books that we treasured.

We dared to call the Buddha’s true teachings the words of Mara, while conversely regarding the words of Mara as the Buddha’s teachings. We may have believed and accepted the teachings of the “Six Teachers” (21), and then said: “The Tathagata has now entered nirvana. The Three Jewels are impermanent.” In body and mind, we constantly gave rise to delusion and believed in immeasurable false and inverted views.

Therefore, today, with immeasurable fear and boundless shame, we return and take refuge in the Three Jewels. Through the compassion of the Buddhas of the Vaipulya teachings and the merciful sympathy of the bodhisattvas, may our parents and virtuous spiritual friends permit us to disclose and repent of our offenses. Through the power of this repentance, we, your disciples, dedicate the merit that has arisen, vowing that, life after life and kalpa after kalpa, we shall aid and rescue all beings throughout the ten directions, lead them far from the ten evil deeds, and enable them to practice the ten wholesome deeds (22).

May all existing sufferings cease immediately. Throughout innumerable kalpas, may they constantly abide in the wondrous and inconceivable ten bhumis (23). Whether in this land or another land, whatever wholesome roots anyone possesses, may they all be dedicated accordingly.

Through the wholesome deeds of body, speech, and mind that we have cultivated, may we in future lives realize the path of unsurpassed bodhi. May all women transform into male bodies, be fully endowed with wisdom and resolute strength, remain diligent and never indolent, practice the bodhisattva path at all times, and wholeheartedly cultivate the six paramitas (24). Whether in this Jambudvipa (25) or in other lands throughout innumerable worlds, whatever excellent and wondrous merit beings have planted, today, with the utmost sincerity, we rejoice in it all.

We vow to dedicate this merit of rejoicing, together with all the wholesome karma we have created through our words, thoughts, and deeds. May we attain the unsurpassed path in future kalpas, obtain auspicious, stainless, and pure rewards, and all fully attain the Tathagata’s fruition of Perfect, Complete Enlightenment.

Notes:

1. Bhiksu teacher: Explained under the term “great bhiksu” in Volume One, note 4, page 96 (Book I).

2. Saha World: Sahaloka (S). Translated as “great endurance” or “patient endurance.” It is the trichiliocosm over which Sakyamuni Buddha presides as the transforming teacher. The Saha World is translated as the “realm of endurance,” because practitioners there must patiently endure and strive to bear adversity, for it contains many evils and defilements that beings must undergo. The Saha World is also called the World of Great Endurance, because practitioners in this realm must patiently endure every kind of suffering and affliction before succeeding in their cultivation and study. It possesses all five defilements: the defilement of the kalpa, the defilement of views, the defilement of afflictions, the defilement of sentient beings, and the defilement of lifespan.

3. Ten asamkhyeyas: One asamkhyeya was explained in Volume Six, note 1, page 479. From that, we may calculate ten asamkhyeyas.

4. Ten evil deeds: Explained in Volume One, note 24, page 102 (Book I).

5. Five rebellious offenses: Explained in Volume Four, note 5, page 354 (Book I).

6. Slandering the Vaipulya scriptures: This means slandering the Mahayana scriptures. Explained in Volume Four, note 7, page 354 (Book I).

7. Asamkhyeya offenses: Asamkhyeya is a phonetic rendering of the Sanskrit Asamkhya (innombrable), meaning “innumerable.” Thus, it means committing measureless and innumerable offenses.

8. Four paths of the noble ones: These are the four noble realms: the realm of the Buddhas, the realm of the bodhisattvas, the realm of the pratyekabuddhas, and the realm of the sravakas. They are the four paths leading to the four noble realms.

9. Paying homage to the eight portions of the images and relics: Sarira (S); Reliques (F)—the sacred bones, ashes, and bodily remains of the Buddha. After the Buddha’s passing, the term sarira was also used for the sacred bones and ashes of departed noble members of the Sangha. When the Buddha was eighty years old, he passed away in the city of Kusinara (Kushinagar). His disciples placed his body upon a funeral pyre and cremated it. His ashes formed individual relics, beautiful and radiant like jewels. The Buddha’s relics were contained in eight portions and four measures (“eight portions, four measures”). The Sangha then distributed them to kings and monasteries throughout India so that stupas could be built in which the relics would be enshrined, venerated, and honored with offerings.

10. The Heaven of the Thirty-Three: Trayastrimcas (S). Régions des trente trios Cieux (F). According to the Sanskrit designation, it is the Trayastrimsa Heaven. This is a heavenly realm in the Desire Realm, situated above the summit of Mount Sumeru, 84,000 yojanas from Jambudvipa. The Heaven of the Thirty-Three comprises thirty-three heavenly realms: in each of the four directions there are eight regions, 4 × 8 = 32, each governed by a heavenly sovereign; while Sakra, the heavenly sovereign, dwells in the central region, in the Hall of the Good Dharma within the City of Joyful Vision. Thus there are thirty-three heavenly realms, all ruled by Sakra (Indra). The central region itself, where Sakra ordinarily dwells, is also called the Heaven of the Thirty-Three.

11. Divine-eye superknowledge: Dibba Cakkhu (P). Pouvoir de l’oeil céleste (F) = The supernatural power and penetrating vision of one who has attained the divine eye. It is one of the five superknowledges. Ordinarily, one must cultivate purity for a long time before attaining the divine-eye superknowledge.

12. Divine-ear superknowledge: Oreille céleste, ouie transcendante (F). The supernatural ear, a faculty of hearing that penetrates beyond ordinary auditory ability. The divine ear is attained through the cultivation of meditative concentration or by being born in the realm of divine immortals. One who has attained the divine ear can remain seated in one place and hear sounds from afar…

13. Evil spiritual friends: Explained in the thirteenth fascicle, note 13, page 194 (Volume II).

14. The five classes of the Sangha: These are the five classes of persons who have received ordination within the Sangha: bhiksus, bhiksunis, siksamanas, sramaneras, and sramanerikas…

15. The five heinous offenses: Explained in the fourth fascicle, note 5, page 354 (Volume I).

16. Icchantika: Explained in the fourth fascicle, note 6, page 354 (Volume I).

17. Offenses among the ten evils: Explained in the first fascicle, note 24, page 102 (Volume I).

18. The four grave offenses: Explained in the fourth fascicle, note 9, page 355 (Volume I).

19. The four inverted views: Four kinds of inverted perception that are contrary to circumstances and to truth. They are abbreviated as the four inversions. They are: 1. Regarding the impermanent as permanent, and the permanent as impermanent. 2. Regarding what is without happiness as happiness, and happiness as being without happiness. 3. Regarding what is without self as self, and the self as being without self. 4. Regarding the impure as pure and, conversely, the pure as impure.

20. The Sthulatyaya offenses: Aniyada (S). Cas ambigus (F). These are the indefinite offenses among the 250 precepts of a bhiksu. The Sthulatyaya offenses are two: 1. A bhiksu sitting with a woman in a secluded place. 2. A bhiksu sitting with a woman in an open place. In Chinese translation, these two offenses are called the two indefinite offenses (Aniyada). Individually, they are called the indefinite offense in a screened place and the indefinite offense in an exposed place. Although it is known that an offense has been committed, the Sangha must still determine whether the offense is grave or minor.

21. The six teachers: Six Maitres heterodoxies, six sects heterodoxies (F). The six chief teachers of the six non-Buddhist schools in India during the lifetime of Sakyamuni Buddha. They were: 1. Purana Kasyapa; 2. Maskarin Gosaliputra; 3. Sanjaya Vairatiputra; 4. Ajita Kesakambala; 5. Kakuda Katyayana; and 6. Nirgrantha Jnatiputra. The six leaders of these six schools all practiced according to Brahmanism, but each upheld a different doctrine.

22. The ten wholesome deeds: Dix actes méritoires (F). The ten virtuous deeds. They are also called the ten wholesome karmas. Buddhist practitioners must guard their bodies, speech, and minds so that they do not commit the ten evil acts: killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct—these are bodily karma; false speech, frivolous speech, divisive speech, and harsh speech—these are the four kinds of verbal karma; greed, anger, and wrong views—these are the three kinds of mental karma. Committing these ten evil acts is called practicing the ten evils. Refraining from these ten evil acts and doing their opposites is called practicing the ten wholesome deeds.

23. The ten bhumis: Annotated in the first fascicle, note 96, page 121 (Volume I).

24. The six paramitas: See note 26, the explanation of the Six Perfections in the third fascicle, page 257 (Volume I).

25. Jambudvipa: Annotated in the first fascicle, note 14, concerning the realm of Jambudvipa, page 99 (Volume I).