佛說佛名經

Today, we disciples kneel before the Dharma assembly and first repent on behalf of beings of the four modes of birth and six realms for the evil karma they have added through body, speech, and mind. From beginningless time until today, their bodily karma has been unwholesome, their verbal karma has been unwholesome, and their mental karma has likewise been unwholesome. Through such unwholesome karma, they have given rise to every karmic obstruction before the Buddhas, every karmic obstruction before the revered Dharma, and every karmic obstruction before the bodhisattvas and the Sangha of sages and saints.

Such karmic obstructions are immeasurable and innumerable. Today, with utmost sincerity, we beseech to repent of them and vow that they be eradicated. Furthermore, from beginningless time until today, the body has committed the three evil karmas, the mouth has committed the four evil karmas, and the mind has committed the three evil karmas, thereby committing all the four grave offenses (1) and five heinous offenses (2).

Today we repent and vow that they be extinguished…

At that time, Bodhisattva Joyful King addressed the Buddha, saying: “World-Honored One! In this great assembly are bodhisattvas, mahasattvas who have attained right concentration and who also constantly enter the eighty-four thousand paramita teachings and the gateways of great samadhi and dharani (3). All these mahasattvas will attain unsurpassed, complete, perfect enlightenment during the Bhadra Kalpa (4), apart from the four Tathagatas who have already attained Buddhahood in this kalpa.” Bodhisattva Joyful King again addressed the Buddha, saying: “May the World-Honored One, out of compassion, clearly proclaim the names of these bodhisattvas, thereby bringing abundant benefit and peace to the world and benefiting the human and heavenly realms,

so that in the future bodhisattvas may reveal the Dharma gateways and seek the unsurpassed Way with minds that never grow weary.”

The Buddha told Bodhisattva Joyful King: “Listen attentively now and reflect well. I shall proclaim them for your sake.”

—“Yes, World-Honored One! We rejoice greatly in hearing them.”

At that time, the World-Honored One then clearly proclaimed the names of the Buddhas:

I vow, when all karmic obstructions are repented and removed,

That body and mind remain pure and never transgress;

The bodhi mind is the fundamental refuge,

Relying upon it, I shall always cultivate the six paramitas.

The two fields of compassion and reverence I shall uphold;

Practicing generosity, I shall never harbor miserly greed.

The greater and lesser precepts I shall all observe;

I vow never to cultivate causes that nurture evil.

When adverse circumstances arise, I shall peacefully endure;

I shall not let the fire of anger burn my mind.

Whatever accords with principle I shall promptly practice;

I shall not follow the obstinate body into indolence.

I shall leave far behind entanglement with objects of desire;

In serene purity and ease, I shall accord with the true source.

I shall constantly contemplate that all dharmas have always been empty;

In movement and stillness alike, I shall know there is nowhere to abide.

I shall practice the paramitas to their ultimate end,

Never falling among ordinary beings or into the two vehicles.

Together with all sentient beings, I shall fulfill my practices and vows,

And enter equally into the assembly of the Tathagatas.

Having made these vows, I now wholeheartedly bow in reverence…

Homage to Buddha Câu Na Đề

(first among another thousand names of Buddhas)

Homage to Buddha Câu Na Hàm Mâu Ni

Homage to Buddha Ca Diếp

Homage to Buddha Thích Ca Mâu Ni

Homage to Buddha Di Lặc

Homage to Buddha Lion

Homage to Buddha Radiant Flame

Homage to Buddha Muni

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Flower

Homage to Buddha Flower Clan

Homage to Buddha Excellent Constellation

Homage to Buddha Tamer and Teacher

Homage to Buddha Great Arm

Homage to Buddha Great Power

Homage to Buddha Constellation King

Homage to Buddha Excellent Medicine

Homage to Buddha Renowned Mark

Homage to Buddha Great Radiance

Homage to Buddha Flaming Shoulder

Homage to Buddha Shining Splendor

Homage to Buddha Sun Treasury

Homage to Buddha Moon Clan

Homage to Buddha Myriad Flames

Homage to Buddha Excellent Radiance

Homage to Buddha Sorrowless

Homage to Buddha Tiṣya

Homage to Buddha Radiant Wonder

Homage to Buddha Bearer of the Topknot

Homage to Buddha Merit

Homage to Buddha Revealer of Meaning

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Lamp

Homage to Buddha Flourishing Prosperity

Homage to Buddha Medicine Master

Homage to Buddha Joy in the Dharma

Homage to Buddha White Urna

Homage to Buddha Steadfast

Homage to Buddha Meritorious Majestic Virtue

Homage to Buddha Indestructible

Homage to Buddha Virtuous Mark

Homage to Buddha Rāhu

Homage to Buddha Lord of the Assembly

Homage to Buddha Brahma Voice

Homage to Buddha Firm Deliverance

Homage to Buddha Not Haughty

Homage to Buddha Maker of Light

Homage to Buddha Great Mountain

Homage to Buddha Vajra

Homage to Buddha Marks of the Assembly

Homage to Buddha Fearless

Homage to Buddha Precious Jewel

Homage to Buddha Flower Eyes

Homage to Buddha Armed Might

Homage to Buddha Flower Light

Homage to Buddha Benevolent

Homage to Buddha Great Majestic Virtue

Homage to Buddha Brahma King

Homage to Buddha Immeasurable Radiance

Homage to Buddha Dragon Mindfulness

Homage to Buddha Firm Step

Homage to Buddha Whose Sight Is Never in Vain

Homage to Buddha Virtue of Diligence

Homage to Buddha Excellent Leader

Homage to Buddha Joyful

Homage to Buddha Non-Retrogressing

Homage to Buddha Lion Mark

Homage to Buddha Supreme Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Dharma Clan

Homage to Buddha Joyful King

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Tamer

Homage to Buddha Creator of Love

Homage to Buddha Virtuous Arm

Homage to Buddha Joyful Mind

Homage to Buddha Contemplative Spirit

Homage to Buddha Cloud Voice

Homage to Buddha Excellent Reflection

Homage to Buddha Excellent Intention

Homage to Buddha Stainless

Homage to Buddha Moon Mark

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Topknot

Homage to Buddha Lion Step

Homage to Buddha Virtuous Longevity

Homage to Buddha Contemplative Discernment

Homage to Buddha Wisdom Assembly

Homage to Buddha Peacefully Abiding

Homage to Buddha Purposeful

Homage to Buddha Aṅgada

Homage to Buddha Great Renown

Homage to Buddha Fierce Majesty

Homage to Buddha Immeasurable Intention

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Form

Homage to Buddha Great Wisdom

Homage to Buddha King of Radiance

Homage to Buddha Firm in Precepts

Homage to Buddha Auspicious

Homage to Buddha Precious Mark

Homage to Buddha Lotus

Homage to Buddha Nārāyaṇa Longevity

Homage to Buddha Peace and Bliss

Homage to Buddha Accumulation of Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Mirror of Virtue

Homage to Buddha Brahma Virtue

Homage to Buddha Accumulation of Jewels

Homage to Buddha Celestial Flower

Homage to Buddha Excellent Discernment

Homage to Buddha Sovereign in the Dharma

Homage to Buddha Intention of Renown

Homage to Buddha Assembly of Joyful Eloquence

Homage to Buddha Vajra Mark

Homage to Buddha Seeker of Benefit

Homage to Buddha Playful

Homage to Buddha Free from Darkness

Homage to Buddha Many Heavens

Homage to Buddha Meru Mark

Homage to Buddha Myriad Marks

Homage to Buddha Jewel Treasury

Homage to Buddha Supremely Lofty Practice

Homage to Buddha Sands of the Ganges

Homage to Buddha Perfect Enlightenment

Homage to Buddha Praised Virtue

Homage to Buddha Radiance of Sun and Moon

Homage to Buddha Sun Radiance

Homage to Buddha King of Constellations

Homage to Buddha Lion Mark

Homage to Buddha King Vairambha

Homage to Buddha Treasury of Blessings

Homage to Buddha Who Sees the Bounds of Existence

Homage to Buddha Lightning Radiance

Homage to Buddha Golden Mountain

Homage to Buddha Lion Virtue

Homage to Buddha Supreme Mark

Homage to Buddha Radiant Praise

Homage to Buddha Firm in Diligence

Homage to Buddha Perfectly Praised

Homage to Buddha Free from Fear

Homage to Buddha Responsive to Heaven

Homage to Buddha Great Lamp

Homage to Buddha Light of the World

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Voice

Homage to Buddha Upholder of Supreme Merit

Homage to Buddha Free from Dull Darkness

Homage to Buddha Lion’s Concord

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Canopy

Homage to Buddha Extinguisher of Faults

Homage to Buddha Pearl Radiance

Homage to Buddha Moon among Humans

Homage to Buddha Joyfully Beheld

Homage to Buddha Adorned

Homage to Buddha Pearl of Radiant Light

Homage to Buddha Mountain Summit

Homage to Buddha Renowned Mark

Homage to Buddha Accumulation of Dharma

Homage to Buddha Definitive Meaning

Homage to Buddha Vow of Giving

Homage to Buddha Assembly in Samadhi

Homage to Buddha King of the Assembly

Homage to Buddha Roaming Step

Homage to Buddha Peaceful Intention

Homage to Buddha Distinctions of Dharma

Homage to Buddha Supremely Honored

Homage to Buddha Most Exalted Virtue

Homage to Buddha Supreme Lion Voice

Homage to Buddha Joyful Play

Homage to Buddha Dragon Radiance

Homage to Buddha Flower Mountain

Homage to Buddha Dragon Joy

Homage to Buddha Sovereign Fragrance

Homage to Buddha Great Renown

Homage to Buddha Heavenly Power

Homage to Buddha Garland of Virtue

Homage to Buddha Dragon Chief

Homage to Buddha Intention of Excellent Practice

Homage to Buddha Self-Adorned

Homage to Buddha Virtue of Supreme Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Immeasurable Moon

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Speech

Homage to Buddha Sun Radiance

Homage to Buddha Resolute Intention

Homage to Buddha Immeasurable Form

Homage to Buddha Illuminating Radiance

Homage to Buddha Precious Mark

Homage to Buddha Disperser of Doubt

Homage to Buddha Excellent Radiance

Homage to Buddha Whose Steps Are Never in Vain

Homage to Buddha Awakened

Homage to Buddha Flower Mark

Homage to Buddha King, Lord of Mountains

Homage to Buddha Great Majestic Virtue

Homage to Buddha All-Seeing

Homage to Buddha Immeasurable Name

Homage to Buddha Abiding in Meaning

Homage to Buddha Jewel of Heaven

Homage to Buddha Fulfilled Intention

Homage to Buddha Supreme Praise

Homage to Buddha Stainless

Homage to Buddha Sorrowless

Homage to Buddha Brahma Heaven

Homage to Buddha Flower Mark

Homage to Buddha Distinctive Body

Homage to Buddha Dharma-Radiant Pearl

Homage to Buddha Who Sees Completely

Homage to Buddha Pure Virtue

Homage to Buddha Moon Face

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Lamp

Homage to Buddha Precious Mark

Homage to Buddha Supreme Name

Homage to Buddha Maker of Renown

Homage to Buddha Immeasurable Voice

Homage to Buddha Vairambha

Homage to Buddha Lion Body

Homage to Buddha Radiant Intention

Homage to Buddha Invincible

Homage to Buddha Chapter of Merit

Homage to Buddha Moon Mark

Homage to Buddha Attainer of Worldly Power

Homage to Buddha Boundless Practice

Homage to Buddha Blossoming Flower

Homage to Buddha Pure of Defilement

Homage to Buddha All Meanings

Homage to Buddha Courageous Power

Homage to Buddha Abundant

Homage to Buddha Blessed Virtue

Homage to Buddha Timely

Homage to Buddha Vast Intention

Homage to Buddha Mirror of Merit

Homage to Buddha Excellent Quiescent Extinction

Homage to Buddha Heavenly Wealth

Homage to Buddha Pure Disperser of Doubt

Homage to Buddha Immeasurable Upholding

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Bliss

Homage to Buddha Unburdened

Homage to Buddha Non-Abiding

Homage to Buddha Takṣaka

Homage to Buddha Chief of the Assembly

Homage to Buddha Light of the World

Homage to Buddha Great Strength

Homage to Buddha Puṣya

Homage to Buddha Boundless Majestic Virtue

Homage to Buddha Intention of Meaning

Homage to Buddha Medicine King

Homage to Buddha Eradicator of Evil

Homage to Buddha Free from Affliction

Homage to Buddha Well-Tamed

Homage to Buddha Renowned Virtue

Homage to Buddha Flower Virtue

Homage to Buddha Courageous Attainment

Homage to Buddha Vajra Host

Homage to Buddha Great Virtue

Homage to Buddha Intention of Quiescent Extinction

Homage to Buddha Fragrant Elephant

Homage to Buddha Nārāyaṇa

Homage to Buddha Well-Abiding

Homage to Buddha Unburdened by Anything

Homage to Buddha Moon Mark

Homage to Buddha Lightning Mark

Homage to Buddha Reverence

Homage to Buddha Chief of Majestic Virtue

Homage to Buddha Sun of Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Supreme Benefit

Homage to Buddha Summit of Mount Sumeru

Homage to Buddha Vanquisher of Hostile Bandits

Homage to Buddha Lotus

Homage to Buddha Worthy of Praise

Homage to Buddha Knower of Sequence

Homage to Buddha Free from Arrogance

Homage to Buddha Nārāyaṇa Longevity

Homage to Buddha Ever-Blissful

Homage to Buddha Realm without Diminution

Homage to Buddha Heavenly Name

Homage to Buddha Who Sees the Bounds of Existence

Homage to Buddha Profoundly Excellent

Homage to Buddha Abundant Merit

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Moon

Homage to Buddha Lion Mark

Homage to Buddha Joyful Meditation

Homage to Buddha Lacking Nothing

Homage to Buddha Not Playful

Homage to Buddha Jewel of Virtue

Homage to Buddha Worthy of Renown

Homage to Buddha Flower Body

Homage to Buddha Great Voice

Homage to Buddha Praised Eloquence

Homage to Buddha Vajra Pearl

Homage to Buddha Honored One of Immeasurable Life

Homage to Buddha Pearl Adornment

Homage to Buddha Great King

Homage to Buddha Lofty Virtue of Virtues

Homage to Buddha Exalted Name

Homage to Buddha Hundredfold Light

Homage to Buddha Delighted

Homage to Buddha Honored Dragon

Homage to Buddha Intentional Vow

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Moon

Homage to Buddha Already Extinguished

Homage to Buddha Throne of the Joyful King

Homage to Buddha Tamer

Homage to Buddha Sovereign Joy

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Topknot

Homage to Buddha Free from Fear

Homage to Buddha Excellent Extinction

Homage to Buddha Brahma Life

Homage to Buddha Jewel Treasury

Homage to Buddha Moon Face

Homage to Buddha Pure Name

Homage to Buddha Majestic Virtue of Quiescent Extinction

Homage to Buddha Beloved Mark

Homage to Buddha Many Heavens

Homage to Buddha Suyāma

Homage to Buddha Beloved of Heaven

Homage to Buddha Jewel Assembly

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Step

Homage to Buddha Lion’s Share

Homage to Buddha Supremely Lofty Practice

Homage to Buddha King among Humans

Homage to Buddha Excellent Intention

Homage to Buddha Renowned in the World

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Majestic Virtue

Homage to Buddha Vehicle of Virtue

Homage to Buddha Mark of Awakening

Homage to Buddha Joyful Adornment

Homage to Buddha Revealer of the Ultimate

Homage to Buddha Fragrant Elephant

Homage to Buddha Myriad Flames

Homage to Buddha Compassionate Mark

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Fragrance

Homage to Buddha Firm Armor

Homage to Buddha Fierce Majestic Virtue

Homage to Buddha Pearl Armor

Homage to Buddha Virtuous Human

Homage to Buddha Sugata Moon

Homage to Buddha Sovereign Brahma

Homage to Buddha Lion Moon

Homage to Buddha Meritorious Majestic Virtue

Homage to Buddha Rightly Born

Homage to Buddha Unsurpassed Dharma

Homage to Buddha Contemplation of the Moon

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Name

Homage to Buddha Great Diligence

Homage to Buddha Mountain Light

Homage to Buddha Accumulation of Virtue

Homage to Buddha Renowned for Offerings

Homage to Buddha Praise of Dharma

Homage to Buddha Renowned for Giving

Homage to Buddha Lightning Virtue

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Speech

Homage to Buddha Seeker of Life

Homage to Buddha Excellent Precepts

Homage to Buddha Excellent Assembly

Homage to Buddha Resolute Intention

Homage to Buddha Destroyer of the Darkness of Existence

Homage to Buddha Supreme Joy

Homage to Buddha Lion Light

Homage to Buddha Illuminating Radiance

Homage to Buddha Supreme Name

Homage to Buddha Beneficial Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Pearl Moon

Homage to Buddha Majestic Light

Homage to Buddha Unbreakable Wheel

Homage to Buddha Radiance

Homage to Buddha Pearl Discourse

Homage to Buddha Teacher of the World

Homage to Buddha Auspicious Chief

Homage to Buddha Excellent Moon

Homage to Buddha Mountain of Jeweled Flames

Homage to Buddha Chief Rāhu

Homage to Buddha Joyful Bodhisattva

Homage to Buddha Lightless

Homage to Buddha Utter Quiescent Extinction

Homage to Buddha Most Wondrous in the World

Homage to Buddha Sorrowless

Homage to Buddha Power of the Ten Worlds

Homage to Buddha Power of Joy

Homage to Buddha Virtue of Worldly Power

Homage to Buddha Attainer of Worldly Power

Homage to Buddha Great Being of Might

Homage to Buddha Treasury of Merit

Homage to Buddha True Practice

Homage to Buddha Supreme Peace

Homage to Buddha Tiṣya

Homage to Buddha Fire Light

Homage to Buddha Lightning Radiance

Homage to Buddha Vast Virtue

Homage to Buddha Precious Jewel

Homage to Buddha Radiance of Blessed Virtue

Homage to Buddha Maker of Armor

Homage to Buddha Accomplished Chief

Homage to Buddha Excellent Flower

Homage to Buddha Collection of Jewels

Homage to Buddha Great Ocean

Homage to Buddha Upholder of the Earth

Homage to Buddha Intention of Meaning

Homage to Buddha Excellent Reflection

Homage to Buddha Wheel of Virtue

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Fire

Homage to Buddha Beneficial

Homage to Buddha Moon of the World

Homage to Buddha Beautiful Voice

Homage to Buddha Brahma Mark

Homage to Buddha Chief Teacher of the Assembly

Homage to Buddha Lion Practice

Homage to Buddha Nanda

Homage to Buddha Worthy of Offerings

Homage to Buddha Radiant Majestic Virtue

Homage to Buddha Great Light

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Name

Homage to Buddha Pure Assembly

Homage to Buddha Boundless Name

Homage to Buddha Unfailing Light

Homage to Buddha Holy Deva

Homage to Buddha King of Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Vajra Assembly

Homage to Buddha Excellent Canopy

Homage to Buddha Vision of Compassion

Homage to Buddha Flower Realm

Homage to Buddha Intention of Dharma

Homage to Buddha Wind-Borne Practice

Homage to Buddha Excellent Reflection

Homage to Buddha Abundant Radiance

Homage to Buddha Secret Assembly

Homage to Buddha Chief of Merit

Homage to Buddha Beneficent Intention

Homage to Buddha Fearless

Homage to Buddha Firm Contemplation

Homage to Buddha Abiding in Dharma

Homage to Buddha Perfect Pearl

Homage to Buddha Virtue of Liberation

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Body

Homage to Buddha Excellent Intention

Homage to Buddha Universal Virtue

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Brahma Wealth

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Voice

Homage to Buddha Right Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Attainer of Power

Homage to Buddha Lion Voice

Homage to Buddha Flower Mark

Homage to Buddha Excellent Accumulation of Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Flower Adornment

Homage to Buddha Treasury of Merit

Homage to Buddha Renowned Jewel

Homage to Buddha Rare Renown

Homage to Buddha Supreme Precepts

Homage to Buddha Fearless

Homage to Buddha Sun and Moon

Homage to Buddha Brahma Longevity

Homage to Buddha All Heavens

Homage to Buddha Joyful Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Jewel of Heaven

Homage to Buddha Pearl Treasury

Homage to Buddha Diffusion of Virtue

Homage to Buddha King of Wisdom

Homage to Buddha Unbound

Homage to Buddha Firm in Dharma

Homage to Buddha Heavenly Virtue

Homage to Buddha Brahma Muni

Homage to Buddha Practice of Peaceful Auspiciousness

Homage to Buddha Earnestly Diligent

Homage to Buddha Flaming Shoulder

Homage to Buddha Great Majestic Virtue

Homage to Buddha Campaka Flower

Homage to Buddha Treasury of Joy

Homage to Buddha Excellent Assembly of Saints

Homage to Buddha Imperial Banner

Homage to Buddha Great Loving Way

Homage to Buddha Excellent Garland Form

Homage to Buddha Myriad Wondrous Mysteries

Homage to Buddha Delightful

Homage to Buddha Practice of Worldly Power

Homage to Buddha Excellent Definitive Meaning

Homage to Buddha Bull King

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Arm

Homage to Buddha Great Vehicle

Homage to Buddha Fulfiller of Vows

Homage to Buddha Virtuous Light

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Voice

Homage to Buddha Vajra Host

Homage to Buddha Way of Wealth and Honor

Homage to Buddha Lion Power Renewed

Homage to Buddha Pure Eyes

Homage to Buddha Perfect Kāśyapa

Homage to Buddha Pure Intention

Homage to Buddha Knower of the Stages in Sequence

Homage to Buddha Fierce Majestic Virtue

Homage to Buddha Great Radiance

Homage to Buddha Wondrous Sunlight

Homage to Buddha Pure Treasury

Homage to Buddha Discerning Majesty

Homage to Buddha Undiminished

Homage to Buddha Moonlight

Homage to Buddha Secret Speech

Homage to Buddha Upholder of Radiance

Homage to Buddha Practice of Excellent Quiescence

Homage to Buddha Immovable

Homage to Buddha Greatly Praised

Homage to Buddha Virtue of Dharma

Homage to Buddha Adorned Land

Homage to Buddha King of Adornment

Homage to Buddha Loftily Transcendent

Homage to Buddha Blazing Flame

Homage to Buddha Flower Virtue

Homage to Buddha Jeweled Majesty

Homage to Buddha Supreme Goodness

Homage to Buddha Supreme Jewel

Next, we bow to the twelve divisions of the revered sutras and the Great Treasury of the Dharma Wheel; we bow to all the great bodhisattvas of the ten directions. From beginningless time until today, we disciples, through the six faculties, six sense objects, and six consciousnesses (5), have entertained deluded and inverted thoughts, clung to external objects, and committed every kind of offense. Today we regret and repent of them, vowing that they be eradicated.

From the past until now, we have frequently violated the precepts that embrace moral discipline, the precepts that embrace wholesome dharmas, and the precepts that benefit sentient beings (6). After the body decays and life ends, we must fall into the three evil realms. In the hells, we undergo immeasurable and boundless sufferings as numerous as the sands of the Ganges.

Afterward, we fall again among hungry ghosts, ignorant and unknowing, constantly afflicted by hunger, thirst, and scorching heat. Then we fall again among animals, enduring immeasurable suffering, consuming impure substances, and suffering painfully from hunger and cold. When our offenses are exhausted and we are born among humans, we enter families of wrong views; our minds are habitually deceitful and flattering, we believe in wrong views, forget the right path (7), and sink into the ocean of birth and death with no day of escape.

All such evil karma and enmity throughout the three times can never be fully expressed. Only the Buddhas know and understand it completely. According to what the Buddhas have seen and known concerning the extent of our karmic retribution, we now repent and vow that it be eliminated.

We reverently beseech all Buddhas and great bodhisattvas to employ the power of great compassion, the power of great spiritual mastery, and the power of taming sentient beings in accordance with the Dharma. As we now vow to repent, may all enmity immediately be eliminated. Whether beings of the six realms and four modes of birth have already exacted their requital of enmity or have not yet done so, through the power of the great loving-kindness and compassion of the Buddhas, great bodhisattvas, and all sages and saints, may every such adversary attain ultimate liberation (8).

From now until the day we attain the bodhi Way, may all karmic obstructions be ultimately purified; may we abandon the evil realms and never be born there, and instead be born in a Pure Land; may we relinquish lives bound by enmity and attain lives of wisdom; may we relinquish bodies of hostility and attain vajra bodies; may we relinquish bodies in the evil realms and attain the bliss of nirvana. Recalling the sufferings of the evil realms, may we arouse the bodhi mind.

May the four immeasurable minds (9) and the six methods of deliverance (10) always be present before us. May the four unhindered eloquences (11) and six supernormal powers (12) be freely mastered according to our wishes. May we be vigorous and courageous without ever ceasing, until we fulfill the practices and vows of the ten bhumis (13), and then return to deliver all sentient beings.

We disciples, with one mind and utmost sincerity, turn toward the Buddhas of the ten directions, bowing our heads in homage and making offerings:

Homage to Buddha King Who Establishes Precepts in the East

Homage to Buddha Most Heroic and Valiant in the South

Homage to Buddha Unobstructed Renown in the West

Homage to Buddha Virtue of the Dragon Flower in the North

Homage to Buddha Boundless Sovereign Power in the Southeast

Homage to Buddha Sovereign Precious Jewel in the Southwest

Homage to Buddha Sovereign Lotus in the Northwest

Homage to Buddha Di Lâu Càn Na in the Northeast

Homage to Buddha Establishing Diligence Below

Homage to Buddha Supreme Peak of Lapis Lazuli Light Above

We disciples make this right vow: May we be born in the realm where the saints dwell, always establish Dharma assemblies, and cause offerings to flourish, thereby bringing great benefit to sentient beings. May the Buddhas, the revered Dharma, and the Sangha of sages and saints compassionately accept and gather us in. May we always possess strength, readily teach and guide beings, cultivate diligently, and never become intoxicated by the five sensual pleasures (14) of the world.

May we know that all dharmas lack inherent nature and bring forth the same wholesome, impartial mind toward enemies and loved ones alike, teaching and transforming them until the fruit of the bodhi Way is attained, without ever retreating. From this time onward, may every slightest wholesome intention be fulfilled through the power of our vows. We further vow that, when born in the human world, we shall be born into benevolent families, always establish compassionate Dharma assemblies, and make offerings to the Three Jewels.

However small our wholesome deeds may be, we shall dedicate them all to every sentient being. We vow, together with our upadhyaya and acarya, to devote ourselves to cultivation, observe lifelong vegetarianism (15) and ascetic practice, sever thoughts of craving and defilement, refrain from establishing families, remain loyal, trustworthy, and pure, practice benevolence, forgiveness, and harmony, sacrifice ourselves to aid others, and seek neither fame nor gain.

We disciples shall constantly recollect our resolve for bodhi so that the bodhi mind continues without interruption. May all Buddhas, great bodhisattvas, and every saint and sage throughout the ten directions compassionately bear witness for us. We further pray that the devas, immortals, the Four Heavenly Kings who protect the world, those who oversee goodness and punish evil, the guardians of mantra practitioners, the Dragon Kings of the five directions (16), and the benevolent deities of the eight classes (17) bear witness for us.

Through the meritorious causes and conditions of pure repentance and praising the Buddhas, may all sentient beings of the six realms and four modes of birth, from now until their attainment of Buddhahood, rely upon the Buddha’s spiritual power and attain sovereign freedom according to their wishes.

Notes:

1. Four grave offenses: See explanatory note 9, fascicle four, page 355 (Volume I).

2. Five heinous offenses: Explained in note 4, fascicle 18, page 525 (Volume II).

3. Gateways of great samadhi and dharani: Gateways of complete retention within great meditative concentration. This means entering samadhi with a lucid mind that illuminates the universe and human life…

4. Bhadra Kalpa: Bhadra-Kalpa (S). This kalpa is called the present great Bhadra Kalpa. Because many saints and sages appear in this Bhadra Kalpa, it is therefore called the Bhadra Kalpa, or Worthy Kalpa. The past kalpa was the Adornment Kalpa, and the future kalpa will be the Constellation Kalpa. The Bhadra Kalpa is also called the Good Kalpa.

5. Six sense objects and six consciousnesses: The six sense objects are forms, sounds, odors, tastes, tangible objects, and mental objects. The six consciousnesses are eye-consciousness, ear-consciousness, nose-consciousness, tongue-consciousness, body-consciousness, and mind-consciousness.

6. Three collections of pure precepts: Explained in fascicle fourteen, note 15, page 264 (Volume II).

7. Right path: The straight path, the true and proper path, the holy path, the Buddha’s path—the opposite of a wrong path. It is the principle of the Way correctly transmitted by a teacher. The Dharma taught by the Buddha has the quality of ending suffering and bringing peace and happiness to oneself and others. Thus, the Buddha’s three vehicles of sravakas, pratyekabuddhas, and bodhisattvas are all the right path. Whoever wishes to cultivate and attain the fruits of sainthood should follow the Noble Eightfold Path. “Right path” also means the fruition of Buddhahood—that is, the Buddha Way.

8. Liberation: Moksha (S). Délivrance. Se délivrer (F). Phonetic rendering from Sanskrit: Mộc xoa. “Release” means being freed from bondage and attaining sovereignty, untying the bonds created by karma. “Escape” means passing beyond the painful results of the three realms: the desire realm, form realm, and formless realm. Liberation is contrasted with fetters and bondage.

9. Four immeasurable minds: See explanatory note 11, fascicle 21, page 739 (Volume II).

10. Six methods of deliverance: See explanatory note 30, fascicle one, page 104 (Volume I).

11. Four unhindered eloquences: See explanatory note 25, fascicle three, page 257 (Volume I).

12. Six supernormal powers: See explanatory note 24, fascicle three, page 256 (Volume I).

13. Ten bhumis: See explanatory note 96, fascicle one, page 121 (Volume I).

14. Five sensual pleasures: Explained in fascicle four, note 21, page 358 (Volume I).

15. Lifelong vegetarianism: To eat vegetarian food continually, day after day, never eating fish, meat, shrimp, or crab.

16. Dragon Kings of the five directions: Nāga-Rāja (S). Kings of the dragons, who usually dwell in palaces beneath the waters and at the bottom of the sea, though they sometimes remain above the water. They possess supernormal powers and store many precious treasures. The Dragon Kings of the five directions rule the five regions: east, west, south, north, and center.

17. Benevolent deities of the eight classes: The eight classes of benevolent deities are: 1. Devas: The devas dwelling in the six heavens of the desire realm, the four dhyana heavens of the form realm, and the four stations of emptiness in the formless realm.

Because their bodies possess radiance, they are called devas. 2. Dragons: Such as the eight great Dragon Kings who formed part of the audience at the assembly of the Lotus Sutra. 3. Yakshas: A class of spirits who fly through the air. 4.

Gandharvas: Celestial musicians in the heaven of Śakra. 5. Asuras: Beings born through karmic retribution who are heavenly yet not devas. The males have ugly appearances, while the females are exceptionally beautiful.

They constantly wage war against Śakra. 6. Garudas: Flocks of garuda birds, resembling golden-winged birds. 7. Kinnaras: Deities whose heads resemble human heads but bear horns; hence they are called “humans yet not humans.” They are singing deities of Śakra. 8.

Mahoragas: The mahoraga deities are great serpent deities.