佛說佛名經

Today, we disciples gathered in this Dharma assembly (1) diligently focus our minds and reverently bow in worship as we listen to Bodhisattva Sign of Faith address the Buddha: “World-Honored One, there are also sentient beings whose appearance is hideous: their bodies are black as charcoal, their ears bluish and pallid, their shoulders hunched, their faces flat and noses depressed, their eyes bloodshot and yellow, their teeth sparse and broken, and their breath foul.

Their thighs are short and swollen; their bellies are large and their waists narrow; their hands and feet resemble dry firewood. Their ribs and spines protrude; they consume much cloth and food; their sores stink, and blood and pus defile them. Dropsy, leprosy, and every manner of malignant affliction converge upon their bodies.

Though they wish to approach others, no one pays them any heed. When others commit offenses, they too are implicated without cause and suffer calamity. They can scarcely see a Buddha or hear the Dharma; they do not understand bodhisattvas and do not recognize sages and noble ones.

Coming and going, they continually suffer, without ever reaching an end. Through what causes and conditions do they undergo such retribution?”

The Buddha taught: “In former lives they were unfilial toward their parents and neither loyal nor trustworthy toward rulers and officials. When above others, they did not care for those below; when below others, they did not respect those above. They were insincere and did not keep faith (2) with friends; they showed neither benevolence nor righteousness toward neighbors; they rendered no proper service to the royal court; and they lacked virtue in passing judgments.

Without magnanimity, their minds were perverse. They murdered rulers and ministers, deceived elders, betrayed their country and trafficked its people, battered cities and destroyed fortifications, plundered wealth, and committed innumerable evil deeds. Moreover, they praised themselves and disparaged others, encroached upon the elderly, oppressed the solitary, maligned the worthy, slighted teachers and elders, and deceived the lowly.

Because of these causes and conditions, they must undergo such evil retribution.” When those suffering punishment heard the Buddha’s teaching, they wept bitterly, tears pouring down like rain, and addressed the Buddha:

“May the World-Honored One remain forever in the world, teaching the Dharma and transforming us so that we may attain liberation.” (3)

The Buddha taught: “If I were to dwell long in the world, those of meager merit who do not share the same wholesome roots would say that I still remained alive and would give no thought to impermanence. They would themselves commit many evil deeds and afterward repent too late. Good men! It is like a young child whose mother is always nearby: the child does not think how difficult it is to encounter its mother. Only when she goes away does the child begin to remember, long for, and yearn for her. When the mother returns, the child rejoices. Good men! So it is now. I know that sentient beings do not seek the truth or the permanently abiding true mind; therefore, I must enter nirvana.” The Buddha then spoke these verses before those sentient beings undergoing evil retribution:

Flowing water is not always full;

A blazing fire does not always burn;

The sun rises and then sets;

The full moon afterward wanes.

Honor, rank, and wealth

Are even more impermanent.

Reflecting thus, one should be diligent

And bow to the Buddhas of the ten directions. (4)

Homage to the Bodhisattva Who Seeks Repentance (bow)

Homage to the Buddha Who Transcends the Realm of the Division

Homage to the Buddha Aggregate of Mount Sumeru

Homage to the Buddha Eye of Space

Homage to the Buddha Quiescence of Space

Homage to the Buddha King Commensurate with Power

Homage to the Buddha Who Emits Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Free from All Defilements

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Accomplishment of Variegated Flowers

Homage to the Buddha Tree of Horripilation Far Removed from All Fears and Terrors

Homage to the Buddha Accumulation of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Sandalwood Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Concealed Eye

Homage to the Buddha Treasure Come

Homage to the Buddha Fragrant Hand

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Assembly

Homage to the Buddha Sole Canopy

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Eye

Homage to the Buddha Sandalwood Gone

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Radiance of the Treasure of Wisdom-Flowers

Homage to the Buddha Worthy Supreme Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Able to Overcome All Fear

Homage to the Buddha Fearless

Homage to the Buddha Reliquary of Maitreya

Homage to the Buddha Maker of Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Tenfold Supreme Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Radiance Above the Heavens

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Treasure Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Voice

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of Indra’s Net

Homage to the Buddha Wisdom of Varied Treasures

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Adornment

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Utpala

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Abiding Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Supremely Capable Sage

Homage to the Buddha Renown of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha King of Mastery beneath the Sala Tree

Homage to the Buddha Treasure Sala

Homage to the Buddha Great General

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Garland

Homage to the Buddha Whose Renown Is Not in Vain

Homage to the Buddha Accomplishment of Supreme Merit

Homage to the Buddha King of Renown

Homage to the Buddha Division Not in Vain

Homage to the Buddha Fragrant Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Voice

Homage to the Buddha King Commensurate with Power

Homage to the Buddha Supreme King Increasing like Sumeru

Homage to the Buddha Merit of Supreme Treasure

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Padma

Homage to the Buddha Treasure Arisen

Homage to the Buddha Fragrant Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Who Arouses Renown throughout the Ten Directions

Homage to the Buddha King of Cloudlike Voice Who Universally Protects and Enhances

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Accomplishment of Boundless Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Wheel of Vigorous Progress

Homage to the Buddha Foremost among the Assembly

Homage to the Buddha King of Supreme Flowers

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Elephant

Homage to the Buddha Whose Renown Is Not in Vain

Homage to the Buddha Who Arouses Boundless Diligence and Merit

Homage to the Buddha Who Resolves to Adorn All Sentient Beings

Homage to the Buddha Practice of the Canopy

Homage to the Buddha Majestic King of the Wheel of Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of the King of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Who Has Reached the Other Shore of All Merit

Homage to the Buddha Maker of the Lamp of Illumination

Homage to the Buddha Able to Create Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Who Has Attained Merit

Homage to the Buddha Supremely Victorious Padma

Homage to the Buddha Maker of Treasures

Homage to the Buddha of Boundless Vows

Homage to the Buddha Abiding King of Boundless Merit

Homage to the Buddha Heap of Treasures

Homage to the Buddha King of Mastery beneath the Sala Tree

Homage to the Buddha Treasure Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Accumulation of Treasures

Homage to the Buddha Most High

Homage to the Buddha Who Cultivates Boundless Merit

Homage to the Buddha Who Contemplates Sounds

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of Mount Sumeru

Homage to the Buddha of Boundless Realms

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Accomplishment of Treasure-Flowers

Homage to the Buddha of Boundless Vigorous Progress

Homage to the Buddha Who Arouses the Faith of All Sentient Beings

Homage to the Buddha Arising Jeweled Canopy

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Merit

Homage to the Buddha Inconceivable Flower

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of the Jeweled Realm

Homage to the Buddha Merit of Supreme Treasure

Homage to the Buddha Who, upon Arousing the Resolve, Turns the Dharma Banner

Homage to the Buddha Renowned throughout the Ten Directions

Homage to the Buddha King Kalavinka

Homage to the Buddha Sun Wheel Lamp

Homage to the Buddha Highest Treasure

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Accomplishment of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Abiding King of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Eye

Homage to the Buddha Fearless

Homage to the Buddha Giver of Fearlessness

Homage to the Buddha Accumulation of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Who Arouses the Incomparable Mark

Homage to the Buddha Accumulated Majestic Power of the Wheel of Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Benevolent Intention

Homage to the Buddha Narayana

Homage to the Buddha Stainless Ketu

Homage to the Buddha Accumulation of Moonlight

Homage to the Buddha Pure Intention

Homage to the Buddha Peace and Security

Homage to the Buddha Who Arouses Wholesome Reflection

Homage to the Buddha Able to Destroy All Enmities

Homage to the Buddha Merit of the Utpala

Homage to the Buddha King Commensurate with Power

Homage to the Buddha Cloud of Boundless Radiance and Maitreya-Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Flowers of Varied Colors

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Light

Homage to the Buddha Able to Turn and Able to Abide

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Treasure

Homage to the Buddha Fragrant Mountain

Homage to the Buddha Who Knows and Sees the Minds of All Sentient Beings through Faith

Homage to the Buddha Formless Voice

Homage to the Buddha Accumulation of Wisdom and Merit

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Voice

Homage to the Buddha Treasury of the Single Canopy

Homage to the Buddha Unmoving World

Homage to the Buddha Kasyapa

Homage to the Buddha Who Contemplates and Sees All Realms

Homage to the Buddha Foremost One

Homage to the Buddha Accomplishment of Meaning

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Accomplishment

Homage to the Buddha Worthy of His Name

Homage to the Buddha Free from All Doubt

Homage to the Buddha Virtue of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Vehicle of Merit

Homage to the Buddha King of Constellations

Homage to the Buddha Immeasurable Ketu

Homage to the Buddha Sandalwood

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of Indra’s Net

Homage to the Buddha Brahma Voice

Homage to the Buddha Immeasurable Supreme True Essence

Homage to the Buddha Who Does Not Conceptualize Any Dharma

Homage to the Buddha Who Arouses the Uninterrupted Cultivation of All Sentient Beings

Homage to the Buddha of Boundless Vigorous Progress

Homage to the Buddha Who Sees All Dharmas

Homage to the Buddha Who Sees the Equality of All Dharmas

Homage to the Buddha Who Accomplishes Boundless Merit

Homage to the Buddha Lofty Radiance of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Highest Padma

Homage to the Buddha Highest in the Ten Directions

Homage to the Buddha Merit Accomplished through Flowers

Homage to the Buddha Who Makes Sentient Beings Firm

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Assembly of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Free from the Treasury

Homage to the Buddha King of Illumination

Homage to the Buddha Who Cultivates without Discrimination

Homage to the Buddha Renown of Boundless Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Sandalwood Conch

Homage to the Buddha Incomparable Wisdom-Flower Accomplishment

Homage to the Buddha King Who Abides Well beneath the Sala Tree

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Moonlight Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Heap of Sumeru

Homage to the Buddha Worthy of His Name

Homage to the Buddha Whose Renown Transcends the Ten Directions

Homage to the Buddha Body of Renown

Homage to the Buddha Firm Renown

Homage to the Buddha Free from Sorrow and Affliction

Homage to the Buddha Merit of the Supreme Padma King

Homage to the Buddha Flower-Scattering Ketu

Homage to the Buddha Who Universally Emits Fragrant Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Pundarika Eye

Homage to the Buddha Who Emits Flames

Homage to the Buddha Renowned throughout the Ten Directions

Homage to the Buddha Maitreya Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Treasure Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Lamp of Sikhin

Homage to the Buddha World-Realm of the Three Realms

Homage to the Buddha Wheel of Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Quiescent Realm of Space

Homage to the Buddha Ultimate Realm

Homage to the Buddha Voice of the Wondrous Jeweled Lamp

Homage to the Buddha Universal Realm

Homage to the Buddha Renown of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Supreme King of the Realm of the Wheel of Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Who Abides Well

Homage to the Buddha Who Accomplishes the Merit of the Buddha-Jewel

Homage to the Buddha Who Arouses the Merit of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha of All Merit

Homage to the Buddha Purity of the Buddha-Realm

Homage to the Buddha Accumulation of the Majestic Radiance of Arisen Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Who Accomplishes the Padma King

Homage to the Buddha Dharma of the Foremost Realm

Homage to the Buddha Half-Moon Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Fragrant Elephant

Homage to the Buddha Who Accomplishes Padma Merit

Homage to the Buddha Sandalwood Merit

Homage to the Buddha Treasure Mountain

Homage to the Buddha Practice of Discerning Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Able to Grant Fearlessness

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Boundless Merit

Homage to the Buddha Radiant Ketu

Homage to the Buddha Who Creates Boundless Merit

Homage to the Buddha Who Accomplishes All Supreme Merit

Homage to the Buddha Torch of Sustaining Power

Homage to the Buddha Victorious over Adversaries

Homage to the Buddha Supreme King

Homage to the Buddha King of Constellations

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Mountain

Homage to the Buddha Pure King of the Wheel of Space

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Voice

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Treasure Maitreya

Homage to the Buddha of Varied Treasures

Homage to the Buddha Arising Kusuma

Homage to the Buddha Foremost Awakening

Homage to the Buddha Stainless Radiance of Cultivation Free from Arousal

Homage to the Buddha Golden Flower

Homage to the Buddha Treasure Grotto

Homage to the Buddha Accomplishment of Variegated Flowers

Homage to the Buddha Who Emits Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Accomplishment of Flowers

Homage to the Buddha Flower Canopy

Homage to the Buddha Whose Arousal of Cultivation Is Not in Vain

Homage to the Buddha King of Supreme Power

Homage to the Buddha King of Pure Voice

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Foremost One

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Eye

Homage to the Buddha Who Destroys All Destinies

Homage to the Buddha Free from Doubt

Homage to the Buddha Formless Voice

Homage to the Buddha Who Ultimately Accomplishes Boundless Merit

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Accomplishment of Treasures

Homage to the Buddha Padma Who Attained Supreme Merit

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Treasure

Homage to the Buddha Whose Cultivation Is Unobstructed throughout the Three Times

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Illumination

Homage to the Buddha Treasure Maitreya

Homage to the Buddha Supreme King of the Lamp of Illumination

Homage to the Buddha Accomplishment of the Virtue of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Great Lamp of Illumination

Homage to the Buddha Unsurpassed Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of the King of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Pusya

Homage to the Buddha Brahma Voice

Homage to the Buddha Wheel of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Lamp of the Ten Directions

Homage to the Buddha Virtue Accomplished through Buddha-Flowers

Homage to the Buddha King of Mastery beneath the Sala Tree

Homage to the Buddha Flower Garland

Homage to the Buddha Accumulation of Treasures

Homage to the Buddha Who Sees Varieties

Homage to the Buddha Medicine King

Homage to the Buddha Most High

Homage to the Buddha Worthy and Supreme

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Ketu of Supreme Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Sandalwood Conch

Homage to the Buddha Fragrant Ketu

Homage to the Buddha of Boundless Diligence

Homage to the Buddha Who Transcends the Ten Lights

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Buddha-Padma

Homage to the Buddha of Boundless Realms

Homage to the Buddha Supreme King Who Accomplishes the Fearsome Padma

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Indra’s Net

Homage to the Buddha King Who Abides Well

Homage to the Buddha King of the Most Supreme Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Able to Bestow Every Joy

Homage to the Buddha Able to Manifest Every Thought

Homage to the Buddha Whose Renown Is Not in Vain

Homage to the Buddha Treasure Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Who Gives Peace and Joy to All Sentient Beings

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Boundless Adornment of Space

Homage to the Buddha Well Adorned

Homage to the Buddha Ketu of Space

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Accomplishment of Universal Flowers

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Delight

Homage to the Buddha Who Comes from the Boundless Realm

Homage to the Buddha Pure Eye

Homage to the Buddha Lofty Mountain

Homage to the Buddha Invincible Banner

Homage to the Buddha Skilled in the Arts

Homage to the Buddha Boundless and Limitless Mountains

Homage to the Buddha King Adorned with the Moon Wheel

Homage to the Buddha Most Supreme Maitreya

Homage to the Buddha Virtue Accomplished through Joy

Homage to the Buddha Who Purifies All Maitreya

Homage to the Buddha Virtue of Peace and Joy

Homage to the Buddha Virtue of Brahma

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Mastery

Homage to the Buddha Who Creates Boundless Merit

Homage to the Buddha King of Majestic Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Brahma

Homage to the Buddha Whose Wholesome Reflection Accomplishes All Vows

Homage to the Buddha King of the Pure Wheel

Homage to the Buddha Lofty Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Valiant Rishi

Homage to the Buddha Accumulation of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Maker of Directions

Homage to the Buddha Able to Endure

Homage to the Buddha Free from All Modes of Existence

Homage to the Buddha Protector through Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Merit

Homage to the Buddha Who Manifests Realms according to the Minds of Sentient Beings

Homage to the Buddha King of the Moon in the Bright Mirror

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Treasure

Homage to the Buddha Fearless One Free from the Realm of All Craving

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Treasure Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Illumination

Homage to the Buddha Who Is Mindful of the Realms of All Buddhas

Homage to the Buddha Able to Manifest the Images of All Buddhas

Homage to the Buddha Formless Essence

Homage to the Buddha Transformative Voice

Homage to the Buddha Wholesome Transformative Voice

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Merit Accomplished through Treasures

Homage to the Buddha Ocean Maitreya

Homage to the Buddha Stainless Intention

Homage to the Buddha Accomplishment of Wisdom-Flowers

Homage to the Buddha Lofty Mountain of Majestic Virtue

Homage to the Buddha Quiescent Extinction

Homage to the Buddha Free from Hatred

Homage to the Buddha Who Severs All Paths

Homage to the Buddha Who Accomplishes Immeasurable Merit

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Realm Accomplished through Joy

Homage to the Buddha Fearless-Seeking Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Fragrant Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Drum-Voice of Clouds

Homage to the Buddha Who Accomplishes Supreme Merit

Homage to the Buddha Division of Boundless Worldly Power

Homage to the Buddha Firm Mount Sumeru

Homage to the Buddha Sumeru of Supreme Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Light

Homage to the Buddha Universal Vision

Homage to the Buddha Who Has Attained Fearlessness

Homage to the Buddha Moon Lamp

Homage to the Buddha Fire Lamp

Homage to the Buddha Lamp of the World

Homage to the Buddha Lofty Cultivation

Homage to the Buddha Vajra-Born

Homage to the Buddha King of Mastery in Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha Renown of Wisdom-Power

Homage to the Buddha Ever-Abiding Fearlessness

Homage to the Buddha King of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Highest Fearlessness

Homage to the Buddha Benefit of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Babasa

Homage to the Buddha Wholesome Eye

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Adornment

Homage to the Buddha Jeweled Canopy

Homage to the Buddha Fragrant Elephant

Homage to the Buddha Whose Renown in Boundless Realms Is Not in Vain

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of the King of Inconceivable Merit

Homage to the Buddha Variegated Flowers

Homage to the Buddha King of Fearlessness

Homage to the Buddha Ever-Pervading Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha King of Wondrous Medicinal Trees

Homage to the Buddha Who Constantly Seeks Peace and Joy

Homage to the Buddha Practice of Boundless Intention

Homage to the Buddha of Boundless Realms

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Light

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Eye

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Realm of Space

Homage to the Buddha Realm of Sound and Form

Homage to the Buddha King of Constellations

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Highest Fragrance

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Space

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Merit

Homage to the Buddha Who Manifests in All Directions

Homage to the Buddha Wondrous Maitreya

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Eye

Homage to the Buddha King Sagara

Homage to the Buddha Beacon

Homage to the Buddha Blazing Ketu

Homage to the Buddha Stainless Moon of Majestic Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Mountain of Wisdom

Homage to the Buddha King of Renowned Power

Homage to the Buddha Radiance of the King of Merit

Homage to the Buddha Knowledge and Vision

Homage to the Buddha Padma Who Accomplished the Second Victory

Homage to the Buddha Treasure Fire

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Jeweled Lotus

Homage to the Buddha Who Severs All Doubts

Homage to the Buddha Leader of the Supreme Assembly

Homage to the Buddha King Ketu

Homage to the Buddha Supreme Flower

Homage to the Buddha Who Emits Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Who Illumines with Padma Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Dharma-Ketu King of the Directions

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Division

Homage to the Buddha Mount Bhagavat

Homage to the Buddha Amogha Vision

Homage to the Buddha Unobstructed Roaring Voice

Homage to the Buddha Radiance Renowned for Boundless Merit

Homage to the Buddha Who Cultivates without Distinguishing Samsara from Nirvana

Homage to the Buddha Boundless Illumination

Homage to the Buddha Wholesome Eye

Homage to the Buddha Treasury of the Single Canopy

Homage to the Buddha Who Emits Radiance

Homage to the Buddha Whose Cultivation Arises throughout the Past, Future, and Present

Next, we bow to the Twelve Divisions of the Venerated Sutras and the Dharma Wheel of the Great Canon; we bow to the great bodhisattvas of the ten directions:

With utmost sincerity, we repent:

Contemplating, we see that our skandhas are originally empty and quiescent,

Nothing but the perfect radiance of the awakened mind.

From time immemorial, through failure to understand,

A single thought suddenly gave rise to karmic consciousness.

Intentional turning produced the aspect of the perceiver;

Because there was a perceiver, objects appeared before it.

Not knowing that these were formed by our own minds,

We resolutely grasped them as external realms.

Thereafter, every thought followed continuously,

Firmly clinging to self and person.

Attached to appearances and following names, we saw opposition;

Greed, anger, delusion, and pride arose alone.

Meeting objects, the mind arose and created various karmas;

Good and evil alike depended upon the outflowing mind.

Through birth and death we drifted among the six destinies,

Bound by karma throughout life after life and kalpa after kalpa.

Relying upon this suffering body, we again became attached;

Attachment again produced a body of love and hate.

When the deluded mind of love and hate met objects,

It again used this mind to create good and evil.

Through good and evil, we again suffered in the three realms,

Drifting without any time of ending,

Back and forth like a well-wheel drawing water,

And like silkworms spinning cocoons that bind themselves.

Innumerable Buddhas have cultivated and realized the Way,

Many times coming to save beings in the human world;

Yet for many lives we had not formed affinities with them,

As hard to encounter as a blind turtle meeting a floating log.

Having now met wholesome conditions, we must awaken ourselves;

Only because of ignorance did we become slaves.

Never for a single thought did we turn back to contemplate the mind,

But were constantly commanded by manifold cravings.

We regret the undeserved suffering of so many lives,

Leaving home and fleeing to another village,

Wandering until this very body was spent.

Now we have gained human birth with all six faculties complete

And encountered Sakyamuni’s Semblance and Final Dharma.

Awakening understanding, we return for refuge in the nature of the Three Jewels,

Though at first we had not yet awakened to the true source.

Fearful that we might again revolve in samsara,

We were most fortunate suddenly to meet a good spiritual friend.

Swiftly the ground of mind opened and its numinous clarity appeared;

We merely contemplated the mind from beginningless time,

And saw all as a single field within the objects of cognition.

How fortunate again to meet the teaching of sudden perfection;

A thousand layers of doubt all dissolved.

What we had sought and heard throughout many kalpas lay heavily amassed;

We are ashamed before those who revealed the path through many lives.

The Benevolent One, compassionate toward beings in the Final Age,

Questioned us step by step from beginning to end.

The Benevolent One’s response accorded with the source of mind,

And without obstruction taught the sudden teaching from beginning to end.

Though the one great matter has now been opened and understood,

We still fear indolence regarding the six paramitas.

Difficult ascetic practices cannot yet be practiced;

Inner possessions difficult to relinquish have never been relinquished.

When hearing a sound, even for one thought, it is hard simply to hear;

When seeing form with one mind, we are not yet as though blind.

The nose smelling fragrance is not impartial like the wind;

The tongue tasting flavors again makes distinctions.

When the body experiences contact, it differs from realization;

The consciousness that knows the sounds of Dharma differs from an illusory person.

The six consciousnesses still seize upon love and hate;

Thus we know that habitual tendencies continually circulate.

Having awakened that the original mind is wholly Buddha,

How can its functioning still be entirely contrary and mistaken?

Thus we know this again is the root of ignorance,

Its habitual tendencies encroaching part by part.

We regret the madness and delusion suffered throughout many lives,

Bound and unwilling to return home.

Nourished afresh each day until the present,

The lair has become established and difficult to subdue.

How many times have we vowed resolutely to learn the Buddha’s practice,

Yet, while following the path of awakening, delighted in ordinary passions.

Thus we know our strength is weak and not yet equal to the task;

Today, with deluded minds, we even disparage the Buddha.

Like children hastening home to their father,

We pray that the Buddha secretly aid our minds in contemplative practice.

We vow to obey the Dharma’s discipline and cure ourselves,

Reforming and repenting every past thought of indolence.

Now we invite Samantabhadra to preside over our repentance,

Not forsaking his vows and practices, but returning to visit his children.

We also pray that Manjusri enter our minds,

Making faith and understanding ever brighter until they become realized wisdom.

When realized wisdom arises, delusion and obstructions cease,

Just as light and darkness cannot arise together.

We bare our hearts and disclose our innermost thoughts, knowing honestly;

Thus today our repentance is complete.

Our repentance being complete, with utmost sincerity we bow…

Homage to Bodhisattva Flame of Virtue

Homage to Bodhisattva Sign of Radiance

Homage to Bodhisattva Ocean Moon

Homage to Bodhisattva Ocean Treasury

Homage to Bodhisattva Supreme Moon

Homage to Bodhisattva Pure Wisdom

Homage to Bodhisattva Transcendent Radiance

Homage to Bodhisattva Virtue of the Moon

Homage to Bodhisattva Vajra

Homage to Bodhisattva Flaming Banner

Homage to Bodhisattva Venerated Virtue

Homage to Bodhisattva Ocean Illumination

Homage to Bodhisattva Vast Ocean

Homage to Bodhisattva Illumination of Realms

Homage to Bodhisattva Radiant Wisdom

Homage to Bodhisattva Merit

Homage to Bodhisattva Clear Understanding

Homage to Bodhisattva Esoteric Teaching

Homage to Bodhisattva Suna

Homage to Bodhisattva Power of Form

Homage to Bodhisattva Tamer

Homage to Bodhisattva Hidden Body

Homage to the immeasurable and boundless great bodhisattvas in the worlds of the ten directions; homage to the sravakas, pratyekabuddhas, and all worthy and noble ones. Reverently listen to the Buddha’s teaching: “Good men and good women! Each of you must support your father and mother with filial devotion, serve your teachers and elders, take refuge in the Three Jewels (5), and diligently cultivate generosity, morality, vigor, patience, meditative concentration, wisdom, loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity.

Regard enemies and loved ones equally, without intimacy or estrangement. Do not disparage the widowed, orphaned, aged, or infirm; do not slight the poor, suffering, or lowly. Help others just as you would your own body, and never harbor an evil thought toward another.

Whoever can cultivate in this manner has thereby repaid the profound kindness of the Buddhas, will always remain far from the three evil destinies, and will suffer no more.

When the Buddha spoke these teachings in the Sutra, the bodhisattvas immediately attained unsurpassed bodhi (6); the sravakas and pratyekabuddhas immediately realized the six superknowledges (7), the three insights (8), and the eight liberations (9); while we disciples all received the milk of the most profound Dharma.

Those whose karma remains heavy, who fear falling into the three evil destinies and encountering the eight difficulties (10), must sincerely bow to the Buddhas of the ten directions:

Homage to the Buddha Treasure Mountain in the East

Homage to the Buddha of Supreme Dignified Bearing in the South

Homage to the Buddha of Unequaled Victory in the West

Homage to the Buddha Image of Dharma in the North

Homage to the Buddha Brahma Increase in the Southeast

Homage to the Buddha Heavenly Sovereign Vajra in the Southwest

Homage to the Buddha Who Universally Illuminates All in the Northwest

Homage to the Buddha Great Sound Eye in the Northeast

Homage to the Buddha Joyful Ocean Mind below

Homage to the Buddha Wind of Pure Wondrous Wisdom and Virtue above

We disciples have now bowed to the Buddhas of the ten directions. Reflecting from beginningless time (11) until today, we disciples have committed immeasurable evils. All these offenses arose because we lacked compassion, relied upon strength to oppress the weak, harmed sentient beings, stole others’ possessions, were deluded and devoid of virtue, flattered others, slandered the worthy, and committed countless transgressions.

Because of such painful offenses, we shall certainly suffer torment in the hells and the three evil destinies. Today, with wholehearted earnestness, we cast our five limbs to the ground and bow our heads in homage. On behalf of all sentient beings throughout the ten directions who are undergoing painful retribution in the six destinies, we supplicate and perform repentance.

We also pray to repent on behalf of our parents, teachers, elders, and all relatives and kin, and we likewise bow and repent for ourselves. May the offenses already committed be eradicated; those not yet committed, we dare never commit.

Repenting and bowing to the Three Jewels throughout the ten directions and to the limits of space, we beseech the Buddhas, the revered Dharma, and the noble Sangha to extend their great loving-kindness and great compassion and save all sentient beings who now suffer, or who will suffer, in the six destinies. May those beings immediately attain liberation. By the power of superknowledge, may the karma of the three evil destinies and the hells be eradicated.

From this day until their attainment of Buddhahood, may those sentient beings never again fall into an evil path. Casting off bodies of painful retribution, may they attain vajra bodies (12); may the four immeasurable minds and six paramitas always be present before them; may they possess the four unobstructed eloquences and six superknowledges, freely functioning as they wish; and may they advance valiantly and diligently, never pausing or resting, until they perfect the practices of the ten bhumis (13), then return to liberate all sentient beings.

Notes:

1. Dharma assembly: Explained in Volume Twelve, note 12, page 134 (Book II).

2. Keeping faith: Maintaining trustworthiness with friends. This is truthful speech.

3. Liberation: Moksha (S), délivrance, se délivrer (F). “Release” means becoming free and sovereign by departing from bondage and loosening the bonds of deluded karma. “Escape” means passing beyond the painful results of the three realms. Liberation is nirvana; it is the essence of nirvana because it is free from every bond. Thus, liberation from the five skandhas—from liberation from form through liberation from consciousness—is called the five kinds of nirvana.

4. Buddhas of the ten directions: Buddhas are present in the east, west, south, north, the four intermediate directions, above, and below.

5. Taking refuge in the Three Jewels: Namah Tiratnam (S), vénération à refuge (F). Returning to rely upon the Buddha, returning to rely upon the Dharma, and returning to rely upon the Sangha.

6. Unsurpassed bodhi: Anuttara Sambodhi (S). The highest fruition on the Buddha path, namely supreme awakening, beyond which there is no higher awakening: the fruition of Buddhahood.

7. Six superknowledges: Explained in Volume Fourteen, note 18, page 265 (Book II).

8. Three insights: Explained in Volume Twenty-Three, note 6, page 136 (Book III).

9. Eight liberations: Explained in Volume Three, note 20, page 255 (Book I).

10. Eight difficulties: Explained in Volume Nineteen, note 26, page 608 (Book II).

11. Beginningless: Sans commencement (F). Having no beginning. This life has causes and conditions from a former life; that former life in turn has causes and conditions from an earlier life. Tracing backward endlessly in this manner, one cannot know whence the original beginning of sentient beings arose. It is therefore called “beginningless.” We have wandered confusedly in samsara, living and dying more times than can be counted; however skilled one may be at calculation, one cannot remember the beginning.

12. Vajra body: A body of indestructible vajra substance. That is, the Buddha’s body, firm and enduring like vajra.

13. Practices of the ten bhumis: Explained in Volume One, note 96, page 121 (Book I).