佛說佛名經

We, your disciples, wholeheartedly bow in homage to all Buddhas, the Venerable Dharma, and the noble sages of the Sangha throughout the entirety of space in the ten directions, repenting of our karmic hindrances (1). We beseech all Buddhas, through the power of their compassion, to bear witness on our behalf. All wholesome karma generated by vows made in past lives, all wholesome karma now being generated in the present, and all wholesome karma that will be generated in the future—whether great or small, light or weighty—we dedicate entirely to all sentient beings of the four modes of birth and the six realms, so that they may not turn toward narrow paths, may not aspire to the three realms, and may together dedicate themselves to the attainment of unsurpassed bodhi.

We further pray that all sentient beings, whatever wholesome karma they generate (2), whether in the past, present, or future, may dedicate each and every act of generosity without giving rise to a narrow mind or turning toward the three realms, but may together dedicate it to unsurpassed bodhi. Today, here at this Dharma sanctuary, we wholeheartedly bow in homage to all Buddhas, all great bodhisattvas, and the entire noble Sangha of sages throughout the past, present, and future, beseeching them to illuminate and bear witness to our aspirations:

Wholeheartedly we make these vows:

May all sentient beings everywhere make offerings

To all the Supremely Honored Ones throughout the ten directions,

To the wondrous, pure Dharma gates of the Three Vehicles,

And to the assemblies of bodhisattvas, pratyekabuddhas, and shravakas.

May they never abide in lowly states,

Nor fall into the afflictions of the eight adversities;

May they be born among humans as honored ones,

And always be able to serve the Buddhas of the ten directions.

May they always be born into prosperous and noble families,

Their treasuries and granaries filled to abundance;

May their appearance and renown be beyond compare,

And may they live long and remain healthy throughout many kalpas.

May women who make this vow be transformed into men,

Courageous, intelligent, and endowed with great wisdom;

May all always practice the bodhisattva path,

Skillfully cultivating the six paramitas to reach the other shore.

Whatever karma was created in the past or present

Through wandering in samsara within the three realms,

May they transcend and renounce all that is unwholesome;

May it be extinguished forever and never remain.

All sentient beings within the ocean,

Firmly bound by the encompassing net of birth and death—

May they sever it with the sword of wisdom,

Depart from suffering, and swiftly realize the path of bodhi.

If there are men and women,

Brahmins and members of noble clans,

Who join their palms and single-mindedly praise the Buddha,

May they always remember their many previous lives;

May their faculties remain pure and perfect,

And may all their sublime merits be accomplished.

May they, wherever they are born in the future,

Always be looked up to with reverence by devas and humans.

Having made these vows, we wholeheartedly bow in homage…

Homage to the Buddha Sumeru Treasury Wheel of the Light of All Dharmas

Homage to the Buddha Majestic Virtue That Kindles the Dharma Wheel

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Majestic Virtue of the Mountain Peak

Homage to the Buddha Torch of Universal Vigor

Homage to the Buddha King of Wondrous and Supreme Jewels

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Excellence of the Sun

Homage to the Buddha Sound of the Dharma Torch and Jeweled Banner

Homage to the Buddha Light of the Vast Crown Bowing to the Ocean of Samadhi

Homage to the Buddha Lion of the Boundless Light of Dharma-Space

Homage to the Buddha Moon of the Banner Adorned with Marks

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

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Light of Dharma-Space

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Wisdom, Universal Body

Homage to the Buddha Cloud of Wondrous Light, Indra of the World

Homage to the Buddha Light of Dharma Samadhi

Homage to the Buddha Treasury of Wholesome Adornments of the Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Steadfast Sound of the Blazing Dharma Lamp

Homage to the Buddha Majestic Virtue of the Interreflecting Images of the Three Times

Homage to the Buddha Light of the Peak of the Dharma Wheel

Homage to the Buddha Lion Light of the Dharma Realm

Homage to the Buddha Lushena, Steadfast Lion of the Samadhi of Supreme Mount Sumeru

Homage to the Buddha Lamp of the City of Universal Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Treasury of Jeweled Kusuma Flowers

Homage to the Buddha Who Turns the Sound of the Wondrous Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Lamp of the Kalpa of Space

Homage to the Buddha Dharma Banner

Homage to the Buddha Peaceful Moon of the World

Homage to the Buddha Mahagalana Lion

Homage to the Buddha Delightful Sound

Homage to the Buddha Peace and Security

Homage to the Buddha Majestic Virtue of Superior Faith

Homage to the Buddha King of Physicians

Homage to the Buddha Supreme King of Dharma-Space

Homage to the Buddha Celestial Treasury

Homage to the Buddha King of the Earthly Winds

Homage to the Buddha Roaring King of Radiance Who Turns the Dharma Wheel

Homage to the Buddha Joyful King of the Wisdom of Space

Homage to the Buddha King of All Roars

Homage to the Buddha Unconquerable

Homage to the Buddha Ketu of the Ten Directions

Homage to the Buddha Sound of Universal Radiance That Transforms by Turning the Dharma Wheel

Homage to the Buddha Mountain of Mutual Excellence

Homage to the Buddha Perfectly Endowed Firm Gathering

Homage to the Buddha Stainless Vasai

Homage to the Buddha Swift Practitioner Who Upholds and Sustains

Homage to the Buddha Pervasive Marks

Homage to the Buddha Stainless Vahou

Homage to the Buddha Lion Buxiu

Homage to the Buddha Crown of Celestial Sovereignty

Homage to the Buddha Renown Arising from the Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Great Freedom from Sorrow, Cha

Homage to the Buddha Lamp of Space

Homage to the Buddha Stainless Banner

Homage to Buddhas as Numerous as the Sands of the Ganges, All Alike Named Virtuous Conduct

Homage to Buddhas as Numerous as the Sands of the Ganges, All Alike Named Boundless Lifespan

Homage to Buddhas as Numerous as the Sands of the Ganges, All Alike Named Immovable

Homage to Buddhas as Numerous as the Sands of the Ganges, All Alike Named Moon Wisdom

Homage to Buddhas as Numerous as the Sands of the Ganges, All Alike Named Vajra Banner

Homage to Buddhas as Numerous as the Sands of the Ganges, All Alike Named Sun Treasury

Homage to Buddhas as Numerous as the Sands of the Ganges, All Alike Named Wholesome Light

Homage to Buddhas as Numerous as the Sands of the Ganges, All Alike Named Vajra

Homage to Five Hundred Buddhas, All Alike Named Great Compassion

Homage to the Buddha King of the Banner of the Merits of the Blazing Universal Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Banner of the Dharma, Sugata

Homage to the Buddha Sumeru

Homage to the Buddha Garland of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign

Homage to the Buddha King of Quiescence

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Loving-Kindness

Homage to the Buddha Merit Commensurate with the Origin

Homage to the Buddha Mount Sumeru

Homage to the Buddha Sun-and-Moon Face

Homage to Buddhas Such as These, Immeasurable and Boundless

Homage to the Buddha Who Courses Through Space

Homage to the Buddha Universal Illumination

Homage to the Buddha Who Abides in the Square City

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Light

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Cloud

Homage to the Buddha Mountain of Dharma Flames

Homage to the Buddha Born of Padma

Homage to the Buddha Flower of the Dharma Realm

Homage to the Buddha Ocean Lamp

Homage to the Buddha Quiescent Extinction

Homage to Buddhas Such as These, Immeasurable and Boundless

Homage to the Buddha King of the Jeweled Ketu

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom Mind

Homage to the Buddha Conceivable

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Indra

Homage to the Buddha Great Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Awe-Inspiring King of Clouds

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Ketu, King of Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Padma of the Dharma Realm

Homage to the Buddha Who Practices with Vast Vision

Homage to the Buddha Majestic Virtue Gone Forth in Supreme Exertion

Homage to Buddhas Such as These, Immeasurable and Boundless

Homage to the Buddha Mountain of Jeweled Flames

Homage to the Buddha Vast Excellence

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Merit

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Ocean

Homage to the Buddha Light of the Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Padma

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Treasury

Homage to the Buddha Eye of the World

Homage to Immeasurable and Boundless Buddhas Such as These

Homage to the Buddha Fragrant Light

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Sumeru

Homage to the Buddha King of Music

Homage to the Buddha Profound Excellence

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Mani

Homage to the Buddha King of the Treasury

Homage to the Buddha Awe-Inspiring Supreme Majestic Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Quiescent Form Departed

Homage to the Buddha Immeasurable Suchlike Ones

Homage to the Buddha Vast Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Precious Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing Cloud of Space

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Marks

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing Marks

Homage to the Buddha Adornment

Homage to the Buddha Wheel of Practice

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing Light

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Immeasurable and Boundless Suchlike Ones

Homage to the Buddha Whose Practice Is Narayana

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing Sumeru

Homage to the Buddha Wheel of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Victorious King

Homage to the Buddha Unconquerable

Homage to the Buddha King of Mountain Trees

Homage to the Buddha Immeasurable and Boundless Suchlike Ones

Homage to the Buddha Sala Sovereign King

Homage to the Buddha Treasury of Victory

Homage to the Buddha Body of Sovereignty in the World

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of Reflected Images

Homage to the Buddha Arisen from the Earth

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Vajra-Hued

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing in Sustaining Majestic Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Immeasurable and Boundless Suchlike Ones

Homage to the Buddha Body of Radiance of the Profound Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Whose Voice Roars Like the Ocean of Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Mind of the Surpassing Radiant Banner Di Luu

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing Precious Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Brahma Light

Homage to the Buddha Voice of Space

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing Image of the Dharma Realm

Homage to the Buddha Wheel of Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Mind of the Lofty Wisdom-Light Ketu

Homage to the Buddha Gagana Lamp

Homage to the Buddha Joyful Surpassing Illumination

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing Radiance of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing Quiescence

Homage to the Buddha Swift Great Compassion

Homage to the Buddha Mind of the Radiance of Earth’s Power

Homage to the Buddha Form Adorning All Faces

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of the Surpassing Body

Homage to the Buddha Constellation of Dharma Victory

Homage to the Buddha Anila Swift in Practice

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing Pure Banner and Canopy

Homage to the Buddha Images of the Three Times

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing Joyful Eloquence of the Ocean of Vows

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing Mount Sumeru of Shame and Remorse

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing King of Mindfulness Ketu

Homage to the Buddha Mind of Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Lamp of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing Radiant Ketu

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Vast Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Mind of Wisdom Practicing in the Dharma Realm

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing Wisdom-Mind of the Ocean of Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing Treasure of Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Wheel of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing Cloud

Homage to the Buddha Lamp of Patience

Homage to the Buddha Mind of Surpassing Majestic Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Swift Radiance Matha Voice

Homage to the Buddha Banner of Quiescence

Homage to the Buddha Lamp of the World

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing Great Vow

Homage to the Buddha Banner Unconquerable

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing Merit of the Flame of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Sovereignty of Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Mind

Homage to the Buddha Firm Roaring Light of the Languages of the World

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign in Surpassing Diligence, Whose Roar Distinguishes All Sounds

Homage to the Buddha Perfect Mind

Homage to the Buddha Deva of All Directions

Homage to the Buddha Manifest before the World

Homage to the Buddha Impartial Body That Knows the Minds of Sentient Beings

Homage to the Buddha Supremely Victorious

Homage to the Buddha Impartial

Homage to the Buddha Who Practices the Conduct of a Buddha

Homage to the Buddha Pure Body

Homage to the Buddha Surpassing Sage

Homage to the Buddha and the Other Such Foremost Ones, Ineffable, Ineffably Immeasurable and Boundless

Homage to Those Buddhas Who Repeatedly Proclaim the Wondrous Dharma

Homage to Those Buddhas’ Wondrous Dharma Bodies

Homage to Those Buddhas Who Possess the Thirty-Two Excellent Marks, the Eighty Auspicious Characteristics, and Immeasurable and Boundless Merit

Homage to those Buddhas who have many places of enlightenment (3), many bodhi trees, many images, many jeweled stupas, and places where they walk, sit, and lie down; homage to those Buddhas and to those who, never turning back, propagate the true Dharma: bodhisattvas, the Great Sangha, the Sangha of shravakas who never turn back, bhikshus, bhikshunis, upasakas, upasikas, devas, nagas, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kimnaras, mahoragas, and beings of every form and appearance who have faith.

The wheel of the Tathagata’s Dharma ever turns (4). That Dharma is inconceivable. The great bodhisattvas wholeheartedly pay reverence and take refuge in the Tathagata’s Dharma body, the Dharma of the Ten Powers (5), the Dharma of the Four Fearlessnesses (6), and the qualities of morality, samadhi, wisdom, liberation, and the knowledge and vision of liberation.

Such merit is immeasurable and boundless. May this merit be dedicated and bestowed upon all sentient beings, with the prayer that they attain unsurpassed perfect enlightenment.

O Shariputra! During the kalpa called Excellent Eye, seventy nayutas of Buddhas appeared in the world. Shariputra!

During the kalpa called Excellent Vision, seven billion two hundred million Buddhas appeared in the world. Shariputra! During the kalpa called Praise of Brahma, eighteen thousand Buddhas appeared in the world.

Shariputra! During the kalpa called Past Renown, thirty-two thousand Buddhas appeared in the world. Shariputra!

During the kalpa called Adornment, eighty-four thousand Buddhas appeared in the world. Shariputra! You should take refuge in and pay reverence to such immeasurable and boundless Buddhas.

The Buddha told the Venerable Shariputra: “Any good man or good woman wishing to extinguish all transgressions should thoroughly cleanse body and mind, praise and recite the honored names of the Buddhas, make offerings and pay homage, and sincerely say: ‘From beginningless time until this day, through speech, thought, and action, I have continually committed unwholesome deeds, even to the extent of slandering the Vaipulya sutras and committing the five heinous offenses and other transgressions.

May they all be extinguished.’”

Shariputra! Those good men and good women who wish to practice the six paramitas fully, who wish to dedicate their merit toward the fruit of unsurpassed bodhi, and who wish to perfect all the bodhisattva paramitas should say thus: I train in the practices of the great bodhisattvas of the past, present, and future. I cultivate the great practice of giving, offering blood and giving my heart to sentient beings, as did Bodhisattva Supreme Wisdom and the King of Kashi, and others.

I relinquish my wife and children and give them to the poor and needy, as did Bodhisattva Non-Retrogression, King Ashulana, Prince Sudana, King Adornment, and others. I enter the hells to relieve the suffering of sentient beings, as did Bodhisattva Great Compassion, Deva Prince Good Eyes, and others. I rescue sentient beings from evil karma, as did Bodhisattva Good Conduct, King Supreme Conduct, and others.

I relinquish the precious crown upon my head and strip away my scalp to give it, as did Bodhisattva Supremely Excellent Body, Deva Prince Jeweled Topknot, and others. I give my eyes, as did Bodhisattva Loving Deeds, King Moonlight, and others. I cut off my ears and nose and give them away, as did Bodhisattva Free from Enmity, Deva Prince Supreme Departure, and others.

I give my teeth, as did Bodhisattva Flower Teeth, the Six-Tusked Elephant King, and others. I relinquish my tongue, as did Bodhisattva Non-Retrogression and King Good Countenance. I give my hands, as did Bodhisattva Constantly Diligent, King Firm Resolve, and others.

I give my blood, as did Bodhisattva Dharma Deeds, Deva Prince Moon Grace, and others. I give my flesh and marrow, as did Bodhisattva Peace and Security; and I give my large and small intestines, liver, lungs, spleen, and kidneys, as did the donors Bodhisattva Good Virtue, King Who Himself Abandoned All Evils, and others. I relinquish my body and all my limbs, as did Bodhisattva Mastery of Dharma, Deva Prince Victorious Light, and others.

I give my skin and flesh, as did Bodhisattva Treasury of Purity, Deva Prince Golden Hue, the Golden-Hued Deer King, and others. I relinquish my fingers and toes, as did Bodhisattva Firm Diligence and the Golden-Hued King. I give my fingernails and toenails, as did Bodhisattva Inexhaustible, Deva Prince Seeker of the Good Dharma, and others.

In quest of the Dharma, I leap into a great pit of fire, as did Bodhisattva Diligence, King Diligent in Seeking the Wondrous Dharma, and others. In quest of the Dharma, I sell my body, strip away my skin, and break my bones to obtain the marrow, as did Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta, Deva Prince Supreme Merit, and others. I relinquish my entire body, as did Bodhisattva Mahasattva, King Mahabala, and others.

I give my body to all sentient beings who are poor, distressed, and afflicted, becoming a servant whom people may command, as did King Shibi.

In brief, the bodhisattvas of the past, present, and future have undertaken many vows and practices of the paramitas. May we also accomplish them in the same way. With flower garlands, fragrant incense, and various exquisite kinds of music found throughout the worlds of the ten directions, we joyfully make offerings to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, and then dedicate this merit to all sentient beings. By this merit, may sentient beings avoid falling into the three evil paths. By this merit, may they perfect the eighty-four thousand practices of the paramitas, swiftly receive the prediction of unsurpassed, complete, perfect enlightenment, swiftly attain the non-retrogressive stage of the tenth bhumi, and accomplish unsurpassed bodhi.

Shariputra! One should reverently pay homage to the Buddhas of the ten directions:

Homage to Buddha Immovable

Homage to Buddha Consummate Sage

Homage to Buddha Sunlight

Homage to Buddha Dragon's Diligent Advance

Homage to Buddha Proclaimed as Mastery of Radiance

Homage to Buddha Ten Lights

Homage to Buddha Universal Jewel

Homage to Buddha Proclaimed as Mastery

Homage to Buddha Proclaimed Supreme Treasury

Homage to Buddha Blazing Resolve

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Banner

Homage to Buddha Mountain of Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Light of Benevolence

Homage to Buddha Supreme Birth

Homage to Buddha Di Lưu Treasury

Homage to Buddha Ocean of Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Great Diligence

Homage to Buddha Di Lưu Merit

Homage to Buddha Supreme Treasury

Homage to Buddha Wisdom and Virtue

Homage to Buddha Able to Bestow Fearlessness

Homage to Buddha Great Diligence, King of Beasts

Homage to Buddha Accomplishment of Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Unfettered

Homage to Buddha Earth-Power Sustaining Diligence

Homage to Buddha Power of Life

Homage to Buddha Good Eyes

Homage to Buddha Dharma King Who Harms None

Homage to Buddha Destroyer of Mara

Homage to Buddha Inconceivable Diligence

Homage to Buddha Contemplation of Merit

Homage to Buddha Wisdom Tần Bà

Homage to Buddha Asankhyeya Già-Power Diligence

Homage to Buddha Mastery of Mind

Homage to Buddha Di Hạ Nan Đà

Homage to Buddha Light of Precepts

Homage to Buddha Firm and Supreme King

Homage to Buddha King of Boundless Light

Homage to Buddha Treasury of Inexhaustible Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Vỏ Đầu

Homage to Buddha Wisdom Ba Bà La

Homage to Buddha Tỳ Ni Xứng

Homage to Buddha King of Boundless Merit

Homage to Buddha Dharma Flower Bà Sư

Homage to Buddha King of Blazing Light

Homage to Buddha King of the Wondrous Mountain

Homage to Buddha Supreme King Who Turns the Dharma Wheel

Homage to Buddha Stainless Eyes

Homage to Buddha Upholder of the Great Prajnaparamita

Homage to Buddha King of Unabiding Power and Diligence

Homage to Buddha Mastery of Consciousness

Homage to Buddha Present Mindfulness

Homage to Buddha Power of Merit and Diligence

Homage to Buddha King of Wisdom Ca Sa

Homage to Buddha Mastery of Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Unobstructed Peace and Security for Sentient Beings

Homage to Buddha Advancement in Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Maha Di Lưu Treasury of Power

Homage to Buddha Radiance of Empty Space

Homage to Buddha A Già Lâu Merit and Diligence

Homage to Buddha King of the Voice of Merit Free from Delusion

Homage to Buddha Adornment of Dharma Giving

Homage to Buddha King of Mastery of Voice

Homage to Buddha Guardian of the Gate

Homage to Buddha King of Mastery, Power, and Diligence

Homage to Buddha Supreme King of Jeweled Radiance

Homage to Buddha King of Mount Sumeru, Supreme over All

Homage to Buddha Ratna Di Lưu

Homage to Buddha Unattainable and Unmoving Dharma

Homage to Buddha King of Mastery of Dharani

Homage to Buddha King of Universal Merit

Homage to Buddha Dharma Sala King Di Lưu

Homage to Buddha Accumulation of Wisdom, a Treasury of Merit

Homage to Buddha King of the Wisdom-Blaze Flowering Tree

Homage to Buddha Master of All Worlds

Homage to Buddha King of Excellent Flowers

Homage to Buddha King Kim Thiên Giá Na

Homage to Buddha King of the Dharma Banner's Diligent Advance

Homage to Buddha Surrounded by Sandalwood Ba Bà La

Homage to Buddha Upholder of the Dharma, Equally Honored

Homage to Buddha Firm Resolve and Diligence

Homage to Buddha Lamp Illuminating All Worlds

Homage to Buddha Who Advances Diligently in Accord with the Minds of Sentient Beings

Homage to Buddha Boundless Renown, Sala Banner

Homage to Buddha Dharma Rain Renowned in the Past

Homage to Buddha Blazing Flower of Merit

Homage to Buddha Wisdom and Conduct

Homage to Buddha Joyful Lamp of Awe-Inspiring Virtue

Homage to Buddha Fearless and Free from All Obstructions

Homage to Buddha Wisdom-Illuminating Voice

Homage to Buddha Twofold Accomplishment

Homage to Buddha Accumulation of Wondrous Practices

Homage to Buddha King of Joyful Adornment

Homage to Buddha King of Asankhyeya Adornments

Homage to Buddha Well-Abiding upon the Lion Throne

Homage to Buddha King Who Emits Sandalwood Flowers

Homage to Buddha Flavor of Amrita

Homage to Buddha Supreme Dragon

Homage to Buddha Supreme Power

Homage to Buddha Lion's Voice

Shariputra! Seated here, with my pure and unobstructed eye I survey the realms of humans and devas. I see in the east more than a hundred Buddhas, more than a thousand Buddhas, more than a hundred thousand Buddhas, more than a hundred thousand myriads of Buddhas, more than a hundred thousand kotis of Buddhas, more than a hundred thousand myriad kotis of nayutas of Buddhas, immeasurable and innumerable Buddhas, inconceivably many Buddhas, and incalculably many Buddhas, having many names, many family names, many worlds, and many Buddha lands.

They are surrounded by many bhikshus, bhikshunis, upasakas, and upasikas, and by many devas, nagas, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kimnaras, mahoragas, humans, nonhumans, and others, who make offerings to them. I see them all distinctly, as though holding an amalaka fruit (7) in the palm of my hand. Shariputra!

If good men or good women, bhikshus or bhikshunis, upasakas or upasikas, believe my words and accept, uphold, read, and recite the names of the Buddhas, they should bathe, put on clean garments, and, during the day—in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon—and during the night—in the early night, at midnight, and at cockcrow—rise from their seats, bare their right shoulders, kneel with their right knees touching the ground, and single-mindedly invoke the revered names of the Buddhas, make offerings and pay homage, saying these words: “The Tathagata knows the Buddhas of the ten directions; today we respectfully bow before them.” Shariputra!

Those good men and good women, bhikshus and bhikshunis, upasakas and upasikas, through making offerings and paying homage, will acquire immeasurable merit. Shariputra! Whoever wishes to attain the fruition of a shravaka, the fruition of a pratyekabuddha, or the path and fruition of unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment should bow before the Buddhas of the ten directions and will thereby acquire all merit.

They should further say: “All the merit accumulated through the wisdom of the Buddha-Tathagatas, we dedicate entirely to unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment.”

Shariputra! One should take refuge in and bow reverently before the Buddhas of the east:

Homage to the Buddha Dharma Sovereign in Vigorous Advance

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign in Steadfast Practice

Homage to the Buddha Lion King of Vigorous Advance

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign King of Mighty Beings

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Dharma Mountain

Homage to the Buddha Jewel Mountain

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign Dharani

Homage to the Buddha Treasury of the Bodhi Tree

Homage to the Buddha Praised by the Constellations

Homage to the Buddha King of the Steadfast Power of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign Increase of the Human Voice

Homage to the Buddha Who Surpasses All Worlds

Homage to the Buddha Dharma Realm of the Three Times

Homage to the Buddha Roar of Wondrous Sound

Homage to the Buddha Jewel-Earth Dragon King

Homage to the Buddha Swift Dharma Roaring Voice

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign Jewel City of the Fragrant Padma Marsh

Homage to the Buddha Wheel of Light

Homage to the Buddha Jewel Lotus

Homage to the Buddha Flower of Merit

Homage to the Buddha of Abundant Offerings

Homage to the Buddha King of Boundless Merit

Homage to the Buddha Increasing Joy

Homage to the Buddha Lion-Dragon of Vigorous Advance

Homage to the Buddha Lion’s Gait of the Sala Treasury

Homage to the Buddha Who Contemplates All Dharmas

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom of the Dharma Flower

Homage to the Buddha Purity of the Timely Dharma

Homage to the Buddha of Steadfast, Diligent Speech

Homage to the Buddha Voice of Diligence

Homage to the Buddha Flaming Mani

Homage to the Buddha Mountain Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Pure and Stainless Treasury

Homage to the Buddha Stainless Moon

Homage to the Buddha Pure Faculties

Homage to the Buddha of Abundant Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Who Can Produce Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Vast Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Power of Intention

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Intention

Homage to the Buddha Steadfast Joy

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign in Steadfast Conduct

Homage to the Buddha Whose Face Is Equal to Mount Sumeru

Homage to the Buddha Accomplished Contemplation

Homage to the Buddha Treasury of Purity

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign in Manifest Forms

Homage to the Buddha Who Manifests Mara’s Deeds and Purifies Karma

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom, Diligence, and Vigorous Advance

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Diligence

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign of the World

Homage to the Buddha Vast Intention in the Practice of Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Accomplishment of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Accomplishment of Fearlessness

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Accomplishment

Homage to the Buddha Dragon Contemplation

Homage to the Buddha Sumeru Sandalwood

Homage to the Buddha King Who Establishes the Realm

Homage to the Buddha Accumulation of Jewels

Homage to the Buddha Voice of the Dragon King

Homage to the Buddha Great Wisdom and Diligence

Homage to the Buddha Solitary Diligence

Homage to the Buddha Undiminished Adornment

Homage to the Buddha Unmoving Nitha

Homage to the Buddha Adorned with a Hundred Merits

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign, Praised for All Excellent Marks

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign Indra Moon

Homage to the Buddha Dharma-Flower Mountain

Homage to the Buddha Adornment of the Dharma Realm

Homage to the Buddha Fulfillment of Vows

Homage to the Buddha Adorned as a Great Lion

Homage to the Buddha Lion of Impartial Diligence

Homage to the Buddha Sovereign and Steadfast in Practice

Homage to the Buddha Who Delights in Practicing the Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Ocean Gait

Homage to the Buddha Who Practices Like the Great

Homage to the Buddha Lofty Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom Free from Contention

Homage to the Buddha Lion’s Voice

Homage to the Buddha Excellent Retribution

Homage to the Buddha Well-Abiding

Homage to the Buddha Sunlight

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Ambrosia

Homage to the Buddha Foremost on the Path

Homage to the Buddha Body of Supreme Sovereignty

Homage to the Buddha Excellent Vision

Homage to the Buddha Meaning Free from Defilement

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Intention

Homage to the Buddha Human Moon

Homage to the Buddha Light of Majestic Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Universal Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Great Adornment

Homage to the Buddha Lion Who Has Gone Forth in Vigorous Advance

Homage to the Buddha Maruta Beloved

Homage to the Buddha Tranquil Mind

Homage to the Buddha Great Gait

Homage to the Buddha Whose Voice Can Be Heard

Homage to the Buddha Accumulation of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Mani Direction

Next, homage is paid to the twelve divisions of the revered scriptures and the Dharma Wheel of the Great Canon. Homage to the great bodhisattvas of the ten directions:

Homage to the Bodhisattva Great Delight in Expounding

Homage to the Bodhisattva Jewel Sandalwood Flower

Homage to the Bodhisattva Superior Conduct

Homage to the Bodhisattva Boundless Conduct

Homage to the Bodhisattva Established Conduct

Homage to the Bodhisattva Pure Conduct

Homage to the Bodhisattva Flower of the Constellation King

Homage to the Bodhisattva Joyful to Behold

Homage to the Bodhisattva Wondrous Sound

Homage to the Bodhisattva Who Has Attained Diligent Effort

Homage to the Bodhisattva Pure Treasury

Homage to the Bodhisattva Pure Eye

Homage to the Bodhisattva Wondrous Virtue

Homage to the Bodhisattva Maitreya

Homage to the Bodhisattva Excellent Deliberation

Homage to the Bodhisattva Empty Nonexistence

Homage to the Bodhisattva Flower of Spiritual Powers

Homage to the Bodhisattva Radiant Splendor

Homage to the Bodhisattva Tranquil Faculties

Homage to the Bodhisattva Vow-Wisdom

Homage to the Bodhisattva Abiding in the Middle

Homage to the Bodhisattva Disciplined Conduct

Homage to the Bodhisattva King of Sovereignty in Samadhi

Homage to the Bodhisattva Mark of the Dharma

Homage to the Bodhisattva Mark of Light

Homage to the Bodhisattva Adornment of Light

Homage to the Bodhisattva Great Adornment

Homage to the Bodhisattva Constantly Engaged in Inquiry

Homage to the Bodhisattva Mark of Joy

Homage to the Bodhisattva King of Joy

Homage to the Bodhisattva Discerning Intention

Homage to the Bodhisattva Gathering Torch

Homage to the Bodhisattva Jewel Courage

Homage to the Bodhisattva Jewel Topknot

Homage to the Bodhisattva Indra’s Net

Homage to the Bodhisattva Luminous Net

Homage to the Bodhisattva Contemplation Free from Conditions

Homage to the Bodhisattva Accumulation of Wisdom

Homage to the Bodhisattva Jewel Victory

Homage to the Bodhisattva Heavenly King

Furthermore, we reverently bow to the Great Teacher, the Tathagata Ocean of Virtue, and to all Buddhas of the immeasurable kalpas of the past. We pay homage to the immeasurable and boundless bodhisattvas of the unborn Dharma-body throughout the reaches of space. We pay homage to the immeasurable and boundless bodhisattvas with undefiled form-bodies throughout the reaches of space.

We pay homage to the immeasurable and boundless bodhisattvas who have aroused the aspiration throughout the reaches of space. We reverently bow to the Bodhisattva and Great Teacher Ashvaghosha, who caused the True Dharma to flourish. We reverently bow to the Bodhisattva and Great Teacher Nagarjuna, who caused the Semblance Dharma to flourish.

We reverently bow to the Bodhisattva Boundless Body throughout the reaches of space in the ten directions. We pay homage to the Suffering-Rescuing Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara throughout the reaches of space in the ten directions:

Invocation in Praise of the Buddha:

Great Sage, World-Honored One,

Majestic and upright,

Whose spiritual wisdom penetrates without obstruction,

Greatest among the sages.

Your body pervades the six realms,

Your essence extends throughout the ten directions,

The ushnisha (8) rises upon your crown,

Your neck radiates a brilliant light,

Your face resembles the full moon,

Your beautiful form is majestically adorned,

Your bearing is lofty and exceptional,

Whether walking or standing, you are serene and auspicious.

Your awe-inspiring power shakes the great trichiliocosm,

And all maras are afraid;

The three penetrations (9) illuminate all things,

And every heresy falls silent.

Upon seeing suffering, you immediately bring rescue,

Turning sorrow into joy;

To cross beyond the shore of birth and death,

May you serve as our boat and raft.

Therefore, you are always called: Tathagata, Worthy One, Perfectly and Completely Awakened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Those to Be Tamed, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, World-Honored One. You deliver immeasurable beings and rescue them from the suffering of birth and death. With the merit of arousing this aspiration, we bow our heads in homage to the Buddhas of the ten directions:

We reverently bow to Buddha Abundant Wisdom in the East.

We reverently bow to Buddha Great Assembly in the South.

We reverently bow to Buddha Pure Wisdom in the West.

We reverently bow to Buddha Wisdom Renown in the North.

We reverently bow to Buddha King of Upholding the Precepts in the Southeast.

We reverently bow to Buddha Who Increases Wholesome Dharmas in the Southwest.

We reverently bow to Buddha Who Skillfully Emits Fragrance in the Northwest.

We reverently bow to Buddha Pure King of Space in the Northeast.

We reverently bow to Buddha Lion below.

We reverently bow to Buddha Light Contrary to Space above.

With utmost sincerity, I dedicate the merit:

Whenever one performs good deeds, whether the merit be great or small,

If one keeps it all for oneself,

That narrowness confines the mind,

And merit is diminished, becoming defiled and conditioned.

I have now awakened to the path of bodhi;

Self and others, free from fear, are truly honored.

The spoken voice enters emptiness, yet its sound is heard afar;

By dedicating merit to others, the merit becomes vast.

Since former lives, when I first aroused the aspiration,

Until this very day, I have practiced cultivation:

Sitting in meditation, chanting, recollecting, and performing duties,

As well as the wholesome practices of the Two Vehicles, humans, and devas.

I now take all these merits and virtues

And dedicate them to all sentient beings;

I dedicate them to unsurpassed great bodhi;

I dedicate them to Suchness, reaching ultimate truth.

Having completed the dedication, with utmost sincerity we reverently bow…

We humbly pray that the sun of the Buddha-Dharma may shine ever more brightly and that the wheel of the True Dharma may turn ever more powerfully. From this time onward, at the bodhimanda, may we forget ourselves for the sake of the Dharma, like Sadaprarudita; unfold the mind of great compassion and eradicate transgressions, like Akashagarbha; hear the True Dharma even from afar, like Lapis Lazuli Light; and skillfully explain all difficult-to-understand dharmas, like Stainless Treasury.

Furthermore, we, your disciples, vow that our parents, grandparents, relatives, and kin throughout many lifetimes shall, from this time onward, always come to the bodhimanda; manifest bodies throughout space, like Boundless Body; possess the ten merits, like King of Lofty Virtue; rejoice upon hearing the True Dharma, like Fearless One; and possess courageous, awe-inspiring spiritual power, like Mahasthamaprapta.

We further vow that our preceptors and acharyas, our fellow practitioners, the senior, intermediate, and junior monastics, and all spiritual friends shall, from this time onward, always come to the bodhimanda. May each attain fearlessness in the Dharma, like the Lion King; exert a great influence in teaching and transforming through the Dharma, like Jewel Accumulation; rescue shravakas from suffering, like Avalokiteshvara; and skillfully ask questions, like Mahakashyapa.

We, your disciples, further vow that monastics and householders, faithful donors and benefactors, wholesome and unwholesome associates, and every member of their families shall, from this time onward, always come to the bodhimanda; dispel every calamity, like the Bodhisattva Deliverance; possess an upright, dignified, and majestic appearance, like Manjushri; cast off karmic hindrances, like Beneficial Sound; and offer the final meal, like Chunda.

Furthermore, we make vows for the devas, immortals, the Four Heavenly Kings who protect the world, the intelligent and upright spirits of heaven, earth, and space who reward good and punish evil, all guardians of those who uphold the precepts, the Dragon Kings of every direction, the spirits of the eight classes (10), the awe-inspiring spirits of the living and the deceased, and all their relatives. From this time onward, may they always abide at the bodhimanda; universally shelter all with a mind of great loving-kindness, like Ajita; diligently protect and uphold the True Dharma, like Never Resting; attain profound realization through reading and recitation, like Samantabhadra; and burn their bodies for the sake of the True Dharma, like Medicine King.

Furthermore, we vow together with all enemies, loved ones, and those who are neither enemies nor loved ones throughout the ten directions, and with all sentient beings of the four modes of birth and the six realms, together with their relatives, that from this time onward they shall always come to the bodhimanda. May their minds remain free from attachment, like the Maiden Free of Thought; may they speak skillful and wondrous words, like Queen Shrimala; may they diligently practice the path, like Shakyamuni Buddha; may their wholesome vows be like those of Amitayus, impartial and immeasurable; may their awe-inspiring power be like that of the Heavenly Kings; may they be inconceivable, like Vimalakirti; may all merits and virtues be accomplished, and immeasurable Buddha-lands be adorned.

May all Buddhas, great bodhisattvas, and the immeasurable and innumerable sages and saints throughout the reaches of space in the ten directions, with minds of loving-kindness and compassion, together embrace and accept us, rescue, protect, receive, and guide us, so that all our vows may be perfectly fulfilled, our faith may remain steadfast, and our virtuous deeds may daily become more lofty and far-reaching. May we kindly teach beings of the four modes of birth, cherishing them as our only child, and enable all sentient beings to attain the four immeasurable minds (11), receive and cultivate the six paramitas and the ten meditative practices (12), uphold the three great vows (13), and constantly recollect and behold the Buddha, all just like Shrimala.

May all practices and vows ultimately be accomplished, and may all equally attain Perfect Awakening together with the Tathagatas.

Notes:

Repentance of karmic hindrances: To regret and abandon all faults and all transgressions committed through body, speech, and mind, which, accumulated over many years, become karmic hindrances. Through repentance, karmic hindrances are transformed and purified.

2. Giving rise to wholesome karma: This means that the body does not commit the three evil karmas of killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct; the mouth does not commit the four evil karmas of false speech, embellished speech, divisive speech, and harsh speech; and the mind does not produce the three unwholesome karmas of greed, anger, and delusion.

Bodhimanda: Explained in the twelfth fascicle, note 12, page 134 (Volume II).

4. The constant turning of the Dharma wheel: Dhammachakkappavattana sutta (P). Tourner la Roue de La Loi (F). To turn the Dharma wheel means to teach the Dharma everywhere. Wherever the Dharma wheel rolls, it subdues erroneous thoughts, just as an iron wheel crushes flat every object along its path wherever it goes. The constant turning of the Dharma wheel brings two benefits: 1. It moves the minds of sentient beings and leads them toward the path of light. 2. It crushes delusions and afflictions.

5. The Dharma of the ten powers: Explained in the fourth fascicle, note 3, page 353 (Volume I).

6. The four fearlessnesses: Explained in the first fascicle, note 94, page 121 (Volume I).

7. The am ma lặc fruit: Amra (S). The am ma tree, a kind of tree found in India. The am ma fruit is the fruit of the Amra tree; its flesh is exceedingly delicious and sweet, but its seed is very bitter and inedible. Amra means “difficult to distinguish”; that is, from the time the fruit is unripe until it ripens, its skin remains the same green color, making it difficult to distinguish the ripe fruit from the unripe. Therefore, it is called Amra or Am Ma (“difficult to distinguish”). When something is seen with perfect clarity, this fruit is used as a simile: “Like holding an Am Ma Lặc fruit in the palm of one’s hand.”

8. The fleshly protuberance: Usnisa (S); Proéminence du sommet de la tête (F). A topknot of flesh, called Usnisa in Sanskrit. On the crown of the Buddha’s head is a raised mass of flesh resembling a topknot. This mark arose from reverence for and obedience to teachers and elders. It is located at the crown of the head. The fleshly protuberance is a primary mark, while the invisible crown is a secondary excellent characteristic.

9. The three superknowledges: In full, these are the three powers of superknowledge: 1/ the power of superknowledge obtained through karmic recompense; 2/ the power of superknowledge obtained through cultivation; 3/ the power of superknowledge of transformation. The first superknowledge is attained through the blessings resulting from previous lives or the present life. The second is attained through purity and firm meditative concentration. The last is, naturally, mastery of transformation, complete with merit and wisdom.

10. The eight classes of wondrous beings: These are: 1/ devas; 2/ nagas; 3/ yakshas; 4/ gandharvas; 5/ asuras; 6/ garudas; 7/ kinnaras; 8/ mahoragas.

11. The four immeasurable minds: These are the four immeasurable states of mind, the four immeasurable virtues practiced by Buddhas and bodhisattvas to bring benefit and happiness, and to deliver immeasurable sentient beings in immeasurable worlds from suffering, affliction, calamity, and hardship. Their individual names are: great loving-kindness, great compassion, great sympathetic joy, and great equanimity.

12. The ten Dharma practices of meditation: The ten virtuous practices are: 1/ few desires; 2/ contentment; 3/ serenity; 4/ diligence; 5/ right mindfulness; 6/ right concentration; 7/ right wisdom; 8/ liberation; 9/ praising liberation; 10/ teaching and transforming sentient beings by means of the principles of the Mahayana.

13. The three great vows: These are: the vow to eliminate all evil; the vow to cultivate all good; and the solemn vow to deliver all sentient beings.