佛說佛名經

We disciples today, hoping to rely upon the compassionate protection and mindfulness of the Buddhas and great bodhisattvas, and upon the power of their original vows, shall recite the Sutra of Karmic Retribution and the Hells. We listen with utmost sincerity.

Thus have I heard. At one time, the Buddha was dwelling in the city of Rajagriha, at the Dharma assembly on Vulture Peak (1), together with the great bodhisattvas, the shravakas, and all their retinues. Bhikshus, bhikshunis, upasakas, upasikas, devas, ghosts, and spirits were also present in full assembly.

At that time, the bodhisattva Faith Sign addressed the Buddha: “World-Honored One! There are now countless kinds of beings in the realms of hell beings, hungry ghosts, and animals, among the noble and lowly, the rich and poor. When any being is able to hear the Buddha teach the Dharma, it is like a young child meeting its loving mother, a sick person finding medicine, one who is cold obtaining clothing, or one in darkness finding a lamp.

The World-Honored One’s teaching of the Dharma is likewise.”

At that time, the World-Honored One saw that the occasion had arrived and knew that the bodhisattvas were earnestly entreating him to teach the Dharma. The Buddha then emitted a white ray of light from between his eyebrows, illuminating the ten directions and immeasurable worlds. The hells disappeared, and all suffering ceased.

All beings then undergoing the torments of punishment followed the Buddha’s radiant light and came before him. They circumambulated the Buddha seven times (2), single-mindedly bowed to him, and reverently entreated the World-Honored One to give instruction, so that beings might hear the teaching and enter the path of liberation (3). Today, we disciples in this Dharma assembly and bodhimanda likewise most sincerely entreat the Buddhas to teach the Dharma, praying that all beings may attain liberation.

Together, with utmost sincerity and single-minded earnestness, we cast our five limbs to the ground and bow before the World-Honored One, like Mount Tai collapsing, reverently entreating all Buddhas throughout the ten directions in immeasurable worlds to rescue all beings from suffering and distress and bring them peace and happiness. We further entreat the great Compassionate Fathers mercifully to behold and bear witness:

I now take refuge in all the Sugatas,

I bow to the sea of virtues of the Unsurpassed Honored Ones,

Like a great golden mountain illuminating the ten directions.

May you compassionately accept and gather us in.

Your golden, radiant bodies are pure and undefiled,

Your eyes are as clear and bright as vaidurya.

Auspicious, awe-inspiring in virtue, and honored in name,

The great sun of compassion dispels every darkness.

The Buddha’s radiant light forever shines everywhere,

Pure and undefiled, free from dust and defilement.

The Muni moon shines in tranquil stillness,

Able to dispel the fever of beings’ afflictions.

The thirty-two marks adorn you everywhere,

The eighty excellent characteristics are wholly perfected.

Your inconceivable merit has no equal,

Like the sunlight illuminating the world.

As the waters of the great ocean cannot be measured,

As the motes of dust in heaven and earth cannot be counted,

As Mount Sumeru is difficult to weigh,

And space itself has neither boundary nor limit,

So too are the merits of the Buddhas;

No sentient being can comprehend them.

Even through immeasurable kalpas they are difficult to conceive;

None can know the shore of that ocean of virtue.

Having completed our praises, we reverently bow…

Homage to Buddha A-Nan Đà Trí

Homage to Buddha A-Nan Đà Sắc

Homage to Buddha Địa Trà Tỳ Lê Gia

Homage to Buddha Đề Bà Di Đa

Homage to Buddha Sa Man Đa Trí

Homage to Buddha Light of Tranquil Stillness

Homage to Buddha Ma Nâu Xá Oai Đức

Homage to Buddha Thiện Phân Bồ Đề Tha

Homage to Buddha Praised as Holy

Homage to Buddha Banner of Renown

Homage to Buddha Wheel-Faced

Homage to Buddha Universally Pure

Homage to Buddha Ma Ha Đề Văn

Homage to Buddha A La Ha Ưng

Homage to Buddha Ưu Đa Na Thắng

Homage to Buddha Tất Đạt Tha Tư Duy

Homage to Buddha Beloved of Offerings

Homage to Buddha Tam Man Đa Hộ

Homage to Buddha Ni Di

Homage to Buddha Faith in Bodhi

Homage to Buddha Who Breaks Evil Intent

Homage to Buddha Who Brings Forth Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Supreme Voice

Homage to Buddha Chất Đa La Bà Nâu

Homage to Buddha Di Hạ Thinh

Homage to Buddha Đại Đàm Chất Đà

Homage to Buddha Thắng Câu Tra

Homage to Buddha A Thư Da Á

Homage to Buddha Heavenly Realm

Homage to Buddha Sư Tử Nan Đề Câu Sa

Homage to Buddha A Nan Đà Ba Phả

Homage to Buddha Beheld with Love

Homage to Buddha Ba Đề Ba Vương

Homage to Buddha Thắng Kê Đâu

Homage to Buddha Voice Heard in All Directions

Homage to Buddha Loving Eyes

Homage to Buddha Chiên Đàn Kê Đâu

Homage to Buddha A Bà Dạ Đạt Đa

Homage to Buddha Na Sát Đa Vương

Homage to Buddha Tô Ma Đề Bà

Homage to Buddha Radiance of the Sun

Homage to Buddha Great Renown

Homage to Buddha True Voice

Homage to Buddha Who Speaks with Love

Homage to Buddha Xưng Ưu Đa La

Homage to Buddha Ma Đầu La Quang Minh

Homage to Buddha Tu Khử Thinh

Homage to Buddha Chất Đa Ý

Homage to Buddha Bà Tẩu Đà Thanh Tịnh

Homage to Buddha Tranquil and Serene

Homage to Buddha Who Breaks Evil Intent

Homage to Buddha King of Constellations

Homage to Buddha Tỳ Già Đà Úy

Homage to Buddha Thắng Ưu Đa Ma

Homage to Buddha Bà Tát Na Trí

Homage to Buddha Compassionate, Supreme, and Variously Radiant

Homage to Buddha Universal Vision

Homage to Buddha Who Beholds the Moon

Homage to Buddha of Awe-Inspiring Virtue Who Subdues All Maras

Homage to Buddha Ma Ha La Tha

Homage to Buddha Tâm Hạ Bộ Khứ

Homage to Buddha Joyful Light

Homage to Buddha Universal Protector

Homage to Buddha Pure Mind

Homage to Buddha Accomplisher of Meaning

Homage to Buddha Fragrant Mountain

Homage to Buddha Pure Mani

Homage to Buddha Light of Merit

Homage to Buddha Sunlight

Homage to Buddha Accomplished Light

Homage to Buddha Who Beholds the Beloved Path

Homage to Buddha Good Contemplation

Homage to Buddha Sa Man Đa Kiến

Homage to Buddha Lion Banner

Homage to Buddha Universal Practice

Homage to Buddha Great Step

Homage to Buddha A La Tân Đầu Ba Đầu Ma Nhãn

Homage to Buddha Sunlight

Homage to Buddha A Di Đa Thanh Tịnh

Homage to Buddha A Nan Đa Lâu Ba

Homage to Buddha Canopy of Heaven

Homage to Buddha Đa La Na Quang

Homage to Buddha Sa La Thê La Đa

Homage to Buddha Good Vision

Homage to Buddha Fragrance of the Body

Homage to Buddha Bà Kỳ La Sa

Homage to Buddha Tu Lợi Tà Na Na

Homage to Buddha Unobstructed Eye

Homage to Buddha Sa Hạ Khứ

Homage to Buddha Great Lamp-Lighter

Homage to Buddha Lô Hạ Già

Homage to Buddha Pure Merit

Homage to Buddha Treasury of Merit

Homage to Buddha Dharma Light

Homage to Buddha Ma Lâu Đa Ái

Homage to Buddha A Bà Tà Ái

Homage to Buddha Banner of Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Light of Awe-Inspiring Virtue

Homage to Buddha Virtue of the Moon

Homage to Buddha Cầu Na Bà Tẩu

Homage to Buddha Boundless Light

Homage to Buddha Peace and Bliss

Homage to Buddha Xưng Kê Đâu

Homage to Buddha Roar of Radiance

Homage to Buddha Universal Merit

Homage to Buddha Thắng Kê Đâu

Homage to Buddha Narayana

Homage to Buddha Pure Treasure

Homage to Buddha Universal Mind

Homage to Buddha Good Heart and Mind

Homage to Buddha Good Intent

Homage to Buddha Immeasurable Awe-Inspiring Virtue

Homage to Buddha Lion’s Arm

Homage to Buddha Mind of Radiance

Homage to Buddha Narayana Deva

Homage to Buddha Tát Giá Kê Đâu

Homage to Buddha Mind Well Established

Homage to Buddha A Di Đa Thiên

Homage to Buddha Virtue of Great Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Great Banner

Homage to Buddha Radiant Sun

Homage to Buddha Dharma Water

Homage to Buddha Good Dharma

Homage to Buddha Chiên Đà Bà Nâu

Homage to Buddha Yêm Ma La Thắng

Homage to Buddha Gateway of Liberation

Homage to Buddha La Đa Na Quang

Homage to Buddha Vô La Thinh

Homage to Buddha Universal Mind’s Discernment

Homage to Buddha Accomplished Light

Homage to Buddha Eyes of Amrita

Homage to Buddha Praised and Beloved

Homage to Buddha Good Protector

Homage to Buddha Heavenly Faith

Homage to Buddha Thiện Lượng Bộ

Homage to Buddha Đề Bà La Đa

Homage to Buddha Profound Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Tư Na Bộ

Homage to Buddha Chiên Đà Bạt Đà

Homage to Buddha Đề Xà Tích

Homage to Buddha Great Victory

Homage to Buddha Great Step

Homage to Buddha Xà Tà Thiên

Homage to Buddha Tất Đạt Tha Ý

Homage to Buddha Chất Đa Ái

Homage to Buddha Lion’s Voice

Homage to Buddha Tín Đề Xá Na

Homage to Buddha Light of Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Câu Tô Ma Đề Xà

Homage to Buddha Đề Xà La Thi

Homage to Buddha Wish-Fulfilling Light

Homage to Buddha Boundless Awe-Inspiring Virtue

Homage to Buddha Boundless Light

Homage to Buddha Supreme Treasury

Homage to Buddha Lô Giá Na Xưng

Homage to Buddha Thật Kê Đâu

Homage to Buddha Úc Già Đề Xà

Homage to Buddha Nhựt Kê Đâu

Homage to Buddha Ma Ha Di Lưu

Homage to Buddha Ma Ha Úc Hạ

Homage to Buddha Renowned in the World

Homage to Buddha Virtue of Úc Già

Homage to Buddha Ưu Đa Ma Xưng

Homage to Buddha Accomplisher of Meaningful Practice

Homage to Buddha Đề Bà Ma Hê Đa

Homage to Buddha Beloved True Accomplishment

Homage to Buddha A Na Tỳ Phù Đa Xưng

Homage to Buddha Golden Light

Homage to Buddha Great Lamp-Lighter

Homage to Buddha Mind of Practice

Homage to Buddha Tỳ Ca Ma

Homage to Buddha Unobstructed Light

Homage to Buddha Tỳ Ma Đề Xà Ha

Homage to Buddha Ma Ha Bạt Đa

Homage to Buddha Heavenly Voice

Homage to Buddha Unattached Practice

Homage to Buddha Heavenly Path

Homage to Buddha Tuận Đà La Nan Đà

Homage to Buddha Flower Light

Homage to Buddha Able to Manifest

Homage to Buddha Beloved of the Devas

Homage to Buddha Light of Liberation

Homage to Buddha Universal Light

Homage to Buddha Cầu Na Ca La

Homage to Buddha Exposition of Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Light of Bodhi

Homage to Buddha Sagara

Homage to Buddha Bồ Đề Nan Đề

Homage to Buddha Mahadeva

Homage to Buddha Profound Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Mastery of the Dharma

Homage to Buddha Đại Bà Na Na

Homage to Buddha Heart and Mind

Homage to Buddha Radiance of Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Unerring Contemplation

Homage to Buddha Supreme Merit

Homage to Buddha Praised on the Seat

Homage to Buddha Great Adornment

Homage to Buddha Moonlight

Homage to Buddha Heavenly Light

Homage to Buddha Pure Conduct

Homage to Buddha Beloved Merit

Homage to Buddha Lion’s Mind

Homage to Buddha Tín Bà Tẩu Na La

Homage to Buddha Radiant Treasure

Homage to Buddha Joyful Radiance

Homage to Buddha Variegated Bà Nâu

Homage to Buddha Beloved Moon

Homage to Buddha Tô Ma Sát Đa

Homage to Buddha Universal Contemplation

Homage to Buddha Undefiled

Homage to Buddha Renowned Supreme Light

Homage to Buddha Moon-Faced

Homage to Buddha Già Na Thiên

Homage to Buddha Accumulation of Merit

Homage to Buddha Wisdom of Merit

Homage to Buddha Supreme Flower

Homage to Buddha Beloved of the World

Homage to Buddha Light of Amrita

Homage to Buddha Earth Light

Homage to Buddha Creator of Merit

Homage to Buddha Supreme Flower

Homage to Buddha Cầu Na Bà Hầu

Homage to Buddha Dharma Lamp

Homage to Buddha Universal Light

Homage to Buddha Pure Voice

Homage to Buddha Great Adornment

Homage to Buddha Sun of Liberation

Homage to Buddha Firm in Diligence

Homage to Buddha Radiance of Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Renown of Merit

Homage to Buddha Good Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Immeasurable Adornment

Homage to Buddha Sư Tử Đà Na

Homage to Buddha Vigorous in Merit

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Deva

Homage to Buddha Contemplative Practice

Homage to Buddha Thiên Đề Tra

Homage to Buddha Lightning Radiance

Homage to Buddha Supreme Beloved

Homage to Buddha Mountain Banner

Homage to Buddha Flower Light

Homage to Buddha Supreme Intent

Homage to Buddha Fragrant Mountain

Homage to Buddha Vigorous in Blessings and Virtue

Homage to Buddha Supreme Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Faith in the Holy

Homage to Buddha Precious Pearl

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Awe-Inspiring Virtue

Homage to Buddha Ultimate Vision

Homage to Buddha Beloved Practice

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Adornment

Homage to Buddha Supreme Treasury of Merit

Homage to Buddha Pure Vision

Homage to Buddha Power of Awe-Inspiring Virtue

Homage to Buddha Pure Eyes

Homage to Buddha Practice of Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Unerring Practice

Homage to Buddha Holy Eyes

Homage to Buddha Joy of Liberation

Homage to Buddha Great Voice

Homage to Buddha Supreme Crossing

Homage to Buddha Accomplished Radiance

Homage to Buddha One’s Own Karma

Homage to Buddha Illuminating Renown and Radiance

Homage to Buddha Practice of Radiance

Homage to Buddha Mastery of Love

Homage to Buddha Virtuous Moon

Homage to Buddha Supreme Roar

Homage to Buddha Supreme Merit

Homage to Buddha Who Discerns, Gathers, and Accepts

Homage to Buddha King of Marks

Homage to Buddha Free from Fever

Homage to Buddha Holy Virtue

Homage to Buddha Exalted Dharma

Homage to Buddha Merit of Amrita

Homage to Buddha Unobstructed Renown

Homage to Buddha Fragrance of Amrita

Homage to Buddha Light of Equanimity

Homage to Buddha Roaring Voice

Homage to Buddha Fearless Sun

Homage to Buddha Who Attained Fearlessness

Homage to Buddha Beloved Discerning Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Unerring Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Light of Empty Space

Homage to Buddha Supreme Deva

Homage to Buddha Faith in Wish-Fulfillment

Homage to Buddha Heavenly Canopy

Homage to Buddha Dragon Light

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Step

Homage to Buddha Awe-Inspiring Virtue of the Dharma

Homage to Buddha Who Severs All Existence

Homage to Buddha Adorned Countenance

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Form

Homage to Buddha Universal Eyes

Homage to Buddha Light of Merit

Homage to Buddha Supreme Moon

Homage to Buddha Virtue of Equality

Homage to Buddha Vân Hà Kê Đâu

Homage to Buddha Sovereign Kalpa of Beings

Homage to Buddha Who Preserves the Fearless Body

Homage to Buddha Whose Mind Gathers and Accepts Beings

Homage to Buddha Who Subdues All Enemies

Homage to Buddha Who Gathers and Accepts Radiance

Homage to Buddha Supreme Mountain

Homage to Buddha One Supreme Radiance

Homage to Buddha Narayana Practice

Homage to Buddha Lion’s Practice

Homage to Buddha Who Loves the Precepts

Homage to Buddha Purity

Homage to Buddha Faith in the Renowned Name

Homage to Buddha Ultimate Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Free from Delusion

Homage to Buddha Accumulation of Merit

Homage to Buddha Able to Reflect and Contemplate

Homage to Buddha Dharma Canopy

Homage to Buddha Unmoving Cause

Homage to Buddha Heavenly Flower

Homage to Buddha Padma

Homage to Buddha Universal Awe-Inspiring Virtue

Homage to Buddha Moonlight

Homage to Buddha Foremost among the Great Assembly

Homage to Buddha Who Contemplates Meaning

Homage to Buddha King of Marks

Homage to Buddha Flower-Faced

Homage to Buddha Who Contemplates the Renowned Name

Homage to Buddha Tree Banner

Homage to Buddha Lion’s Vigor

Homage to Buddha Trusted by the Great Assembly

Homage to Buddha Good Fragrance

Homage to Buddha Praised for Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Store of Merit

Homage to Buddha Radiance of Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Ocean of Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Power of Awe-Inspiring Virtue

Homage to Buddha Supreme Awe-Inspiring Virtue

Homage to Buddha Buddha’s Joy

Homage to Buddha Supreme Purity

Homage to Buddha Who Loves All

Homage to Buddha Far Removed from All Doubt

Homage to Buddha Who Well Contemplates the Supreme Meaning

Homage to Buddha Great Mountain

Homage to Buddha Who Subdues through Holy Faith

Homage to Buddha Who Subdues through Discerning Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Who Proceeds toward Bodhi

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Voice

Homage to Buddha Great Power

Homage to Buddha Joyful Lion

Homage to Buddha Universally Replete with Treasures

Homage to Buddha Beloved by the Entire World

Homage to Buddha Vajra Wheel

Homage to Buddha Who Has Passed Beyond Fire

Homage to Buddha Great Mark

Homage to Buddha Moon of Beings

Homage to Buddha Great Adornment

Homage to Buddha Radiance of the Sun

Homage to Buddha Supreme Adornment

Homage to Buddha Fragrant Mind That Severs All Existence

Homage to Buddha Practice of Tranquil Stillness

Homage to Buddha Renowned for Gathering and Accepting

Homage to Buddha Worshiped by Brahma

Homage to Buddha Great Roar

Homage to Buddha of Immeasurable and Boundless Vows

Homage to Buddha Light of the World

Homage to Buddha Visible Patience

Homage to Buddha Great Flower

Homage to Buddha Body of Cultivation

Homage to Buddha Whose Faculties Are Pure

Homage to Buddha Bà Tẩu Đạt Đa

Homage to Buddha Voice Free from Timidity

Homage to Buddha Universal Vision

Homage to Buddha Virtuous Moon

Homage to Buddha Form of Certainty

Homage to Buddha Cultivator of Skillful Means

Homage to Buddha Faith in Supreme Merit

Homage to Buddha Supreme Recompense

Homage to Buddha Adornment of the Worthy

Homage to Buddha Worthy in Conscience and Shame

Homage to Buddha Khuyến Thọ Khí Thinh

Homage to Buddha Supreme Beloved

Homage to Buddha Universal Practice

Homage to Buddha Universal Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Great Awesome Power

Homage to Buddha Nguyệt Kê Đâu

Homage to Buddha Firm Practice

Homage to Buddha Worshiped by Devas

Homage to Buddha Universal Reverence

Homage to Buddha Supremely Wondrous Spring

Homage to Buddha Who Accomplishes All Merit

Homage to Buddha of Firm Sarira

Homage to Buddha Light of Amrita

Homage to Buddha Great Nobility

Homage to Buddha Supreme Voice

Homage to Buddha Great Strength

Homage to Buddha Great Step

Homage to Buddha Faith in Amrita

Homage to Buddha Path of Practice

Homage to Buddha Mind of Supreme Voice

Homage to Buddha Supreme Intent

Homage to Buddha Bà Lâu Na Bộ

Next, we bow to the twelve divisions of the honored sutras and the Dharma wheel of the Great Canon. Homage to the great bodhisattvas of the ten directions:

Homage to Bodhisattva Who Comprehends the Marks

Homage to Bodhisattva Sign of Samadhi

Homage to Bodhisattva Traces of Samadhi

Homage to Bodhisattva Who Gives Rise to Joy

Homage to Bodhisattva Established in Place

Homage to Bodhisattva Who Terrifies Maras

Homage to Bodhisattva Giving of Wisdom

Homage to Bodhisattva Lamp of Wisdom

Homage to Bodhisattva Path of Wisdom

Homage to Bodhisattva Vow of Wisdom

Homage to Bodhisattva Four Means of Embracing

Homage to Bodhisattva Voice of Instruction

Homage to Bodhisattva Dharma Joy

Homage to Bodhisattva Factors of the Path

Homage to Bodhisattva Great Mastery

Homage to Bodhisattva Đàn Lâm

Homage to Bodhisattva Wondrous Adornment

Homage to Bodhisattva Wondrous Form and Appearance

Homage to Bodhisattva Xoa Đề

Homage to Bodhisattva Mật Sớ

Homage to Bodhisattva Hoa Đàm

Homage to Bodhisattva Foremost Leader

Homage to Bodhisattva Who Universally Manifests Form Bodies

Homage to Bodhisattva Spiritual Powers

Homage to Bodhisattva Ocean of Virtue

Homage to Bodhisattva Boundless Body

Homage to Bodhisattva Sovereign Medicine King

Homage to Bodhisattva Kashyapa

Homage to Bodhisattva King of the Undefiled Treasury

Homage to Bodhisattva Who Upholds All

Homage to Bodhisattva King of Lofty and Noble Virtue

Homage to Bodhisattva Vaidurya Light

Homage to Bodhisattva Fearlessness

Homage to Bodhisattva Ocean King

Homage to Bodhisattva Adornment of Light

Homage to Bodhisattva Radiance

Homage to Bodhisattva Great Eloquence

Homage to Bodhisattva Power of Loving-Kindness

Homage to Bodhisattva Medicine King

Homage to Bodhisattva Power of Healing

Homage to the immeasurable and boundless great bodhisattvas throughout the worlds of the ten directions; homage also to the shravakas, pratyekabuddhas, and all worthy sages. May they rescue beings from every suffering and distress, enabling them immediately to attain liberation and reform their dispositions. From this day forth, may they commit no evil, and ultimately escape the calamities of the three evil realms.

May their bodies, speech, and minds be pure; may they not dwell upon the evil or faults of others; may they remain far removed from karmic obstructions, their bodies and minds always pure. May no heterodox influence disturb them. May they constantly practice the four impartial minds, advance with courageous diligence, plant roots of virtue, and undertake immeasurably many beneficial works.

When relinquishing this body and receiving another, may they always be born endowed with merit and virtue. Recalling the sufferings of the three evil realms, may they arouse the mind of bodhi and practice the bodhisattva path without ever ceasing. May the six paramitas (4) and the four impartial minds (5) always be present before them (6).

May they freely exercise the three knowledges and six spiritual powers (7), enter and leave the realms of the Buddhas at will, become equal to the bodhisattvas, and together attain Perfect Enlightenment.

Today, we disciples give rise to fear and compassionate concern. Single-minded and wholehearted, we listen with earnest attention. At that time, the World-Honored One emitted a dazzling radiance that universally illuminated all beings throughout the six realms. Then the bodhisattva Faith Sign, out of compassion for all beings, rose from his seat, approached the Buddha, knelt with palms joined, and addressed him: “World-Honored One! There are beings whom the wardens of hell hack with swords from head to foot. As soon as they have been completely cut apart, the wind of karma blows upon them, and they come back to life, only to be cut apart again and again. They undergo such painful retribution without ever ceasing. What offenses did they commit?”

The World-Honored One said: “In many past lives, those beings did not believe in the Three Jewels, did not know to make offerings, were unfilial toward their parents, constantly gave rise to malicious intentions, and killed living beings. Because of those causes and conditions, they undergo such painful punishment.”

“Again, there are beings whose bodies are numb and rigid, whose eyebrows and beards have entirely fallen out, and whose whole bodies are inflamed and red. They live among birds and deer where no human footprints are found. Their relatives abandon them, and people cannot bear to look upon them. Such dreadful retribution is called leprosy. Through what causes and conditions did they contract this disease?”

The Buddha said: “In past lives, these people repudiated the Three Jewels, were unfilial toward their parents, destroyed stupas and monasteries, deceived members of the Sangha, harmed their teachers and elders, and injured even worthy sages. They forgot kindness and betrayed righteousness, never repaying what they owed. Their minds were like those of dogs and cats. They brought suffering upon noble persons, whether related or unrelated, and knew neither conscience nor shame. Because of those causes and conditions, they undergo this grievous retribution.” Having heard this, we disciples are deeply grieved. With complete sincerity, we repent on behalf of all beings and bow to the Buddhas of the ten directions:

Homage to Buddha Constellation Renown in the East

Homage to Buddha Moon-Lamp Radiance in the South

Homage to Buddha Boundless Vision in the West

Homage to Buddha King of Unhindered Contemplation in the North

Homage to Buddha Great Fragrance King in the Southeast

Homage to Buddha Unconditioned Contemplation in the Southwest

Homage to Buddha Joyful Purity in the Northwest

Homage to Buddha Victorious in Battle in the Northwest

Homage to Buddha Who Dispels All Delusion and Darkness Below

Homage to Buddha King Hảo Đế Trụ Duy Above

Having bowed to all Three Jewels throughout the ten directions to the limits of empty space, we disciples now inquire further into these retributions: There are beings with long and enormous bodies who are deaf and without legs. Wriggling and crawling, they live only by eating earth and mud. Their bodies are ceaselessly gnawed by all kinds of worms and insects, and they undergo such torment continuously by day and night. Through what causes and conditions does this occur?

The Buddha said: “In the past, those people acted willfully and refused to heed sound counsel or just principles. They were unfilial and disobedient toward their parents, stubborn and treacherous. Some became landlords, officials, district chiefs, village heads, or military officers of various ranks. Relying upon their power, they forcibly seized the people’s property and abandoned all justice, reducing the populace to destitution. Because of those causes and conditions, they undergo the retribution described above.”

—“There are people whose eyes are completely blind and who can see nothing. They therefore collide with trees or fall into pits. After dying, they again assume the same bodies; after coming to life, they die yet again, endlessly in this way. Through what causes and conditions does this occur?”

The Buddha said: “In the past, those people denied the reality of offenses and merit, concealed the Buddha’s radiant light, sewed shut the eyes of others, imprisoned animals, and covered their heads so that they could see nothing. Consequently, they undergo such torment.”

Today, as we disciples repent (8) in this bodhimanda, what the sutra relates truly inspires fear. We too may have committed such offenses, yet because we are obscured by ignorance (9), we cannot remember or recognize them ourselves. Such offenses are truly immeasurable and boundless, and their dreadful retribution may not be endured until future lives. Therefore, with complete devotion and one united heart, we cast our five limbs to the ground, bow down in supplication, and repent with conscience and shame. Through repentance, may the offenses already committed be eradicated. From this day forth, may we remain pure and never commit offenses not yet done.

Furthermore, we disciples sincerely bow to all Three Jewels throughout the ten directions, praying that through the power of their great loving-kindness and great compassion, the Three Jewels will shelter and rescue all beings, enabling them immediately to attain liberation from the sufferings they now endure. For the sake of beings, may they eradicate the karmic causes of the hell, hungry ghost, and animal realms, so that beings may ultimately cease undergoing every dreadful retribution, escape the sufferings of the three evil destinies, and together reach the “ground of wisdom.” May they become secure and ultimately attain peace and joy.

May the great light extinguish all darkness of delusion. May the sublime and wondrous true Dharma (10) be explained to them profoundly and extensively, enabling them to become fully endowed with unsurpassed bodhi and attain Perfect, Complete Enlightenment. All of us repenting together in this bodhimanda should deepen our sincerity and listen wholeheartedly.

The bodhisattva Faith Sign again addressed the Buddha: “There are beings who are mute and can only make inarticulate sounds, unable to speak. Even when they wish to speak, no words come forth. What offenses caused this?”

The Buddha said: “In former lives, those people often slandered the Three Jewels, disparaged the holy path, continually discussed the virtues and faults of others, searched out their strengths and shortcomings, falsely accused the virtuous, and envied the worthy. Therefore, they undergo such painful punishment.”

—“There are people with enormous bellies and narrow throats who have difficulty eating and drinking. Whatever they manage to eat turns into blood and pus. What offenses caused this?”

The Buddha said: “In former lives, those people stole and consumed goods belonging to the community. At great assemblies, they withheld portions and embezzled food. They begrudged their own possessions but coveted those of others. Harboring malicious intentions, they often gave others poison to drink, causing them to suffocate. Therefore, they undergo such painful punishment.”

—“Again, there are beings whom the wardens of hell continually burn by pouring boiling molten copper over their bodies and driving iron nails into them. Once the nails have been driven in, flames spontaneously blaze forth and consume everything. What offenses caused this?”

The Buddha said: “In former lives, those people practiced acupuncture and cauterization, harming their patients’ bodies. Although the illnesses were not cured, they still deceived the patients and took their possessions, adding suffering to suffering. Therefore, they undergo such painful retribution.”

“Again, there are beings who are constantly cast into cauldrons of boiling oil by horse-headed rakshasas (11), who lift and throw them in with iron tridents and boil them until they disintegrate. They are then blown back to life and boiled again. What offenses caused this?”

The Buddha said: “In former lives, those people were butchers who killed living beings, plunged them into boiling water, and plucked out their feathers or hair in limitless numbers. Therefore, they must undergo this punishment.”

For these retributions, we disciples today must beseech the opportunity to repent, dedicating the merit to all beings so that their karmic consequences may be eradicated and they may attain unsurpassed bodhi.

Notes:

1. Dharma assembly on Vulture Peak: The assembly upon Sacred Vulture Peak. The mountain resembles a vulture and lies near Rajagriha. Its Sanskrit name is Gridhrakuta, translated as Sacred Vulture Peak. It is also called Cock’s Foot Mountain. According to Indian belief, heavenly deities frequently manifested upon this mountain, and so it was called Sacred Mountain. Because Shakyamuni Buddha taught the Sutra of the Lotus Flower of the Wondrous Dharma there, it is known as the Dharma assembly on Vulture Peak.

2. Circumambulating the Buddha seven times: In ancient Buddhism, anyone who came to visit the Buddha and study the path had to circumambulate him either three or seven times to express reverence and admiration. This noble tradition is still preserved today.

3. Path of liberation: Moksha-marga (S); délivrance, se délivrer (F). “Liberation” means becoming free from bondage, attaining mastery, and untying the bonds of grievous karma. It also means escaping the painful consequences within the three realms. The path of liberation is the path leading beyond the three realms to freedom and mastery.

4. Six paramitas: Giving overcomes miserliness; moral discipline overcomes breaches of precepts; patience overcomes anger; diligence overcomes indolence; meditative concentration overcomes distraction; and wisdom overcomes delusion.

5. Four impartial minds: The four states of impartiality toward all beings. They arise from realizing that all dharmas are equal. With such a mind, one regards all beings equally, makes no distinction between enemy and loved one, and maintains only wholehearted compassion for all: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity…

6. Three knowledges: Trois connaissances (F): the three illuminating knowledges of the sages: 1/ knowledge of former lives; 2/ knowledge of the divine eye; 3/ knowledge of the exhaustion of the outflows.

7. Six spiritual powers: Abhijna (S); six pouvoirs surnaturels (F). The six spiritual powers are: 1/ the divine eye; 2/ the divine ear; 3/ knowledge of former lives; 4/ knowledge of others’ minds; 5/ miraculous powers; and 6/ knowledge of the exhaustion of the outflows.

8. Repentance: Explained in the first volume, note 19, page 101 (Volume I).

9. Ignorance: Avidya (S), Avijja (P); unintelligence, ignorance (F). A darkened and dull mental nature that does not clearly understand dharmas in either their phenomenal or their principial aspect. It is also called delusion. Ignorance comprises all afflictions. It means that the mind is deluded and dark, lacking the illumination of wisdom.

10. True Dharma: Explained in the fifth volume, note 4, page 424 (Volume I).

11. Horse-headed rakshasa: A horse-headed rakshasa demon, a kind of hell warden with a human body and a horse’s head. It carries weapons in its hands and punishes offenders in the underworld.