As repentance is first raised,Sins are immediately extinguished,Grievances and enmities are resolved,Calamities are dispelled;One escapes suffering and adversity,And merits and virtues become boundless;One is born in the Trayastrimsa Heaven,Or returns to the Western Pure Land.
NAMO BODHISATTVA SEEKING REPENTANCE (3 times)
With utmost sincerity, we bow in homage to the honored names of all Buddhas, the Venerable Dharma, the noble sages of the Sangha, and the eternally abiding Three Jewels:
Homage to Buddha Universal Victory of the Fearless World
Homage to Buddha Wisdom Renown of the World Renowned throughout the Ten Directions
Homage to Buddha Mountain King of the Earth World
Homage to Buddha Victorious King of the Padma-Wheel Realm in the World of Earthly Merit
Homage to Buddha Well-Abiding of the World of the Blazing-Lamp Wheel
Homage to Buddha Great Adornment of the Buddha-Realm in the Universally Adorned World
Homage to Buddha Accomplisher of All Merits of the Reliant World
Homage to Buddha Ultimate Accomplishment of the Merits of the Buddha-Jewel in the Joyful World
Homage to Buddha Supreme Wisdom-Victory of the World of Constellation Practice
Homage to Buddha Wisdom-Arising Radiant Majestic King of the World Adorned by Canopy Practice
Homage to Buddha King Born of the Padma in the Padma World
One should know and take refuge in immeasurable and boundless Buddhas such as these:
Homage to Buddha Sovereign of the Dharma RealmHomage to Buddha Light within the MoonHomage to Buddha Fragrant ElephantHomage to Buddha Amitabha LightHomage to Buddha Padma MountainHomage to Buddha Victorious Birth from the PadmaHomage to Buddha Sandalwood VictoryHomage to Buddha Treasury of JewelsHomage to Buddha WisdomHomage to Buddha Fearless Deed-KingHomage to Buddha Victorious Accomplishment of MeritHomage to Buddha Banner of LightHomage to Buddha Accomplisher of Immeasurable MeritHomage to Buddha Victorious Accomplishment of MeritHomage to Buddha Victorious Accomplishment of All MeritsHomage to Buddha Victorious Accomplishment of the PadmaHomage to Buddha Upholder of the Great TorchHomage to Buddha Supreme Victory of the JewelHomage to Buddha Golden-Colored Flower
One should know and wholeheartedly take refuge in immeasurable and boundless Buddhas such as these:
Homage to Buddha Supreme KingHomage to Buddha King of ConstellationsHomage to Buddha Immeasurable RadianceHomage to Buddha Pure King of the Wheel of SpaceHomage to Buddha Immeasurable VoiceHomage to Buddha Jewel MountainHomage to Buddha Various Jeweled Kusuma FlowersHomage to Buddha Victorious AssemblyHomage to Buddha Dustless, Freed from Dust, Emitting LightHomage to Buddha Unceasing CultivationHomage to Buddha Golden-Colored TransformationHomage to Buddha Jewel AbodeHomage to Buddha Accomplishment of Various FlowersHomage to Buddha Emitting LightHomage to Buddha Accomplishment of KusumaHomage to Buddha Emitting a CanopyHomage to Buddha King of Renowned PowerHomage to Buddha Pure VoiceHomage to Buddha Pure Victory
One should know and wholeheartedly take refuge in immeasurable and boundless Buddhas such as these:
Homage to Buddha Immeasurable AssemblyHomage to Buddha Foremost OneHomage to Buddha Unobstructed EyeHomage to Buddha Disperser of All DestiniesHomage to Buddha Severer of All DoubtsHomage to Buddha Formless VoiceHomage to Buddha Ultimately Attaining Boundless MeritHomage to Buddha Victorious Accomplishment of the JewelHomage to Buddha Supreme Victory of the PadmaHomage to Buddha Supreme JewelHomage to Buddha Unobstructed CultivationHomage to Buddha Boundless OneHomage to Buddha Jewel RadianceHomage to Buddha Supreme Sun-Blazing LampHomage to Buddha Victorious Accomplishment of WisdomHomage to Buddha Utpala Blazing LampHomage to Buddha Blazing Lamp of the Ten DirectionsHomage to Buddha Jewel VictoryHomage to Buddha Sala Sovereign KingHomage to Buddha LionHomage to Buddha Jewel RadianceHomage to Buddha Great VipasyinHomage to Buddha Wondrous Victorious LightHomage to Buddha Majestic Light of the King of MeritHomage to Buddha King of FlowersHomage to Buddha Immeasurable RadianceHomage to Buddha One Flavor of MeritHomage to Buddha Blazing Lamp of the Ten DirectionsHomage to Buddha Noble VictoryHomage to Buddha Sala Sovereign KingHomage to Buddha LionHomage to Buddha Firm Jewel RadianceHomage to Buddha VipasyinHomage to Buddha King of RadianceHomage to Buddha Foremost OneHomage to Buddha Unsurpassed Foremost OneHomage to Buddha Great DragonHomage to Buddha Supreme Fragrance-VictoryHomage to Buddha Fragrant Victory-BannerHomage to Buddha Sandalwood ChamberHomage to Buddha Fragrant BannerHomage to Buddha Sandalwood FragranceHomage to Buddha Boundless DiligenceHomage to Buddha Supreme King of the MoonHomage to Buddha Tenfold Supreme LightHomage to Buddha Supreme PadmaHomage to Buddha Supreme King Accomplished through the Awe-Inspiring Padma Flower
One should know and wholeheartedly take refuge in immeasurable and boundless Buddhas such as these:
Homage to Buddha Jeweled NetHomage to Buddha King of Well-AbidingHomage to Buddha King of Fragrant ElephantsHomage to Buddha Giver of All JoyHomage to Buddha Revealer of All ThoughtsHomage to Buddha Whose Speech Is Not in VainHomage to Buddha Able to Extinguish All FearHomage to Buddha King of Non-AbidingHomage to Buddha Jewel LightHomage to Buddha Giver of Peace and Joy to All Sentient BeingsHomage to Buddha Beholder of Immeasurable RealmsHomage to Buddha Victorious Adornment of SpaceHomage to Buddha Boundless AdornmentHomage to Buddha Banner of Cultivated PracticeHomage to Buddha Accomplisher of the Awe-Inspiring Victorious FlowerHomage to Buddha Noble VictoryHomage to Buddha Pure EyeHomage to Buddha Great GeneralHomage to Buddha Lofty Supreme VictoryHomage to Buddha Invincible BannerHomage to Buddha Worthy of RelianceHomage to Buddha Immeasurable and BoundlessHomage to Buddha Fragrant RadianceHomage to Buddha King of the Moon-Wheel PatternHomage to Buddha Victorious Accomplishment of the Wondrous Radiant JewelHomage to Buddha Excellent Victory of Patterned RadianceHomage to Buddha Pure VictoryHomage to Buddha Unobstructed EyeHomage to Buddha Accomplisher of Boundless MeritHomage to Buddha King of Majestic VirtueHomage to Buddha Accomplishment of the Vow of Wholesome ReflectionHomage to Buddha Pure Wheel-Turning KingHomage to Buddha Supreme WisdomHomage to Buddha Immortal of DiligenceHomage to Buddha Mountain of WisdomHomage to Buddha Accomplisher of the DirectionsHomage to Buddha Foremost One of the Great AssemblyHomage to Buddha Most Foremost OneHomage to Buddha Protector of WisdomHomage to Buddha Supreme VictoryHomage to Buddha Unobstructed Vision Manifesting the Realms of Sentient BeingsHomage to Buddha Unfabricated RealmHomage to Buddha Unobstructed LightHomage to Buddha Emitting Unimpeded LightHomage to Buddha Victorious Accomplishment of the Supreme Buddha-PadmaHomage to Buddha Manifesting the Forms of All Buddha-RealmsHomage to Buddha Proclaimer of FirmnessHomage to Buddha Voice of TransformationHomage to Buddha Padma VictoryHomage to Buddha Victorious Accomplishment of the JewelHomage to Buddha Ocean RadianceHomage to Buddha Stainless WisdomHomage to Buddha Accomplishment of the Flower of WisdomHomage to Buddha Tranquil Majestic One of Supreme Accumulated VictoryHomage to Buddha Realm Free from CravingHomage to Buddha Freed from All GraspingHomage to Buddha Victorious Accomplishment of Inconceivable MeritHomage to Buddha Manifest Victorious AccomplishmentHomage to Buddha Gone into FearlessnessHomage to Buddha Fragrant WindHomage to Buddha Unequalled Fragrant LightHomage to Buddha Wondrous Drum-Voice of the CloudsHomage to Buddha Victorious Accomplishment of MeritHomage to Buddha Foremost Radiance of the Realm of Immeasurable ExertionHomage to Buddha Fragrant Victorious RadianceHomage to Buddha Immeasurable RadianceHomage to Buddha Immeasurable LightHomage to Buddha Universally SeeingHomage to Buddha Fearless OneHomage to Buddha Attainer of FearlessnessHomage to Buddha Moon-Blazing LampHomage to Buddha Fire-Blazing LampHomage to Buddha Victorious CultivationHomage to Buddha Victorious AssemblyHomage to Buddha Vajra CitadelHomage to Buddha Sovereign King of WisdomHomage to Buddha King of Wisdom-PowerHomage to Buddha Fearless VictoryHomage to Buddha Majestic Light of the King of MeritHomage to Buddha Excellent EyeHomage to Buddha Firm Sovereign KingHomage to Buddha King of RadianceHomage to Buddha Victorious Jewel-Radiance of SpaceHomage to Buddha Supreme Noble VictoryHomage to Buddha Voice of Brahma's RoarHomage to Buddha Jeweled FlowerHomage to Buddha Victorious Accomplishment of the PadmaHomage to Buddha Sandalwood FragranceHomage to Buddha Sumeru KalpaHomage to Buddha Victorious AdornmentHomage to Buddha Jeweled CanopyHomage to Buddha Fragrant ElephantHomage to Buddha Boundless VictoryHomage to Buddha Whose Proclamation of the Name Is Not in VainHomage to Buddha Inconceivable Majestic Light of the King of MeritHomage to Buddha Fearless KingHomage to Buddha Supreme Victory of the PadmaHomage to Buddha Ever-Attaining DiligenceHomage to Buddha Medicine KingHomage to Buddha Peace and SecurityHomage to Buddha Boundless Intentional PracticeHomage to Buddha Boundless RealmHomage to Buddha Boundless LightHomage to Buddha Boundless EyeHomage to Buddha Golden-Colored RealmHomage to Buddha Realm of Boundless SpaceHomage to Buddha King of ConstellationsHomage to Buddha Supreme Fragrance-VictoryHomage to Buddha Victory of SpaceHomage to Buddha Wondrous VictoryHomage to Buddha Accomplisher of the DirectionsHomage to Buddha Wondrous RadianceHomage to Buddha Unobstructed EyeHomage to Buddha VajraHomage to Buddha Blazing Torch
One should know and wholeheartedly take refuge in immeasurable and boundless Buddhas such as these:
Homage to Buddha Fire-BannerHomage to Buddha Noble Stainless Light of Majestic VirtueHomage to Buddha Accumulation of WisdomHomage to Buddha King of Renowned PowerHomage to Buddha Majestic Light of the King of MeritHomage to Buddha Vision of WisdomHomage to Buddha Wondrous Victory of the PadmaHomage to Buddha Victorious AccomplishmentHomage to Buddha Jewel LightHomage to Buddha Victory of the Jeweled LotusHomage to Buddha Accomplished through Far-Reaching Freedom from DoubtHomage to Buddha Foremost One of the AssemblyHomage to Buddha KrakucchandaHomage to Buddha King of BannersHomage to Buddha Merit of the PadmaHomage to Buddha Emitting LightHomage to Buddha MaitreyaHomage to Buddha Light of the Luminous PadmaHomage to Buddha Victorious KingHomage to Buddha Dharma BannerHomage to Buddha Immeasurable ExertionHomage to Buddha Ocean-SumeruHomage to Buddha Wondrous VisionHomage to Buddha SakyamuniHomage to Buddha Unfailing VisionHomage to Buddha Unobstructed Roaring VoiceHomage to Buddha Light of the Victorious Name of Immeasurable MeritHomage to Buddha Cultivation without DiscriminationHomage to Buddha Boundless LightHomage to Buddha Excellent EyeHomage to Buddha Universal Jewel-Treasury of the SouthHomage to Buddha Stainless Liberation Far Removed from DefilementHomage to Buddha Immeasurable Flowers of the WestHomage to Buddha Immeasurable IlluminationHomage to Buddha Immeasurable LightHomage to Buddha Homage to Buddha Immeasurable RadianceHomage to Buddha Immeasurable RealmHomage to Buddha Immeasurable SovereigntyHomage to Buddha Immeasurable ExertionHomage to Buddha Non-Universal CanopyHomage to Buddha Canopy PracticeHomage to Buddha Jeweled CanopyHomage to Buddha King of ConstellationsHomage to Buddha Excellent ConstellationHomage to Buddha Wheel of LightHomage to Buddha King of LightHomage to Buddha Supreme Victory of LightHomage to Buddha Boundless VisionHomage to Buddha Unsurpassed OneHomage to Buddha Exertion in Boundless RealmsHomage to Buddha Unobstructed Roaring VoiceHomage to Buddha Great Cloud of LightHomage to Buddha King of the Net of SnaresHomage to Buddha Excellent Attainment of Impartial LightHomage to Buddha Victorious Padma FlowerHomage to Buddha Mountain KingHomage to Buddha Supreme Sangha of the Lunar AssemblyHomage to Buddha Lofty LightHomage to Buddha United AssemblyHomage to Buddha Unfailing LightHomage to Buddha King of Crown-VictoryHomage to Buddha Unfailing Blazing Lamp of the NorthHomage to Buddha Unfailing ExertionHomage to Buddha Unfailing RealmHomage to Buddha Unfailing LightHomage to Buddha Boundless DiligenceHomage to Buddha Sala Sovereign KingHomage to Buddha King of the Jeweled SalaHomage to Buddha King of the Universal CanopyHomage to Buddha King of the Adorned CanopyHomage to Buddha Treasury of JewelsHomage to Buddha Sandalwood ChamberHomage to Buddha Sandalwood FragranceHomage to Buddha Immeasurable LightHomage to Buddha Flowing Adornment of the Wheel of LightHomage to Buddha Unobstructed EyeHomage to Buddha Immeasurable EyeHomage to Buddha Accomplishment of the JewelHomage to Buddha All MeritsHomage to Buddha Merit Accomplished by the Buddha-FlowerHomage to Buddha Wisdom of Well-AbidingHomage to Buddha Immeasurable DivisionHomage to Buddha Unfailing VictoryHomage to Buddha Jewel DivisionHomage to Buddha Boundless CultivationHomage to Buddha Victorious Boundless AdornmentHomage to Buddha Light of the Wheel of SpaceHomage to Buddha Immeasurable VoiceHomage to Buddha Medicine KingHomage to Buddha Fearless OneHomage to Buddha Tree of Far-Reaching Freedom from TerrorHomage to Buddha Majestic Light of the King of MeritHomage to Buddha Flower Arising from Contemplative WisdomHomage to Buddha Quiescence of SpaceHomage to Buddha Voice of SpaceHomage to Buddha Accomplishment of the Adornment of SpaceHomage to Buddha Great Sovereign of the Lower DirectionHomage to Buddha Wondrous VictoryHomage to Buddha Possessing AffinityHomage to Buddha Flower VictoryHomage to Buddha Excellent BirthHomage to Buddha Lion VictoryHomage to Buddha Accomplishment of MeaningHomage to Buddha Lion ProtectorHomage to Buddha Lion SubduerHomage to Buddha King of the Mountain of Well-AbidingHomage to Buddha Pure RadianceHomage to Buddha Pure EyeHomage to Buddha Unfailing FootstepsHomage to Buddha Image of SpaceHomage to Buddha Fragrant VictoryHomage to Buddha Fragrant MountainHomage to Buddha Immeasurable EyeHomage to Buddha Accumulation of FragranceHomage to Buddha Jeweled AssemblyHomage to Buddha Lofty JewelHomage to Buddha Well-AbidingHomage to Buddha King of Well-AbidingHomage to Buddha Pure RadianceHomage to Buddha Firm KingHomage to Buddha Wheel of LightHomage to Buddha Fire-Blazing LampHomage to Buddha Unfailing TranscendenceHomage to Buddha Who Sets Forth through Wholesome ReflectionHomage to Buddha LionHomage to Buddha Who Makes Sentient Beings FirmHomage to Buddha King Abiding in Victorious PracticeHomage to Buddha Immeasurable Realm of the Upper DirectionHomage to Buddha Victorious KingHomage to Buddha Victory of DiligenceHomage to Buddha Severer of DoubtHomage to Buddha King of Excellent ConstellationsHomage to Buddha Drum of the Blazing LampHomage to Buddha LightHomage to Buddha Radiance of LightHomage to Buddha Wheel of LightHomage to Buddha Renowned LightHomage to Buddha Lofty CanopyHomage to Buddha Fragrant CanopyHomage to Buddha Jeweled CanopyHomage to Buddha Sandalwood FragranceHomage to Buddha Sandalwood VictoryHomage to Buddha Mass of SumeruHomage to Buddha Precious LightHomage to Buddha Firm KingHomage to Buddha Pure MeritHomage to Buddha Pure EyeHomage to Buddha Fearless OneHomage to Buddha Far Removed from All FearsHomage to Buddha Accomplishment of AccumulationHomage to Buddha Jewel VictoryHomage to Buddha Mountain KingHomage to Buddha Transformer of the Female FacultyHomage to Buddha Immeasurable PracticeHomage to Buddha Most Victorious LightHomage to Buddha Banner of Light of the Net of SnaresHomage to Buddha King of HumanityHomage to Buddha Pure Radiant Virtue of the Sun and MoonHomage to the Tathagata Beholding the Forms and Realms of All Buddhas, Foremost One of the SoutheastHomage to Buddha Exertion of Flower-AwakeningHomage to Buddha Light of the Net of SnaresHomage to Buddha Flower of Immeasurable LightHomage to Buddha Firm JewelHomage to Buddha First Aspiration Turning the Dharma WheelHomage to Buddha Accumulation of FlowersHomage to Buddha Celestial LightHomage to Buddha Immovable StepsHomage to Buddha Immeasurable Accumulated StepsHomage to Buddha Born of Immeasurable VowsHomage to Buddha Boundless VowsHomage to Buddha Boundless RealmHomage to Buddha Indeterminate VowHomage to Buddha Transformer of the WombHomage to Buddha Transformer of All AdversitiesHomage to Buddha Who Does Not Entertain ThoughtsHomage to Buddha Accomplisher of All ThoughtsHomage to Buddha SpaceHomage to Buddha Possessing Victory
Next, we bow in homage to the twelve divisions of the Venerable Sutras and the Dharma Wheel of the Great Canon:
Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Foundations of Mindfulness of the True Dharma
Homage to the Venerable Ekottara Agama Sutra
Homage to the Venerable Madhyama Agama Sutra
Homage to the Venerable Dirgha Agama Sutra
Homage to the Venerable Samyukta Agama Sutra
Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Wise and the Foolish
Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Arising of the World
Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Miscellaneous Jewel Treasury
Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Universal Splendor
Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Excellent Birth
Homage to the Venerable Sutra on the Stages of the Path of Cultivation
Homage to the Venerable Sutra on the Skandhas, Dhatus, and Ayatanas
Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Central Account of the Origin
Homage to the Venerable Sutra on the Practices Giving Rise to the Teaching
Homage to the Venerable Dhamatrata Dhyana Sutra
Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Collection of Meanings
Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Questions of Vyasa
Homage to the Venerable Great Anapanasati Sutra
Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Turning the Dharma Wheel
Homage to the Venerable Sutra of the Four Dharmas of Bodhisattva Jeweled Crest
Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Immeasurable Life
Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Manjusri's Questions on Bodhi
Homage to the Venerable Sutra of Great Adornment
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on Buddha-Nature
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on the Great Man
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on the Middle and the Extremes
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on the Refutation of Objections
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on the Buddha's Abhidharma
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on the Accomplishment of Karma
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on the Middle Way
Homage to the Venerable Treatise Conforming to the Middle Way
Homage to the Venerable Treatise in One Hundred Verses
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on the Awakening of Faith
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on the Three Non-Natures
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on Entering the Mahayana
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on the Establishment of Truth
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on the Practice of the Twelve Gates
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on the Eighteen Kinds of Emptiness
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on the Jewel-Nature
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on the Expedient Mind
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on Reflection upon Dust
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on the Unraveling of the Scroll
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on Dependent Arising
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on the One-Wheeled Empty Song
Homage to the Venerable Treatise in One Hundred Characters
Homage to the Venerable Treatise Refuting the Four Schools of Non-Buddhists
Homage to the Venerable Treatise Refuting the Nirvana of Non-Buddhists
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on Arousing the Bodhi-Mind
Homage to the Venerable Treatise on the Causes and Conditions of Pratyekabuddhas
With reverence, we bow to the great bodhisattvas throughout the ten directions:
Homage to Great Bodhisattva King of AdornmentHomage to Great Bodhisattva Adornment of the LandHomage to Great Bodhisattva Indra's NetHomage to Great Bodhisattva Celestial MountainHomage to Great Bodhisattva Excellent EyeHomage to Great Bodhisattva Foremost Upholder of the WorldHomage to Great Bodhisattva Great GeneralHomage to Great Bodhisattva Tranquil IntentHomage to Great Bodhisattva Swift PracticeHomage to Great Bodhisattva Excellent ArmHomage to Great Bodhisattva Mountain WindHomage to Great Bodhisattva DharmodgataHomage to Great Bodhisattva Victorious VowHomage to Great Bodhisattva King of the Mountain of Constellations Adorned with MarksHomage to Great Bodhisattva Joyful Eloquence without IndolenceHomage to Great Bodhisattva Stainless WisdomHomage to Great Bodhisattva SagaraHomage to Great Bodhisattva Severer of All SorrowHomage to Great Bodhisattva KsitigarbhaHomage to Great Bodhisattva Universal ManifestationHomage to Great Bodhisattva Accomplishment of Dharma PracticeHomage to Great Bodhisattva Profound PracticeHomage to Great Bodhisattva Purity of the Three WheelsHomage to Great Bodhisattva Tranquil MindHomage to Great Bodhisattva Boundless MeritHomage to Great Bodhisattva Impartial Wisdom of SpaceHomage to Great Bodhisattva Padma EyeHomage to Great Bodhisattva Vajra BannerHomage to Great Bodhisattva Padma Flower-GarlandHomage to Great Bodhisattva Jeweled AdornmentHomage to Great Bodhisattva Jeweled DewHomage to Great Bodhisattva Wisdom of the King of MeritHomage to Great Bodhisattva King of AdornmentHomage to Great Bodhisattva King Who Severs All AdornmentsHomage to Great Bodhisattva Adornment of Pure LightHomage to Great Bodhisattva Profound VoiceHomage to Great Bodhisattva Wondrous Drum-VoiceHomage to Great Bodhisattva NimindharaHomage to Great Bodhisattva Great SovereignHomage to Great Bodhisattva Body of All Merits
Having paid homage to immeasurable and boundless great bodhisattvas such as these throughout the worlds of the ten directions, we next pay homage to all noble sages, sravakas, and pratyekabuddhas:
Homage to Pratyekabuddha Sympathetic JoyHomage to Pratyekabuddha Twelve ParalaptaHomage to Pratyekabuddha Ten of the Same Name, BalaHomage to Pratyekabuddha Fire-BodyHomage to Pratyekabuddha Equal BodhiHomage to Pratyekabuddha MahanamaHomage to Pratyekabuddha Supreme MindHomage to Pratyekabuddha Arising PurityHomage to Pratyekabuddha Excellent JoyHomage to Pratyekabuddha Veda
Thus we pay homage to immeasurable and boundless pratyekabuddhas and others. Having bowed to the Three Jewels, we next repent once again. We, your disciples, have just repented collectively of all karma. We shall now, in due order, repent of each of its particular aspects. Whether collective or particular, coarse or subtle, light or grave, spoken or unspoken, may all sins of every corresponding kind be extinguished.
What is repentance of particular aspects? First we repent of the three karmas of the body; next we repent of the four karmas of speech; as for all the remaining karmic obstructions, we shall bow our heads and repent of them in succession.
What are the three karmas of the body? First is killing. As the Sutra clearly states, “Taking oneself as the measure and applying the analogy to others, one should neither kill nor cause injury.” Although animals and we differ in form, our cherishing of life and our fear of death are one and the same.
If we carefully consider these sentient beings, from beginningless time they may have been our fathers, mothers, elder or younger siblings, or members of our six close relations. (1) Through the causes and conditions of karmic retribution, they revolve through the six destinies, entering and leaving the sea of suffering of birth and death, changing shapes and forms so that it is difficult to recognize one another. Yet today we kill them and devour their flesh, thereby severing the seed of great loving-kindness.
Therefore, the Buddha said that even when obtaining other foods, one should still contemplate them as a starving mother eating the flesh of her child; how much more should one refrain from devouring fried or cooked fish and meat? Furthermore, the Buddha taught that one who kills sentient beings for profit and one who spends money to purchase their flesh and bones both commit evil karma and, after death, must fall into the Hell of Screaming. (2) Thus one should know that the sin of killing and devouring fish and flesh is as deep as rivers and seas, and its retribution as vast as a great mountain.
From beginningless time until now, we, your disciples, have not encountered virtuous friends and have continually committed these karmas of killing. Therefore, as stated in the Sutra, the sins of killing can cause sentient beings to fall into hell and to take birth as hungry ghosts, suffering life after life. If born as animals, they undergo the retribution of becoming tigers, leopards, jackals, wolves, falcons, hawks, venomous snakes, scorpions, and the like, always harboring vicious and poisonous minds; or they take the bodies of bears, roebucks, deer, muntjacs, and the like, whose nature is continually fearful. If born among humans, they commonly undergo two kinds of painful retribution:
– First, they are born afflicted with many illnesses.
– Second, they die prematurely.
The karmic consequences of killing and devouring are immeasurably evil in this way. We, your disciples, bow our heads with utmost sincerity, return for refuge, and repent before all Buddhas:
Homage to Buddha Dispeller of All Fears in the East
Homage to Buddha Radiant Lamp of the Sun and Moon in the South
Homage to Buddha Light of the Flower of Awakening in the West
Homage to Buddha Arising Merit in the North
Homage to Buddha Radiance Dispelling the Multitude of Delusions in the Southeast
Homage to Buddha Sovereign of the Unborn in the Southwest
Homage to Buddha King of Great Spiritual Powers in the Northwest
Homage to Buddha Mind of Emptiness Free from Defilement in the Northeast
Homage to Buddha Image of Universal Emptiness in the Direction Below
Homage to Buddha Victorious Treasury of Vaidurya in the Direction Above
Having paid homage in this way to the Three Jewels throughout empty space in the ten directions, we, your disciples, from beginningless time until today, possessed many states of consciousness, harbored poisonous greed, and lacked loving-kindness and compassion. At times, because of greed, we gave rise to killing; because of anger, delusion, contempt, or arrogance, we gave rise to killing. At times, with malicious intent, we sought every means to kill, swore to kill, vowed to kill, and even cast curses to kill.
At times, we destroyed or filled in lakes and ponds, burned forests and mountains, hunted, fished, or set fires downwind; or we released falcons and loosed hunting dogs, harming all sentient beings of the six destinies. Sins such as these are immeasurable and boundless. Today, with utmost sincerity, we bow our heads and repent.
At times, we made nets from cords, dug pits, and set traps; fashioned spears, forks, bows, and arrows to capture, stab, and kill birds and beasts. At times, we made fishing nets and used lift nets and hooks, damming, straining, and catching aquatic creatures such as fish, soft-shelled turtles, tortoises, freshwater turtles, shrimp, crabs, clams, snails, and other aquatic species, leaving creatures in the water, on land, and even in the air with nowhere to hide.
At times, we raised chickens, ducks, piglets, goats, cattle, donkeys, dogs, and other domestic animals, either cooking them for our own consumption or having others slaughter them for sale. Before their cries had ceased, their feathers had been stripped, their scales and shells torn away, their bodies severed from their heads, and their bones and flesh dismembered. They were flayed, torn, chopped, minced, boiled, fried, and roasted.
How immense their agony; how grievous and desolate the scene! All this suffering was unjustly inflicted upon innocent creatures merely for a moment's pleasure of the palate, a fleeting taste experienced by nothing more than a tongue three inches long; yet the karmic retribution must be repaid over many kalpas! For sins such as these, today we take refuge and repent with all sincerity.
Furthermore, from beginningless time until today, we have lain in ambush with troops, engaged in warfare, and caused opposing sides to kill one another. At times, we killed personally, ordered others to kill, or rejoiced upon seeing or hearing of killing. At times, we worked as butchers, slaughtering and dismembering animals, beating and killing others, and committing cruel and unbearably evil deeds.
At times, in anger, we took implements with sharp blades or pointed tips and slashed or stabbed; pushed beings over cliffs, submerged them in water, blocked caves and destroyed nests, or buried them beneath earth and stones. At times, we crushed them beneath carts and horses or trampled them underfoot. Sins such as these are immeasurable and boundless.
Today we disclose them, take refuge, and repent.
Furthermore, from beginningless time until today, we have smashed fetuses and eggs, poisoned insects, dug into the earth and destroyed their dwellings, cultivated fields and gardens, raised silkworms and boiled cocoons, thereby taking no small number of lives. At times, we swatted mosquitoes and gnats or killed lice and bedbugs. At times, we opened waterways and dug canals, painfully harming living creatures.
At times, while eating fruits and seeds or using grains and vegetables, we unjustly harmed living beings. At times, we burned firewood or lit uncovered lamps, thereby burning insects. At times, we used sauces and vinegar without examining them carefully beforehand, or poured and splashed boiling water, killing insects and ants.
Thus, whether walking, standing, lying down, or sitting—the four deportments—we continually killed living beings upon the earth or in the air. The understanding of ordinary beings is exceedingly dark, and we acted without awareness or knowledge. Today we disclose these offenses and implore repentance.
Furthermore, from beginningless time until today, we, your disciples, have used whips and clubs, cangues and shackles, chains and fetters; pressed, crushed, and broken bodies; interrogated, beat, struck, and hurled beings with our hands and feet; kicked, assaulted, bound, and imprisoned them; deprived them of water, withheld food, and denied them nourishment and drink. By evil means such as these, we brought suffering and distress to tens of thousands of living beings. Today, with utmost sincerity, we turn toward the Buddhas, the Venerable Dharma, and the noble sages of the Sangha throughout the ten directions, take refuge, and repent.
With reverence, we vow: Through the power of this repentance, may the sins of killing and the like be transformed into merit. May we, your disciples, life after life and kalpa after kalpa, attain vajra bodies (3) and immeasurable lifespans, always remain free from hatred and enmity, and no longer entertain deluded thoughts of killing. May we regard all sentient beings as children of one family. Upon seeing anyone in urgent danger or adversity, may we spare neither body nor life but employ skillful means to rescue them, so that both sides attain harmony. Thereafter, may we expound the wondrous True Dharma (4) for them, enabling all sentient beings who behold our forms or shadows to attain peace and joy, and those who hear our voices or see our forms to cast off all fear.
Notes:
1. Six close relations: These are father, mother, wife, children, elder siblings, and younger siblings. Within a family, these six are the closest relatives. Following the six close relations are the extended kindred, namely relatives on the husband's side, the wife's side, the paternal side, the maternal side, and so forth.
2. Hell of Screaming: This hell is called the Howling Hell. The sinners there are tortured and scream throughout day and night, without ever ceasing.
3. Vajra body: Corps de diamant; corps de Bouddha (F). The vajra body is the body of a Buddha; that is, a body as firm and enduring as vajra, which can never be destroyed. It is also called the firm body, the true body, or the Buddha-body—the real body of a Buddha. The Nirvana Sutra, fascicle 14, relates that after hearing a four-line verse recited by a raksasa, an ascetic monk relinquished his body to repay his gratitude to the Dharma teacher. Thereupon, the ascetic monk—a former life of Sakyamuni Buddha—said: “It is as though someone gave another an earthenware vessel and immediately received in return an object made of the seven treasures. So it is with me: by relinquishing this impermanent body, I shall immediately attain a vajra body.”
4. Wondrous True Dharma: The genuine, marvelous, lofty, and subtle Dharma of the Way. The True Dharma has two aspects: principle and essence. 1.
Principle: Its meaning is neither erroneous, deviant, nor false; from beginning to end, its doctrine is pure. Therefore, it is called “true.” 2. Essence: Dharma is the Dharma Jewel among the Three Jewels—Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
The essence of the True Dharma is also encompassed within four dharmas: a/ Teaching: the spoken words and written passages of the Buddhas and sages, which destroy ignorance and eliminate afflictions. b/ Principle: the doctrinal meaning within the teachings. c/ Practice: practicing morality, concentration, and wisdom in accordance with the doctrinal meaning. d/ Fruition: through practicing morality, concentration, and wisdom, one realizes conditioned and unconditioned fruits.
