佛說佛名經

Today, we disciples together perform repentance (1) in this place of practice, and hearing the teachings of the Buddha's sūtra, we are truly fearful. We do not know in which species we were born in our former lives, what evil deeds we committed, how great their number was, and in what manner the karmic retribution would afterward come to us. Even in this present body we see much suffering and affliction: some are mute and tongue-tied so that they cannot speak a word; some have great bellies and tiny throats so that they cannot swallow.

How much more so when there is nothing fixed in human life. Safe and at ease today, tomorrow is hard to guarantee; when retribution one day arrives, not a single one can escape it. Let the great assembly awaken of themselves to the meaning brought about by each person's life, so that with an upright mind and right mindfulness (2) we may destroy all the tangled deluded thoughts, share in one heartfelt anguish, cast the five parts of the body (3) down upon the earth, and on behalf of all sentient beings who have endured and will endure every kind of suffering and misery within the four kinds of birth and the six paths, take refuge in and reverently bow to the Greatly Enlightened Ones:

With wholehearted mind we make our vows:

We universally vow that all sentient beings may make offerings,

To all the Most Victorious Honored Ones of the ten directions,

To the wondrous Dharma of the three vehicles' pure gate,

To the Bodhisattvas, the Pratyekabuddhas, and the assembly of Śrāvakas,

May we ever vow never to dwell in lowly, base places,

Nor follow the blemishes of the eight calamities,

But be born among humans, in a station revered and honored,

And ever be able to serve the Buddhas of the ten directions,

May we vow to be ever born into houses of wealth and nobility,

With treasures and storehouses all filled to overflowing,

With fame and renown that none can equal,

And long life and good health for many kalpas of lifetimes,

We vow that women may be transformed into men,

Strong, intelligent, and abounding in wisdom,

That all may ever practice the Bodhisattva path,

Skillfully cultivating the six pāramitās to the other shore,

Whether in the past or in the present,

Revolving through the three realms and creating various karmas,

May we be able to surmount and grow weary of unwholesome states,

And vow that these may be wholly extinguished, never to remain,

For all sentient beings within the sea,

Bound fast by the net of birth and death,

We vow to take the sword of wisdom to sever and remove it,

That, parting from suffering, they may swiftly realize the path of bodhi,

If there be any man or woman,

Brahmin or member of the noble clans,

Who joins their palms and single-mindedly praises the Buddha,

May they, life after life, ever remember their many former lives,

May all their faculties be pure and ever perfected,

And their surpassing merits all be accomplished,

We vow that in future lives, wherever they are born,

They may ever be gazed upon with admiration by gods and humans,

Having made these vows, with wholehearted mind we reverently bow…

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Great Cultivation

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Majestic Virtue Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Wisdom Without Dispute

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Lion's Voice

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Excellent Virtue

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Excellent Abiding

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Sun Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Foremost in Bodhi

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Subduer of Enmity

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Undefiled Meaning

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Departure

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Wondrous Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Universal Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Great Adornment

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Mountain of Merit

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Maṇi Moon

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Loving Eyes

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Name

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Bodhi Wisdom

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Jewel Merit

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Heavenly Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Sage

Reverently we bow to the Buddha True Wisdom, Buddha Wisdom

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Ambrosia Majestic Virtue

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Able to Contemplate

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Dragon's Gait

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Faith Wisdom

Reverently we bow to the Buddha True Love

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Lotus Fragrance

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Marks

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Great Majestic Virtue

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Manifold Suns

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Vast Earth

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Ambrosia Eyes

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Wisdom of Shame and Conscience

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Mountain King Sovereign Traces

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Joyful Victory

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Voice of Manifold Distinctions

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Faithful Cultivation

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Casting Off Grief and Affliction

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Wisdom of All the Worlds

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Power of Majestic Virtue

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Faith

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Praised for Power

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Emitting Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Transcending All Doubts

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Virtue of Merit

Reverently we bow to the Buddha True Departure

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Unobstructed Wisdom

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Attaining Majestic Virtue

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Moon Treasury

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Brahma Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Joyful Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Serene Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Mind Free of Strangeness

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Faultless Wisdom

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Boundless Wisdom

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Accomplisher of Merit

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Adorned Body

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Fearless Love

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Arrived at Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Great Body

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Knowing Wisdom

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Great Contemplation

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Joyful Eyes

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Wisdom Free of All Fevers

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Wisdom Free of Timidity

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Universal Purity

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Dharma Purity

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Majestic Virtue of Generous Giving

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Heavenly Accomplishment

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Fearless Voice

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Flower Sun

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Mind of Excellent Abiding

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Pure as the Crest-Jewel

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Kusuma Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Dharma Puṣya

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Moon Joy

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Serene Illumination

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Unerring Conduct

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Great Vigor

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Human Voice

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Universal Voice

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Bodhi Vow

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Heavenly-Hued Contemplation

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Power of Wisdom

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Samanta-locana

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Brahma Offering

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Noble Puṣya

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Wisdom of Empty Space

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Able to Subdue Heedlessness

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Incomparable Wisdom

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Army Dhāra

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Subduing the Mango

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Worthy of Love

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Offering of Precepts

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Bright Mind of Equanimity

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Faithful Mind Free of Timidity

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Pure Vigor

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Wisdom of Hearing

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Unobstructed Contemplation

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Fearless Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Ambrosia Voice

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Departed Name

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Casting Off Strife

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Guardian of the Faculties

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Liberation Through Dhyāna

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Great Susiddhi

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Candana Fragrance

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Worthy of Contemplation

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Immeasurable Wisdom

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Majestic Virtue of a Thousand Suns

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Casting Off the Heavy Burden

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Pure in Praise

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Hearing of Devas

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Sovereign King

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Boundless Wisdom

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Vast Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Faith Ambrosia

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Wondrous Faculties

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Conduct of Liberation

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Wondrous Vision

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Great Voice

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Assembly of Great Majestic Virtue

Reverently we bow to the Buddha True Crest-Jewel of Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Worthy of Offerings

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Guṇadhvaja Traces

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Marks of Faith

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Great Flame

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Arhat Faith

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Excellent Abiding Contemplation

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Excellent Bridge

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Wisdom Action

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Universal Jewel

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Sun Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Expounder of the Bridge

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Bodhisattva Bakula

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Lowly-Hearted Body

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Body Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Pure Voice

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Moon Victory

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Virtue of Mind

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Adorned Voice

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Wondrous Mind

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Worthy Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Firm Flower

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Accomplishment of Merit

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Accomplishment of Mind

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Vehicle of Liberation

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Subduer of Enmity

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Transcending the True

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Transcending All Afflictions

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Immeasurable Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Undefiled Mind

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Harmonious Sound

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Immeasurable Eyes

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Worldly Power

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Wondrous Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Gathered Merit

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Voice Worthy of Hearing

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Great Contemplation

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Faith in Devas

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Contemplation of Ambrosia

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Clear Understanding

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Lamp

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Firm Mind

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Power of the Age

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Flower Eyes

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Bodhi Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Most Victorious Voice

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Voice of the Six Penetrations

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Power of Majestic Virtue

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Praised Among Humans

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Flower Assembly

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Great Topknot

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Not Following Another

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Fearless Conduct

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Free of All Grief and Gloom

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Moon's Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Courageous Mind

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Wisdom of Liberation

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Free of the Evil Paths

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Jambū Lamp

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Offering

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Excellent Contemplation

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Hue of Victorious Majestic Virtue

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Faith of Sentient Beings

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Joyful Reverence

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Pure Padma

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Padma Among Humans

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Excellent Fragrance

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Offering

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Flowers of Manifold Hues

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Merit

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Kalpa of Empty Space

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Worthy Moon

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Firm and Solid

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Wondrous Power

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Wisdom of Victorious Indra

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Body

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Loving Contemplation

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Fragrance

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Conduct Without Dispute

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Dwelling of Merit

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Contemplation of Great Vigor

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Great Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Embracing Giving

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Cultivation of Profound Contemplation

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Fragrance Joy

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Fragrant Elephant

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Manifold Wisdom

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Contemplation of Wondrous Wisdom

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Adornment of Merit

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Superior Conduct

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Wisdom Conduct

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Mountain of Merit

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Voice Filling the Ten Directions

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Embracing Choice

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Faith Wondrous

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Moon Vision

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Assembly of Merit

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Power of the Dharma

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Pervading All Doubts

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Praised King

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Guardian of All the Faculties

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Mind

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Ambrosia Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Contemplation of Ambrosia

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Foremost of All Assemblies

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Loving Topknot

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Hue That Cannot Be Subdued

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Universal Faith

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Adornment King

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Vajra Gait

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Worthy Deeds

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Bright Light of the Reward of Merit

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Arising of the Power of Vigor

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Excellent Pure Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Attaining Release from All Bonds

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Treasury of the Undefiled Padma

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Attaining Liberation

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Fearless and Praised Throughout the Ten Directions

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Destroyer of All Dark Paths

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Bright Light King

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Traces of the Great Flame

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Jewel Bright Light of Boundless Conduct and Merit

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Dharma Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha King of Joy

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious King Who Can Make Bright Light for All Sentient Beings and Destroy the Darkness

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Praised King Who Gives Rise to Universal Bright Light and Cultivates Boundless Vows

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Fulfiller of Universal Vows, Free of Timidity

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Bright Light Seen by All

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Undefiled Light, Adornment King

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Treasury Mountain of Merit, Diamond Breaker

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Dragon King Sovereign King

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Praised Voice King of the Adornment of Majestic Virtue by the Jewel of Vigor, Sun, Moon, and Maṇi

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Roaring Voice, Wondrous Voice

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Excellent Upholder of the Earth

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Sovereign King of the World

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Unobstructed Victorious Tree, King of Medicine

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Sumeru Banner

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Great Mountain

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Sumeru Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Wondrous Voice

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Abode of the Sun and Moon

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Praised Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Immeasurable Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Immeasurable Banner

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Great Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Jewel Crest-Jewel

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Pure King

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Assembly of Great Flames

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Voice of All Kings

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Hard to Surpass

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Sun-Born

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Bright Light of the Jeweled Net

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Shining Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Lion

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Praise

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Fitting Bright Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Profound Dharma

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Profound Subtlety

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Upholder of the Dharma

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Dharma Banner

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Brahma Voice

Reverently we bow to the Buddha King of Constellations

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Fragrance

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Fragrant Light

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Great Traces

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Jewel of Manifold Flowers Spread Deep

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Sāla Sovereign King

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Jeweled Lotus

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Seer of All Meanings

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Sumeru Kalpa

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Lamp of Wisdom

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Great Bright Light Shining

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Hard to Subdue

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Profound Illumination

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Diligent Crest-Jewel Banner

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Sovereign King of Majestic Virtue

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Enlightened King

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Jewel Treasury

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Great Ocean

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Sovereign of the Surpassing Ten Powers

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Adornment of the Sole Jewel

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Adornment of Boundless Jewels

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Voice Without Marks

Next, we reverently bow to the Twelve Divisions of the Honored Sūtras, the Great Treasury Dharma Wheel. Reverently we bow to the great Bodhisattvas of the ten directions:

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Virtue of Healing

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Universal Embrace

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Universal Deliverance

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Concentrated Light

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva True Light

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Krakucchanda

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Heavenly Light

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Maitreya Light

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Teacher of the Path

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Great Forbearance

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Flower Traces

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Wisdom Light

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Ocean Wisdom

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Śākya Mahānāma

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Gold Treasury

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Mountain Wisdom

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Mountain Ridge

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Mountain Peak

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Mountain Banner

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Subduer of Māra

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Rain King

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Thunder King

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Jewel Wheel

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Jewel Field

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Jewel Adornment

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Jewel Water

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Jewel Lamp

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Jewel Manifestation

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Jewel Maker

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Delight in the Dharma

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Pure King

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Heavenly Light

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Primal Examination

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Shining Taste

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Moon Eloquence

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Dharma Wheel

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Pure Light

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Universal Virtue

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Victorious Banner

Reverently we bow to the Bodhisattva Gentle Sound

We reverently bow to the Buddhas throughout the worlds of the ten directions, together with the immeasurable and innumerable great Bodhisattvas. Having reverently bowed to the Śrāvakas (4), the Pratyekabuddhas (5), and all the worthy and noble ones, we pray that the Buddhas and the great Bodhisattvas will rescue and deliver all sentient beings now enduring suffering and affliction, and by their spiritual power destroy evil karma for all sentient beings, that they may not fall back again into the paths of suffering, but reach the place of peace, joy, and purity, with merit complete. Casting off this body and receiving another, may they ever meet the Buddhas, and together with the Bodhisattvas ascend to the station of Right Enlightenment.

The Bodhisattva Faithful Marks addressed the Buddha: "There are sentient beings within a city of fire, their hearts and livers scorched and burning. Though the four gates of the city stand open, when they run toward them the gates at once close of themselves; running about east and west, they too are hard pressed to escape, and are burned by the fire. For what cause do they incur this offense?"

The Buddha answered: "Because in former lives they were people who set fire to forests and mountains, broke down dikes and embankments, and fried the eggs of hens and ducks, causing sentient beings to be burned to death; therefore they incur this offense."

— "Again, there are sentient beings upon mountains of knives and forests of swords; wherever they touch, they are at once cut through, their bodies all hacked to pieces, in pain and misery they cannot bear. For what cause do they incur this offense?"

The Buddha answered: "Those persons in former lives followed the trade of killing, cleaving the carcasses and carving up the flesh of every kind of creature, cutting, slicing, flaying, and stripping, parting bone from flesh, the body and head torn apart, hung up on high, weighed and measured for sale, or hung up alive and sold — pain beyond all measure. Because of that evil karma (6), they must thus pay for their offenses."

— "Again, there are sentient beings whose ears, eyes, and so forth — the five sense faculties — are incomplete. For what cause do they incur this offense?"

The Buddha taught: "Because in former lives they raised flying birds and running beasts in order to go hunting. They shot birds and shot beasts, sometimes shattering their heads, sometimes snaring and severing their legs, plucking out feathers and wings while the creatures were yet alive, causing sentient beings boundless pain and suffering that could not be borne. Because of that cause and condition, they must incur such an offense."

Today, we disciples, hearing the teachings of the Buddha, are most fearful, and together with wholehearted mind, single-minded and earnest, we vow on behalf of all sentient beings in the ten directions, bowing our heads in reverence to the Buddhas of the ten directions:

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Dharma Mountain of the East

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Gathered Sound of the South

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Lamp of Dharma Practice of the West

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Victorious Treasury of the North

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Honored King Subduer of Desire of the Southeast

Reverently we bow to the Buddha King of the Power of Diffusion of the Southwest

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Vast Maker of the Dharma of the Northwest

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Sovereign of Myriad Immeasurable Spiritual Penetrations of the Northeast

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Dharma Wisdom of the Great Assembly of the Direction Below

Reverently we bow to the Buddha Accomplisher of All the Abundant Lands of the Direction Above

We reverently bow to the ten directions, throughout the realm of empty space, to the seats of the Triple Gem, and humbly beseech the noble ones to bring forth a heart of compassion, to save and deliver all sentient beings in the ten directions, causing those sentient beings now enduring suffering to be at once liberated; and the sentient beings who will endure suffering to sever and remove their afflictions, so that in the end they fall no more into the three evil paths.

From now on until the time of attaining Buddhahood, may they be cleansed of the three karmic hindrances (7), the five fears (8) be destroyed, the merit of adornment be wholly complete, and all sentient beings be taught and transformed, turning toward the Supreme Path and attaining the station of Right Enlightenment. Now, we disciples in this place of practice, calming our minds, listen and understand:

The Bodhisattva Faithful Marks addressed the Buddha: "World-Honored One! Again, there are sentient beings who are lame and crippled, whose backs are bent, whose hands and feet are drawn up and contracted so that they cannot grasp or hold, and can hardly walk or stand. For what reason do they incur this offense?"

The Buddha taught: "In former lives they were people exceedingly cruel, who left weapons in the road, set out guns, set out swords, dug pits and dug holes, killing and harming sentient beings. Because of that evil karma, they incur the karmic retribution described above."

— "There are many sentient beings bound in body by jailers, in cangues and shackles and chains, hard pressed to escape. For what cause and condition do they incur such an offense?"

The Buddha taught: "Those persons in former lives netted and snared beasts, bound the six kinds of domestic animals, or as lords holding power in their regions, ruling over the people, were greedy and took bribes, falsely accused the innocent and the good, so that resentment and grievance had no one to whom they could cry out. Because of that evil cause, they incur such a fruit of suffering.

— There are sentient beings who are either mad or frenzied, either deluded or terrified, unable to distinguish good from bad. Why do they suffer such offense and misery?"

The Buddha taught: "In former lives they were people who drank wine to drunkenness, with frenzied minds and disordered thoughts, committing the thirty-six faults (9); therefore they fall into being foolish people, like drunkards unable to distinguish good from bad, great from small, high from low. Because of that evil karma, they must incur such an offense."

— "Again, there are sentient beings small of form and short of body, whose secret organs are exceedingly large, so that when let down the body is in pain and they must tuck them up behind the back to walk, and in walking, standing, lying, and sitting they all meet with difficulty. Why do they incur such a karmic retribution?"

The Buddha taught: "Those persons in former lives traded in gold and jewels, praising the treasures that were their own and disparaging the treasures of others, altering scales and measures, cheating with rulers and lengths. Because of that evil karma, they must incur such an offense."

Today, we disciples in this place of practice, hearing the teachings of the Buddha, are most fearful, and together with one earnest mind, with utmost sincerity we reverently bow, vowing on behalf of all sentient beings who have endured suffering and affliction, who are now enduring pain and sorrow, and who will endure evil retribution within the six paths (10). Again we vow on behalf of our fathers and mothers, our teachers and elders, our faithful donors and benefactors, our good and evil acquaintances, and, extending further, all sentient beings throughout the ten directions and the three realms (11), that they may turn toward the seat of the Triple Gem and cultivate with surpassing progress.

We disciples, today relying upon the power of the Buddha, the power of the Dharma, and the power of the Bodhisattvas, vow on behalf of all sentient beings, bowing our heads in reverence and imploring repentance. As for the sentient beings who have already endured suffering, may they, by the power of the great compassion of the Buddhas and the Bodhisattvas, be at once liberated. As for the sentient beings who have not yet endured suffering, from now on, until the time of attaining the Way, may they in the end not fall back into the evil paths, but depart far from the eight calamities of suffering (12), receive the eight births of blessing (13), obtain the wholesome roots fully accomplished, be complete in wisdom, accomplish eloquence, pure and natural,

and together with the Buddhas attain the station of Supreme, Perfect, Complete Enlightenment.

Notes:

1. Repentance (sám hối): To regret and to forsake one's faults. "Sám is to repent of one's former transgressions; hối is to regret one's later faults." That is, sám is to repent the faults committed before, and hối is to regret the faults to come, not allowing them to be committed again. In Sanskrit it is called Kṣamayati.

2. Upright mind, right mindfulness: Candor, sincerity (Fr.). An upright, straightforward heart. Right mindfulness is right thinking. It should be known that from an upright mind (a straightforward heart) there issue upright speech and upright action. Through right mindfulness, deviant thoughts are dispelled. Attending to repentance quickly dissolves one's transgressions.

3. The five parts of the body cast down upon the earth: Already explained in Volume 19, No. 27, page 609 (Part II).

4. & 5. Śrāvaka, Pratyekabuddha: Two vehicles (Fr.). The common name for the two vehicles, the two carriages, that is, the two teachings: a/ The Śrāvaka Vehicle is the teaching concerning the Four Noble Truths for the attainment of Arhatship. b/ The Pratyekabuddha Vehicle, or Pratyekabuddha-yāna, is the teaching concerning the twelve links of dependent origination, the teaching of one who cultivates and awakens by oneself to the fruit of the Solitary Realizer, or Pratyekabuddha.

6. Evil karma: Wicked deeds. The wicked deeds one has committed in former lives, or in this life, by the body: killing, stealing, sexual misconduct; by speech: false speech, flattering speech, double-tongued speech, harsh speech; by the mind: greed, hatred, delusion. Such deeds draw upon oneself the fruits of illness, poverty, misery, and untimely death… And after the end of one's life, evil karma further casts one's soul down into states of peril and suffering. Evil karma is the cause and condition, while the suffering of this life and the suffering of the life to come are its karmic retribution…

7. The three karmic hindrances: The hindrance of bodily karma, the hindrance of verbal karma, and the hindrance of mental karma.

8. The five fears: A Bodhisattva newly engaged in cultivation has five fears: 1. Fear of not being able to live in sufficiency; 2. Fear of an ill name; 3. Fear of death; 4. Fear of falling into the hells; 5. Fear of the awesome virtue of the great assembly.

9. The thirty-six faults: The Sūtra on the Initial Arising of Good and Evil says: 1. One's wealth is lost. 2.

In this present life, many illnesses. 3. While drunk, one quarrels and fights with others. 4. One increases killing and harm. 5.

One increases the mind of anger. 6. Many matters fail to go as one wishes. 7. Wisdom gradually declines. 8.

Merit and virtue do not increase. 9. Merit and virtue further diminish. 10. One reveals hidden matters. 11.

One's enterprises do not succeed. 12. One adds matters of worry and suffering. 13. The faculties become dull and confused. 14.

One disgraces father and mother. 15. One does not revere the Śramaṇas. 16. One does not believe in those who practice the holy life. 17.

One does not revere the Buddha. 18. One does not revere the Dharma and the Saṃgha. 19. One draws near to evil companions. 20.

One distances oneself from good companions. 21. One neglects food and drink. 22. One bares one's body naked. 23.

The matter of lust blazes forth. 24. Many people dislike one. 25. One laughs loosely and frivolously. 26.

Father and mother are not glad. 27. Relatives detest and reject one. 28. One is apt to do unlawful things. 29.

One distances oneself from the true Dharma. 30. One does not respect the worthy and good. 31. One transgresses against many matters of sin. 32.

One distances oneself from the path of Nirvāṇa. 33. Madness and derangement. 34. Body and mind scattered and confused. 35.

Indulgence of the evil mind, and 36. When the body perishes and life ends, one falls into the great hells to endure suffering without end.

10. Within the six paths: Already explained in Volume 19, No. 24: The Six Paths; page 608 (Part II).

11. The ten directions and the three realms: The ten directions are: East, West, South, North, southeast, southwest, northeast, northwest, above, and below. The three realms are the realm of Desire, the realm of Form, and the realm of Formlessness.

12. The eight calamities of suffering: The calamity of the hells; the calamity of the hungry ghosts; the calamity of the animals; the calamity of being blind, deaf, mute, or dumb; the calamity of being born before or after a Buddha; the calamity of worldly cleverness and eloquence; the calamity of the Heaven of No Thought; and the calamity of Uttarakuru.

13. The eight births of blessing: The eight places into which one is born through blessing: 1. Among humans of wealth and nobility. 2. The Heaven of the Four Heavenly Kings. 3. The Heaven of the Thirty-Three (Trāyastriṃśa). 4. The Yāma Heaven. 5. The Tuṣita Heaven. 6. The Nirmāṇarati Heaven. 7. The Paranirmita-vaśavartin Heaven, and 8. The Brahmā Heaven.