慈悲道場懺法

CHAPTER FOUR

GENERATING THE BODHI MIND

Today, we, the assembly sharing common karma in this Dharma assembly, have together cleansed our defiled minds. The ten evil deeds ([1]) and grave obstacles ([2]) are no more; karmic encumbrances have been exhausted, and inwardly and outwardly we are pure.

Next, we pray to learn from the bodhisattvas who cultivate the direct path, from which merit and wisdom arise. Therefore, the Buddhas always praise the generation of this mind as the place of awakening, for it can bring the fruit of the path to fulfillment.

May the entire assembly remain resolute and steadfast. Do not imagine that life will be long and wait for the day when the outflows are exhausted ([3]). Do not let your days pass in vain, lest regret afterward come too late.

Now that we have together encountered such a favorable time, day and night we must not allow afflictions to obscure our mind-nature, but should diligently generate the bodhi mind.

The bodhi mind is the mind of a Buddha, possessing immeasurable and inconceivable merit and wisdom.

If generating it for even a single thought produces such merit, how much more so does generating it continuously.

Even if one cultivated throughout countless kalpas, amassed immeasurable merit, and performed every kind of deed, that would not equal even one ten-thousandth part of the merit of generating the bodhi mind for a single thought. No number or analogy could measure the merit of generating the bodhi mind.

Again, suppose someone merely performed meritorious deeds but did not generate the mind of unsurpassed bodhi. Such a person would be like one who plows a field without sowing seed. If no seed has been sown, how could grain be harvested?

For this reason, one must generate the bodhi mind as the cause and condition for attaining the fruit: first, to repay the kindness of the Buddhas, and afterward, to rescue the myriad beings.

Therefore, the Buddha praised the virtuous disciples, saying:

“Well done! Well done! What you have said is intended to benefit all sentient beings.”

Generating the bodhi mind is the greatest of all offerings.

The bodhi mind must not be generated only once, but continuously, so that it may continue and grow ever more vast. Therefore, the Buddha taught in the sutras:

“In the presence of nayuta Buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, generate great wholesome vows.”

Thus one should know that the occasions on which this mind is generated are immeasurable.

Moreover, the bodhi mind may arise immediately upon meeting a spiritual friend; it is not necessarily required that one encounter a Buddha appearing in the world.

When Bodhisattva Manjusri first turned toward bodhi, for example, he generated the mind through encountering a woman.

Yet the wisdom and understanding of the initial resolve cannot be generated by an ordinary, mediocre person of low aspiration. One must sincerely thirst for and revere the Mahayana, earnestly seek the Buddhadharma, rely upon the sutras, regard worldly affairs lightly, treat enemies and loved ones equally, and regard the beings of the six destinies alike. One vows that, through this generation of mind, all sentient beings may attain liberation and share the same faith and understanding. Know, therefore, that generating this mind is no trifling matter that an ordinary person can accomplish casually.

Today, since we, the assembly sharing common karma in this Dharma assembly, have generated the bodhi mind, we must resolutely undertake contemplation. First contemplate our relatives. While recollecting, concentrate upon our parents and teachers; then contemplate the beings in the hells, hungry ghosts, and animals; and further contemplate the devas, immortals, and all benevolent spirits.

Then contemplate all beings in the human realm and consider how those who are suffering may be rescued.

Having seen them, contemplate further and think as follows: Only by generating a vast mind—the bodhi mind—can they be rescued. Once the contemplation of one person is accomplished, contemplate two. Once two are accomplished, contemplate three. Once three are accomplished, contemplate an entire household. Once a household is accomplished, contemplate one yojana. Once one yojana is accomplished, contemplate the whole continent of Jambudvipa. Once Jambudvipa is accomplished, contemplate all four continents beneath heaven.

In this way, gradually extend the contemplation throughout the worlds of the ten directions.

Regard the sentient beings in the east as our fathers.

Regard the sentient beings in the west as our mothers.

Regard the sentient beings in the south as our elder brothers.

Regard the sentient beings in the north as our younger brothers.

Regard the sentient beings below as our sisters.

Regard the sentient beings above as our teachers.

Regard the sentient beings in the four intermediate directions ([4]) as sramanas and brahmins.

Having seen them, think:

“Whenever these people undergo suffering, I must go to them and soothe their bodies. I vow to extinguish all their pain and bring them liberation. I shall then teach them the Dharma by praising the merit of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.”

After praising them, give rise to joy and regard their happiness as no different from our own.

Today, we, the assembly sharing common karma in this Dharma assembly who generate the bodhi mind, must all act in this way, liberating sentient beings amid suffering. Everyone must be single-minded and deeply earnest, bowing with utmost sincerity while mentally recollecting and verbally making this vow:

We, your disciples, named . . . from now until the day we attain Buddhahood, wherever we may be born, may we always meet spiritual friends and generate the mind of unsurpassed bodhi. If we fall into the three evil destinies or encounter the eight difficulties ([5]), may we always remember to generate the bodhi mind, causing it to continue without interruption.

Today, we, the assembly sharing common karma in this Dharma assembly, should generate a courageous mind, a mind of profound gratitude, and the bodhi mind. With single-minded and deep earnestness, we bow our heads and take refuge in the Great Compassionate Father of the World:

Namo Maitreya Buddha

Namo Sakyamuni Buddha

Namo Courageous Giving Buddha

Namo Purity Buddha

Namo Pure Giving Buddha

Namo Ta-luu-na Buddha

Namo Water-Deva Buddha

Namo Firm Virtue Buddha

Namo Sandalwood Merit Buddha

Namo Immeasurable Chrysanthemum Light Buddha

Namo Luminous Virtue Buddha

Namo Sorrowless Virtue Buddha

Namo Narayana Buddha

Namo Merit Flower Buddha

Namo Firm, Courageous, and Diligent Bodhisattva

Namo Vajra Wisdom Bodhisattva

Namo Boundless Body Bodhisattva

Namo Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

In the same way, we further take refuge in all Three Jewels throughout the ten directions to the limits of empty space.

We, your disciples, named . . . today, before the Three Jewels of the ten directions, generate the bodhi mind. From now until the day we attain Buddhahood, we shall cultivate the bodhisattva path and vow never to retreat. We shall constantly give rise to the resolve to liberate sentient beings, constantly give rise to the resolve to establish them securely, and constantly give rise to the resolve to protect them. Until sentient beings attain Buddhahood, we vow not to realize nirvana before them.

May all Buddhas and great bodhisattvas of the ten directions and all sages and noble ones bear witness before us, causing all the practices and vows of us, named . . ., to be perfectly fulfilled.

Today, we, the assembly sharing common karma in this Dharma assembly, may have performed many wholesome deeds over many kalpas and thereby gained blessings in the human and heavenly realms, yet we have not attained the supramundane fruit. When we die and our blessings are exhausted, we will again fall into evil destinies. Our bodies will disintegrate, while we ourselves remain neither free from anguish nor from oppression.

If we do not establish vast vows and generate the bodhi mind, what merit could adorn the Dharma-body and free us from suffering?

Today, let us be of one mind and one purpose . . . recollect the Buddhas, establish firm faith, and generate the great bodhi mind.

The merit of generating this mind is extremely vast and profound, beyond all measure. Even the Buddhas and bodhisattvas could not describe it completely. Such wholesome power is immeasurable, boundless, and inconceivable.

How, then, could we fail to devote our whole minds and attention to generating the vast bodhi mind?

The Mahasamnipata Sutra teaches:

“Suppose a house has remained dark for a hundred years. The lighting of a single lamp can dispel all that darkness. Therefore, do not regard the generation of this mind for a single thought as slight or unimportant and fail to exert yourselves.”

Let the assembly kneel together with palms joined, single-mindedly recollecting all the Three Jewels of the ten directions, and mentally and verbally say:

“We, your disciples, named . . . now before all Buddhas of the ten directions, before all revered Dharma of the ten directions, and before all noble sages of the ten directions, with straightforward hearts, give rise to an earnest and solemn mind, an unheedless mind, an abiding mind, a mind that delights in goodness, a mind that liberates all beings, a mind that protects all beings, a mind like the Buddha’s mind, and the mind resolved upon bodhi.

We, your disciples, named . . . from now until the day we attain Buddhahood, shall not cling to the heavenly or human realms, nor seek the lesser fruits of sravakas or pratyekabuddhas. We shall generate only the Mahayana mind, the mind that seeks omniscient wisdom, and the mind that seeks to fulfill unsurpassed bodhi and attain perfect awakening.

May all Buddhas throughout the ten directions to the limits of empty space, bodhisattvas of every bhumi, and all sages and noble ones, through the power of their fundamental vows, bear witness before us. Through the power of compassion, may they bless, protect, and accept us, so that the resolve generated today by us, named . . ., may remain firm and irreversible wherever we are born.

If we fall into the three evil destinies or encounter the eight difficulties, taking every kind of body within the three realms and enduring every unbearable suffering, we vow never, because of those sufferings, to lose the bodhi mind generated today. We would rather enter the Great Wheel of Fire and the Avici Hell and endure every agony than retreat from the great bodhi mind generated today because of suffering.

May this mind and this vow be the same as the minds and vows of the Buddhas.

Again, we sincerely bow to the Three Jewels. We, named . . ., from now until the day we attain Buddhahood, shall not abandon these two teachings:

– First, knowing that the intrinsic nature of all dharmas is originally empty.

– Second, liberating all sentient beings throughout the ten directions.”

Together, with utmost sincerity, single-mindedness, and deep earnestness, we prostrate with all five limbs touching the ground and mentally and verbally say:

We, your disciples, named . . ., do not seek unsurpassed bodhi for ourselves. It is precisely because we wish to rescue and liberate all sentient beings that we seek unsurpassed bodhi. From now until the day we attain the path, we shall support all immeasurable and boundless sentient beings. Until the end of future time, we shall give rise to great compassion toward them all. If any sentient beings encounter calamities, grave offenses, or suffering within the three evil destinies and six paths, we, named . . ., vow not to avoid that suffering but to offer our own bodies to rescue and protect them, bringing those sentient beings peace and security.

May all the Three Jewels throughout the ten directions to the limits of empty space bear witness for us.

Namo Maitreya Buddha

Namo Sakyamuni Buddha

Namo Lotus Light Buddha

Namo Playful Supernormal Powers Buddha

Namo Wealth of Merit Buddha

Namo Mindfulness of Virtue Buddha

Namo Merit of Excellent Renown Buddha

Namo King of the Crimson-Flame Imperial Banner Buddha

Namo Merit of Excellent Progress Buddha

Namo Precious Flower Progress Buddha

Namo King of the Sala Tree of the Well-Abiding Precious Lotus Flower Buddha

Namo Victorious in Battle Buddha

Namo Excellent Progress Buddha

Namo Merit Adorned by Encircling Jewels Buddha

Namo One Who Casts Off the Skandhas and Hindrances Buddha

Namo Tranquil Faculties Bodhisattva

Namo Boundless Body Bodhisattva

Namo Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

May the Buddhas, through the power of great compassion, bear witness before us, named . . ., who today generate the bodhi mind and cultivate the bodhisattva path, so that wherever we are born, all our vows may be fulfilled.

Wherever we go, may all sentient beings attain liberation. Again, we bow our heads before all the Three Jewels throughout the ten directions.

We, named . . ., do not seek the path of unsurpassed bodhi for ourselves. We seek the fruit of unsurpassed bodhi solely for all sentient beings throughout the ten directions.

From now until the day we attain Buddhahood, if there are sentient beings who are foolish and dull, do not know the true Dharma, and give rise to wrong views, or sentient beings who, although cultivating the path, do not comprehend the characteristics of dharmas, then until the end of future time, we, named . . ., vow, through the power of the Buddha, the power of the Dharma, the power of noble sages, and every other skillful means, to enable all those sentient beings, through the Buddha’s power, to become completely endowed with and attain omniscient wisdom.

Together, with wholehearted and deep earnestness, we bow our heads and take refuge in all Buddhas throughout the ten directions to the limits of empty space.

Namo Maitreya Buddha

Namo Sakyamuni Buddha

Namo Universal Light Buddha

Namo Universal Radiance Buddha

Namo Universal Purity Buddha

Namo Tamalapatra Sandalwood Fragrance Buddha

Namo Sandalwood Light Buddha

Namo Mani Banner Buddha

Namo Treasury of Joy, Mani Jewel Accumulation Buddha

Namo Supreme Great Diligence, Delight of All the World Buddha

Namo Mani Banner Lamp Light Buddha

Namo Blazing Torch of Wisdom Buddha

Namo Ocean Virtue Radiant Light Buddha

Namo Vajra Firm Strength, Universally Scattered Golden Light Buddha

Namo Great, Strong, Diligent, and Courageous Buddha

Namo Great Compassion Light Buddha

Namo King of Compassionate Power Buddha

Namo Treasury of Compassion Buddha

Namo Supreme Wisdom Bodhisattva

Namo Never Apart from the World Bodhisattva

Namo Boundless Profound Body Bodhisattva

Namo Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

May the Buddhas and great bodhisattvas, through their power of great compassion, power of great wisdom, inconceivable power, immeasurable sovereign power, power to subdue the four maras ([6]), power to sever the five hindrances ([7]), power to eradicate afflictions, power of immeasurably pure karma free from defilement, power to immeasurably awaken contemplative wisdom, power to immeasurably awaken uncontaminated wisdom, immeasurable and boundless power of supernormal abilities, immeasurable power to liberate sentient beings, immeasurable power to shelter sentient beings, immeasurable power to bring sentient beings peace, immeasurable power to end suffering, immeasurable power to free beings from the hells, immeasurable power to save hungry ghosts, immeasurable power to rescue animals,

immeasurable power to gather and transform asuras, immeasurable power to embrace those in the human realm, immeasurable power to exhaust the outflows of devas and immortals, and power to be fully adorned with the ten bhumis;

Power to be fully adorned with pure lands,

Power to be fully adorned with the place of awakening,

Power to be fully adorned with the merit of Buddhahood,

Power to be fully adorned with the wisdom of Buddhahood,

Power to be fully adorned with the Dharma-body,

Power to be fully adorned with immeasurable bodhi,

Power to be fully adorned with great nirvana,

And immeasurable, inexhaustible power of merit—

May all Buddhas and great bodhisattvas throughout the ten directions to the limits of empty space, through these immeasurable, boundless, sovereign, and inconceivable powers, neither betraying their ancient pledges nor their ancient vows, bestow them upon all sentient beings in the four modes of birth and six paths throughout the ten directions, and upon all sentient beings who are together generating this mind today.

May they assuredly cause all those sentient beings to become completely endowed with every power of merit, fully accomplish the power of the bodhi vow, and fully accomplish the power of bodhi practice.

Today, may all sentient beings throughout the ten directions until the end of future time—whether hidden or manifest, enemies or loved ones, or neither enemies nor loved ones, among the four modes of birth and six paths, whether connected or unconnected with the Buddhadharma—through this repentance Dharma always attain purity. Wherever they may be, may all those sentient beings obtain what they vow for; may they be single-minded and firm, with minds that never retreat; may they become equal to the Buddhas and together attain perfect awakening.

Even sentient beings of future generations who act contrary to this vow shall be enabled to enter the ocean of great vows, immediately become complete, and fully attain merit and wisdom equal to those of the bodhisattvas, perfect the practices of the ten bhumis ([8]), fully attain omniscient wisdom ([9]), adorn unsurpassed bodhi, and attain perfect awakening.

CHAPTER FIVE

MAKING VOWS

Today, we, the assembly sharing common karma in this Dharma assembly, have together generated the great bodhi mind and rejoice immeasurably. We should now make the following great vows and, with single-minded and deep earnestness, bow our heads and take refuge in the Great Compassionate Father of the World:

Namo Maitreya Buddha

Namo Sakyamuni Buddha

Namo Victorious Buddha Adorned with a Sandalwood Grotto

Namo Virtuous and Excellent Chief Buddha

Namo Good Intention Buddha

Namo King of Vast Adornment Buddha

Namo Golden Flower Light Buddha

Namo King of Sovereign Power, Jeweled Canopy Illuminating Space Buddha

Namo Space Precious Flower Light Buddha

Namo King of Lapis Lazuli Adornment Buddha

Namo Light of the Universally Manifest Form-Body Buddha

Namo Unmoving Wisdom Light Buddha

Namo Buddha Who Subdues the Kings of Maras

Namo Wealth of Radiance Buddha

Namo Supreme Wisdom Buddha

Namo Maitreya Immortal Light Buddha

Namo Medicine King Bodhisattva

Namo Superior Medicine Bodhisattva

Namo Boundless Body Bodhisattva

Namo Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

May the Three Jewels, through their inconceivable power, bless and protect us, named . . ., so that all our vows may be fulfilled. Wherever we are born, may we never forget the vows made today, and may we perfect unsurpassed bodhi and attain complete and perfect awakening.

We, named . . ., from now onward, vow that throughout life after life and kalpa after kalpa, wherever we may be, we shall always remember the generation of the bodhi mind and cause it to continue without interruption.

We, your disciples, named . . ., from now onward, vow that throughout life after life and kalpa after kalpa, wherever we may be, we shall always serve all immeasurable and boundless Buddhas, always make offerings to them, and possess every requisite offering in abundance.

We, your disciples, named . . ., from now onward, vow that throughout life after life and kalpa after kalpa, wherever we may be, we shall always preserve and uphold all Vaipulya Mahayana sutras and possess every requisite offering to those scriptures in abundance.

We, your disciples, named . . ., from now onward, vow that throughout life after life and kalpa after kalpa, wherever we may be, we shall always encounter all immeasurable and boundless bodhisattvas of the ten directions and possess every requisite offering in abundance.

We, your disciples, named . . ., from now onward, vow that throughout life after life and kalpa after kalpa, wherever we may be, we shall always encounter all immeasurable and boundless noble sages of the ten directions and possess every requisite offering in abundance.

We, your disciples, named . . ., from now onward, vow that throughout life after life and kalpa after kalpa, wherever we may be, we shall always support our parents and repay their profound kindness, lacking nothing that we wish to offer them.

We, your disciples, named . . ., from now onward, vow that throughout life after life and kalpa after kalpa, wherever we may be, we shall always encounter all venerable preceptors and acaryas, possessing in abundance whatever we wish to offer them according to our aspirations.

We, your disciples, named . . ., from now onward, pray that throughout life after life and kalpa after kalpa, wherever we may be, we shall always serve and encounter rulers of great power who, together with us, will cause the Three Jewels to flourish and ensure that the Buddhadharma is never severed.

We, your disciples, named . . ., from now onward, vow that throughout life after life and kalpa after kalpa, wherever we may be, we shall always adorn the lands of the Buddhas, so that in those lands even the names of the three evil destinies and eight difficulties are unknown.

We, your disciples, named . . ., from now onward, vow that throughout life after life and kalpa after kalpa, wherever we may be, the four unobstructed wisdoms and six supernormal powers will always be present and never forgotten, and we shall use them to teach and transform all sentient beings.

Together, with single-minded and deep earnestness, we prostrate with all five limbs touching the ground, bowing and taking refuge in the Great Compassionate Father of the World.

Namo Maitreya Buddha

Namo Sakyamuni Buddha

Namo World-Purifying Light Buddha

Namo King of Wisdom, Wondrously Honored by the Excellent Sound of the Wholesome Tranquil Moon Buddha

Namo Supreme King of the Dragon’s Palm Buddha

Namo Sun and Moon Light Buddha

Namo Sun, Moon, and Pearl Light Buddha

Namo Victorious King of the Wisdom Banner Buddha

Namo King of Sovereign Power of the Lion’s Roar Buddha

Namo Supreme Wondrous Sound Buddha

Namo Constant Light Banner Buddha

Namo Lamp Illuminating the World Buddha

Namo King of the Lamp of Wisdom and Awe Buddha

Namo King of Dharma Victory Buddha

Namo Sumeru Light Buddha

Namo Sumana Flower Light Buddha

Namo King of the Supreme Udumbara Flower Buddha

Namo King of Great Wisdom Power Buddha

Namo Aksobhya Joyful Light Buddha

Namo King of Immeasurable Sounds Buddha

Namo King of Sovereign Penetrating Wisdom of Mountains and Oceans Buddha

Namo Great Penetrating Light Buddha

Namo Wealth Light Buddha

Namo Golden Ocean Light Buddha

Namo King Who Fulfills the Banner of All Dharmas Buddha

Namo Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva

Namo King Samantabhadra Bodhisattva

Namo Boundless Body Bodhisattva

Namo Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

In the same way, we further take refuge in all Three Jewels throughout the ten directions to the limits of empty space. May the Buddhas, great bodhisattvas, and all noble members of the Sangha, through the majestic power of their compassion, enable us, named . . ., wherever we may be born, to fulfill all the vows we have made freely and according to our aspirations.

We, your disciples, named . . ., from now onward, further pray that throughout life after life and kalpa after kalpa, wherever we may be, any sentient being who sees our physical form may immediately attain liberation. If we enter the hells, may all hells be transformed into pure lands and all suffering into peace and joy. May sentient beings’ six faculties become pure, their bodies and minds peaceful and joyful as though abiding in the third dhyana; may they completely sever doubt and generate the first uncontaminated wisdom.

We, your disciples, named . . ., from now onward, vow that throughout life after life and kalpa after kalpa, wherever we may be, any sentient being who hears our voices will immediately attain peace of mind, eradicate the defilements of offenses, acquire dharani, the samadhi of liberation, complete great patience, possess inexhaustible eloquence, enter the Dharma-Cloud Bhumi, and attain perfect awakening.

We, your disciples, named . . ., from now onward, vow that throughout life after life and kalpa after kalpa, wherever we may be, all sentient beings who hear our names will rejoice as though encountering something unprecedented.

If we enter the three evil destinies, may all suffering there cease. If we dwell in the heavenly or human realms, may all contaminated dharmas there cease. Wherever we go, may all beings attain freedom, remain unbound by anything, and achieve liberation.

We, your disciples, named . . ., from now onward, vow that throughout life after life and kalpa after kalpa, wherever we may be, toward all sentient beings we shall have no mind of giving or taking and no perception of enemy or loved one. We shall sever greed, anger, and delusion, the three poisonous roots of evil; abandon self and what belongs to self; believe in and delight in the Mahayana Dharma; cultivate compassion together; and live harmoniously with all, like the noble assembly.

We, your disciples, named . . ., from today onward, vow that throughout life after life and kalpa after kalpa, wherever we may be, our minds toward all sentient beings shall always be impartial like empty space and unmoved by praise or blame. We shall regard enemies and loved ones equally, enter deeply into the vast ground of mind, learn the wisdom of the Buddhas, regard all sentient beings as Rahula, fully accomplish the practices of the ten abodes, distance ourselves from attachment to existence, abandon attachment to nonexistence, and constantly cultivate the Middle Way.

Together, with wholehearted and deep earnestness, we bow our heads and take refuge in the Great Compassionate Father of the World.

Namo Maitreya Buddha

Namo Sakyamuni Buddha

Namo Precious Ocean Buddha

Namo Precious Hero Buddha

Namo Precious Accomplishment Buddha

Namo Precious Light Buddha

Namo Precious Banner and Pennant Buddha

Namo Precious Radiance Buddha

Namo Aksobhya Buddha

Namo Great Radiance Buddha

Namo Immeasurable Sound Buddha

Namo Great Renown Buddha

Namo One Who Attained Great Peace Buddha

Namo Right Sound Buddha

Namo Limitless Purity Buddha

Namo Moon Sound Buddha

Namo Immeasurable Name Buddha

Namo Sun and Moon Light Buddha

Namo Stainless Light Buddha

Namo Pure Light Buddha

Namo Vajra Treasury Buddha

Namo Akasagarbha Bodhisattva

Namo Boundless Body Bodhisattva

Namo Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

In the same way, we further take refuge in all Three Jewels throughout the ten directions to the limits of empty space.

We, named . . ., pray that through the merit, causes, and conditions of today’s vows of repentance, all sentient beings of the four modes of birth and six paths, from now until the day they attain Buddhahood, may cultivate the bodhisattva path without weariness or aversion. May their giving of material wealth be inexhaustible and their giving of Dharma unending; may wisdom and skillful means enable them to accomplish whatever they undertake. According to sentient beings’ capacities, may they administer the medicine of Dharma, so that all who see or hear them attain liberation.

We, your disciples, named . . ., further pray that from now until the day we attain Buddhahood, while cultivating the bodhisattva path, we shall not be obstructed by any hindrance or difficulty. Wherever we go, may we always establish places of awakening and perform great Buddha-work. May we attain mastery of mind and mastery of Dharma, enter every gate of dhyana and samadhi, open the gate of complete retention, clearly reveal the fruit of Buddhahood, abide on the Dharma-Cloud Bhumi, and shower down the nectar of immortality. May we vanquish the four mara enemies for sentient beings and enable them to attain the subtle, pure Dharma-body.

We, your disciples, named . . ., pray that all our vows may be like those made during their cultivation by the Buddhas and great bodhisattvas of the ten directions: as vast as the Dharma-nature and as ultimate as empty space.

May we, your disciples, named . . ., obtain what we vow for and fulfill our bodhi vows. May all sentient beings follow accordingly and likewise obtain what they vow for. May all Buddhas, all bodhisattvas, and all noble sages of the ten directions, through the power of compassion, bear witness before us.

We further pray that all celestial lords, all lords of immortals, all benevolent spirits, and all dragon spirits, through the power of their compassionate wholesome roots and for the protection of the Three Jewels, bear witness before us and enable all our practices and vows to be perfectly fulfilled according to our aspirations.

CHAPTER SIX

GENERATING THE MIND OF DEDICATION

Today, we, the assembly sharing common karma in this Dharma assembly, have generated the bodhi mind and made great vows. We should now generate the mind of dedication.

Together, with utmost sincerity and single-minded earnestness, we prostrate with all five limbs touching the ground and take refuge in the Great Compassionate Father of the World.

Namo Maitreya Buddha

Namo Sakyamuni Buddha

Namo Sunlight Buddha

Namo Immeasurable Treasure Buddha

Namo Supremely Honored Lotus Buddha

Namo Honored Body Buddha

Namo Golden Light Buddha

Namo King of Sovereignty in the Brahma Realm Buddha

Namo Golden Radiance Buddha

Namo Golden Ocean Buddha

Namo Sovereign Dragon King Buddha

Namo King of Trees Buddha

Namo All Flowers Buddha

Namo King of Sovereign Fragrance Buddha

Namo King of Sovereign Fragrance Buddha

Namo Courageously Wielding the Firm Staff and Casting Aside Warfare Buddha

Namo Inner Wind Pearl Light Buddha

Namo Immeasurable Fragrant Radiance Buddha

Namo Manjusri Bodhisattva

Namo Wondrous Sound Bodhisattva

Namo Boundless Body Bodhisattva

Namo Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

In the same way, we further take refuge in all Three Jewels throughout the ten directions to the limits of empty space. May the Three Jewels, through the power of compassion, bear witness before us.

Whatever wholesome karma we, named . . ., created in the past, are creating in the present, or will create in the future—whether much or little, light or weighty—we dedicate it all to every sentient being of the four modes of birth and six paths, so that they may all attain the mind of the Great Way, turn neither toward the Two Vehicles nor toward the three realms, but together turn toward unsurpassed bodhi.

We further pray that whatever wholesome karma all those sentient beings have created in the past, are creating in the present, or will create in the future may be directed neither toward the Two Vehicles nor toward the three realms, but together toward unsurpassed bodhi.

Today, we, the assembly sharing common karma in this Dharma assembly, have together generated the bodhi mind, made great vows, and generated the mind of dedication, as vast as the Dharma-nature and as ultimate as empty space.

May all Buddhas, great bodhisattvas, and noble sages of the past, present, and future bear witness for us. Again, we sincerely bow to the Three Jewels. (1 bow)

We, named . . ., have completed the generation of mind and the making of vows and rejoice immeasurably. Now, with utmost sincerity, we bow on behalf of rulers, the people, parents, teachers, relatives of many lives, kin of many kalpas, wholesome and unwholesome acquaintances, devas and immortals, the Four Heavenly Kings who protect the world, those who govern goodness and punish evil, guardians who preserve mantras, the Dragon Kings of the five directions, dragon spirits, the eight classes of beings, all numinous spirits, all enemies and loved ones of the past, present, and future, those who are neither enemies nor loved ones, and all sentient beings of the four modes of birth and six paths, taking refuge in the Great Compassionate Father of the World.

Namo Maitreya Buddha

Namo Sakyamuni Buddha

Namo Lion’s Roar Buddha

Namo Great, Strong, Diligent, and Courageous Power Buddha

Namo Past Vision and Abiding Buddha

Namo King of the Drum Sound Buddha

Namo Sun and Moon Hero Buddha

Namo One Who Transcends All Flowers Buddha

Namo Lamp Illuminating the World Buddha

Namo Huu-da-di-ninh Buddha

Namo Precious Wheel Buddha

Namo Constantly Quiescent Buddha

Namo Pure Awakening Buddha

Namo Immeasurable Precious Flower Radiance Buddha

Namo Sumeru Progress Buddha

Namo Precious Lotus Buddha

Namo Universal Gathering of All Jewels Buddha

Namo Dharma-Wheel Universal Gathering of Jewels in Abundance Buddha

Namo King of Trees, Abundant and Flourishing Buddha

Namo Stainless Buddha of Encircling, Unique Honor, and Pure Virtue

Namo Stainless Light Buddha

Namo Sunlight Buddha

AND WE TAKE REFUGE AND PAY HOMAGE

To the Buddhas of innumerable kalpas in the past and the Great Teacher, Tathagata Ocean Virtue.

Homage to the immeasurable and boundless bodhisattvas of the unborn Dharma-body throughout the realm of empty space.

Homage to the immeasurable and boundless bodhisattvas of the uncontaminated form-body throughout the realm of empty space.

Homage to the immeasurable and boundless bodhisattvas who have generated the mind throughout the realm of empty space.

Homage to Bodhisattva, Great Master Asvaghosa, who caused the True Dharma to flourish.

Homage to Bodhisattva, Great Master Nagarjuna, who caused the Semblance Dharma to flourish.

Homage to Boundless Body Bodhisattvas throughout the ten directions to the limits of empty space.

Homage to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattvas, who rescue beings from suffering and calamity, throughout the ten directions to the limits of empty space.

PRAISE OF THE BUDDHA AND MINDFUL INVOCATION

Great Sage, World-Honored One,

Resplendent in majestic dignity,

With wondrous spiritual wisdom,

Surpassing all the sages.

His body pervades the six paths;

His essence fills the ten directions.

Upon his crown is the usnisa,

Radiating magnificent light.

His face is like the full moon;

His golden body is beautiful.

His dignified bearing is lofty;

His walking and standing are serene.

His majesty resounds through the Dharma-realm;

The armies of mara tremble in fear.

The Three Penetrating Knowledges ([11]) shine brightly;

All falsehood hides away.

Seeing evil, he immediately rescues;

He provides the means to relieve suffering ([12]).

He liberates beings from birth and death;

He provides the means to relieve suffering ([13]).

Therefore, he is called the Tathagata, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly and Completely Awakened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, World-Honored One, who liberates immeasurable beings and extinguishes the suffering of birth and death.

Through the merit, causes, and conditions of generating this mind, we pray that the present ruler and his relatives, from now until the day they attain Buddhahood, may forget themselves for the sake of the path, like:

Bodhisattva Sadaprarudita;

May they extinguish offenses through great compassion, like:

Bodhisattva Akasagarbha;

May they be able to hear the Dharma from afar, like:

Bodhisattva Lapis Lazuli Light;

May they skillfully answer difficult questions, like:

Bodhisattva Stainless Treasury.

We further pray that our birth parents, the relatives of us, your disciples, named . . ., throughout many kalpas, and all our distant and close maternal and paternal kin, from now until the day they attain Buddhahood, may manifest bodies throughout the worlds of empty space, like:

Bodhisattva Boundless Body;

May they possess the ten merits, like:

Bodhisattva Noble Virtue King;

May hearing the Dharma cause them to rejoice, like:

Bodhisattva Fearless.

We further pray that our venerable preceptors, acaryas, fellow cultivators and students, senior, middle-ranking, and junior monastics, and all our acquaintances, from now until the day they attain Buddhahood, may each attain fearlessness, like:

Bodhisattva Lion King;

May their teaching and transformation have great influence, like:

Bodhisattva Precious Nature;

May they rescue suffering upon hearing cries, like:

Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara;

May they skillfully request teachings of the Dharma, like:

Bodhisattva Mahakasyapa.

We further pray that monastics, laypeople, faithful donors, wholesome and unwholesome acquaintances, and all their relatives, from now until the day they attain Buddhahood, may immediately be released from peril, like Bodhisattva Deliverance.

May their appearance be adorned, like:

Bodhisattva Manjusri;

May they cast off karmic obstacles, like:

Bodhisattva Who Casts Off the Skandhas and Hindrances;

May they make the final offering with filial devotion, like:

Bodhisattva Cunda.

We further pray that the devas, immortals, Four Heavenly Kings who protect the world, intelligent and upright spirits of heaven, earth, and empty space, those who govern goodness and punish evil, guardians who preserve mantras, Dragon Kings of the five directions, dragon spirits, the eight classes of beings, hidden and manifest numinous spirits, and all their relatives, from now until the day they attain Buddhahood, may possess great loving-kindness that universally shelters sentient beings, like Bodhisattva Ajita.

May they diligently protect the Dharma, like:

Bodhisattva Never Resting;

May they bear witness from afar to recitation and chanting, like:

Bodhisattva Samantabhadra;

May they burn their bodies for the Buddhadharma, like:

Bodhisattva Medicine King.

We further pray that all sentient beings and their relatives—whether enemies, loved ones, or neither enemies nor loved ones—among the four modes of birth and six paths throughout the ten directions, from now until the day they attain the path, may have minds free from desirous attachment, like Bodhisattva Lady Free from Intentional Attachment.

May they speak subtle and skillful words like those of:

Lady Srimala.

May they cultivate diligently like Sakyamuni.

May they possess great wholesome vows like Amitayus Buddha.

May they possess majestic spiritual power like the Heavenly Kings.

May they be inconceivable like Vimalakirti.

May they bring all sentient beings to fulfillment and adorn every Buddha-land.

May the immeasurable and boundless Buddhas, great bodhisattvas, and all noble sages throughout the ten directions to the limits of empty space, with compassion, together bless, protect, support, and rescue us and all sentient beings, enabling us to fulfill our vows, establish firm faith, increase our merit and virtue day by day, and possess loving-kindness, nurturing sentient beings as though nurturing an only child.

May those sentient beings attain the four immeasurable minds (9), the six paramitas (10), the ten contemplations in cultivating dhyana (11), and the complete fulfillment of the three vows (12). As soon as they generate the mind, may they see the Buddha as did Lady Srimala. May all their practices and vows be completely fulfilled; may they become equal to the Buddhas, together reach the place of awakening, and attain perfect awakening.

VOLUME TWO

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