Dược Sư Thất Phật Cung Dưỡng Nghi Quỹ Như Ý Vương Kinh

I bow to the stainless Lord of the full moon,

Whose rain of Dharma abundantly benefits all sentient beings.

By cultivating this Dharma ritual of vows and conduct,

May all afflictions be extinguished and peace secured.

(Homage to the One endowed with pure and perfect marks,

Whose rain of Dharma benefits all sentient beings.

By cultivating this Dharma ritual of vows and conduct,

May all suffering be extinguished and lasting happiness attained.)

The method for constructing the Medicine Buddha mandala: It may be built or painted. Then install Shakyamuni Buddha, the Seven Medicine Buddha Tathagatas, the great bodhisattvas, Dharma protectors, and the twelve great yaksha generals, each in the proper order. Arrange offerings of incense, lamps, flowers, and fruit according to your means.

Those who wish to undertake this practice should bathe and cleanse themselves, put on fresh clothing, abstain from wine, meat, and all impure and unwholesome foods, and eat the three white foods. Their minds must remain free from all defilements. Lay practitioners should observe the fasting precepts, eating one meal before noon. Monastics must uphold the Mahayana precepts.

_ Aspiring to take refuge in the Three Jewels, we beseech all Buddhas and bodhisattvas to accept and sustain us, bringing to perfection every supreme power. May all Buddhas throughout the inconceivably pure Dharma realm bless and protect the disciple .... We have established this bodhisattva Dharma practice here as a field of merit; we pray that you descend, attend, and accept our offerings.

Taking pity on beings in the five evil turbidities,

You taught the profound meaning of the Vaipulya sutras,

Drawing near to guide and instruct us;

I bow to all venerable teachers.

The Blessed One is endowed with great compassion

And every form of wisdom, serving as our Guide;

His merit and wisdom are as deep as the ocean.

I bow to all the Tathagatas.

Pure and far removed from every craving,

It enables beings to escape the evil destinies;

Supreme, most honored, and wondrous in meaning,

I bow to the pure Jewel of the Dharma.

Understanding for themselves, they enable others to understand,

And they dwell securely in all fields of training;

Endowed with every virtue, they are fields of merit.

I bow to the Sangha.

I bow to the Supremely Honored, Perfectly Enlightened Ones.

I bow to all the wondrous Dharma teachings.

I bow to the entire Sangha.

Forever and with utmost sincerity, I bow in homage.

Surveying all sentient beings throughout the ten directions,

You compassionately turn the wondrous Dharma wheel

To liberate every sentient being;

I bow to the Buddhas, the Blessed Ones of the ten directions.

With one accord, they made profound vows

To cultivate together as spiritual companions,

Vowing to attain Tathagatahood in this Auspicious Kalpa;

I bow to the full thousand Buddhas.

Long ago, throughout innumerable past kalpas,

To rescue sentient beings beset by suffering,

They made their great solemn vows;

I bow before the Eight Tathagatas.

Vipashyin, Shikhin, Vishvabhu,

Krakucchanda, Kanakamuni, and Kashyapa,

And Shakyamuni Tathagata, who appeared in this world—

I bow to these Seven Buddhas.

Supremely splendid, their faces like the full moon,

Their bodies radiant with golden color, I bow to them.

Far removed from all the defilements of the three realms,

I bow to the Blessed Ones.

Greatly Compassionate Blessed One, please take pity upon us;

Hearing your name dispels the suffering of the six destinies.

Medicine Buddha, who cures the three poisonous illnesses,

King of Lapis Lazuli Light, I bow to you.

The place where Perfect Enlightenment appeared in the world,

The place where he attained bodhi,

And the place where he first turned the Dharma wheel—

To all these places I now bow.

The places where the Tathagata often dwelt,

Where he walked back and forth, sat, or lay down,

And taught the most profound Dharma to guide sentient beings—

To all such places I bow.

Above, below, throughout the ten directions, and at the center,

Without making distinctions among the directions,

Whether relics are present or absent,

Wherever there is a monastery or stupa, I bow.

Profound wisdom, inconceivable,

Neither arising nor ceasing, its nature like empty space,

Yet arising in accord with beings of every kind—

I bow to the Mother of the Buddhas who appeared in the world.

Manjushri, Deliverance, the Lord of Mysteries,

And Avalokiteshvara, whose practice is vast and profound,

Universally liberating sentient beings without weariness—

I bow to the Mahayana Sangha.

Their luminous minds, perfectly endowed, shine everywhere;

I bow to their radiant bodies.

They bring happiness and freedom from every suffering;

To all such places I bow.

Their faculties are pure and their wisdom boundless;

They guide and instruct all beings in the world

And ably protect the transmission of the Buddha's Dharma;

I bow to the Sixteen Arhats.

Contemplating universally the twelve links of dependent origination,

They attain what is called the fruit of a pratyekabuddha;

Without relying upon another's teaching, they cultivate by themselves

And realize the Way of solitary enlightenment; I bow to them.

Their spiritual powers and transformations are truly unfathomable;

Day and night, they obey the Buddha's instructions,

Protecting the secret Dharma transmitted by the Tathagata;

I bow to the Vajra Protectors of the Teaching.

Through the cause of generosity practiced in former lives,

In this life we receive longevity, wealth, and adornments.

Those who make offerings to the Three Jewels with the mind of the Way—

I respectfully bow to everyone whose kindness is profound.

All Buddhas and bodhisattvas throughout empty space

Manifest spiritual transformations to liberate sentient beings;

Every realm, as numerous as motes of dust, is filled with them.

At all times, I bow in homage.

In all worlds throughout the ten directions,

All Buddhas of the three times now appear.

With body, speech, and mind made pure,

I bow before all the Tathagatas.

How majestic are Samantabhadra's practices and vows!

Before every Tathagata they fully manifest.

One body manifests as a hundred, and a hundred as billions,

Each and every one bowing to the Tathagatas.

Within every place throughout the ten directions,

Assemblies of Buddhas and hosts of bodhisattvas are present.

They are all endowed with profound faith in the Buddhas,

Pervading realms as numerous as motes of dust, beyond measure.

With every kind of voice,

With endless words, excellent in meaning and beauty,

I praise the immeasurable and magnificent virtues of the Buddhas

Throughout kalpas as numerous as motes of dust, wherever I am born.

I also offer every kind of flower garland,

Music, and every variety of incense,

Perfectly arrayed without omission,

Presenting them all to the Buddhas of the ten directions.

All garments and every kind of fragrance,

Powdered incense, burning incense, lamps, and torches,

All heaped as high as great mountains,

I sincerely offer to all the Buddhas.

With a vast mind of supreme understanding,

And profound, unwavering faith in the Buddhas,

In accordance with the practices and vows of Samantabhadra,

I make offerings to all Buddhas throughout the ten directions.

All evil karma I have created in the past

Arose from beginningless greed, hatred, and delusion

And was produced through body, speech, and mind;

I now repent and confess it all.

All sentient beings throughout the ten directions,

Those of the Two Vehicles, both learners and those beyond learning,

And all Tathagatas and bodhisattvas—

Whatever merit they possess, I rejoice in it all.

All Lamps of the Worlds throughout the ten directions

Who have newly accomplished the Way of bodhi—

I now exhort and beseech them all

To turn the wheel of Dharma.

If any Buddha wishes to enter nirvana,

I exhort and beseech him with utmost sincerity:

May the Buddha remain in the world for a long time

To benefit and bring happiness to all sentient beings.

All merit from homage, praise, and offerings,

From requesting the Buddhas to remain in the world and turn the Dharma wheel,

From rejoicing, repentance, and every root of goodness,

I dedicate to sentient beings and the attainment of Buddhahood.

(With palms joined, recite the bodhisattva's words:)

_ We recollect how, in the past, the Tathagata, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, the trainer of those to be tamed as one trains horses and elephants, completed all that had to be done, fulfilled his vows, benefited himself and others, exhausted all fetters, and became endowed with every liberation and every wisdom. Now, for our sake, for our benefit, for liberation, for freedom from illness, for freedom from hunger and thirst, for perfecting all skillful means, and for unsurpassed perfect enlightenment, he established this Dharma of liberation. From this moment until sunrise, we ... undertake the bodhisattva precepts.

From this moment onward, I shall not kill;

Nor shall I steal another's possessions.

Nor shall I engage in sexual activity;

Nor shall I speak any falsehood.

I also vow to abstain from intoxicants,

From which all manner of transgressions arise.

I shall not lie upon a broad, luxurious bed or sit upon a high seat;

Nor shall I crave food or drink at improper times.

I shall neither wear flower garlands nor apply perfumes or cosmetics;

Nor shall I seek singing, dancing, music, or entertainment.

Just as the Buddha practiced in ancient times,

So now, following the Buddha, I shall not take life.

I shall train in all the practices above,

Vowing to attain the unsurpassed golden body.

May I swiftly cross beyond the ocean of suffering;

May I bestow peace and happiness, rescuing all beings.

Ngạc ma a ma hắc hợp tí y lạp, tát ma bạt hợp lặc tát ma bạt hợp lạt, bạt hợp lạt, bạt hợp lạt, ma hợp a thư bạt đạt hợp tát linh ba đạt ma tất bất lương y đáp bất tạp đạt hợp lặt đạt hợp lặc tát mạn đáp a oát la cơ đắc hồng phì dà sa a hợp a (21 times)

Uphold the precepts and abandon defilement

Pure and complete, without obstruction

Far removed from attachment to restrictive precepts

Ever uphold the perfection of morality

Take refuge in the merit of the three karmic activities of Body, Speech, and Mind of all Tathagatas throughout the ten directions and the three times, from whose intrinsic nature arise the eighty-four thousand Dharmas. Take all members of the Noble Sangha as preceptors (acaryas), each endowed with majestic virtue and mastery.

Take refuge in the Buddha, take refuge in the Dharma, take refuge in the Sangha, and take refuge in the Blessed One, the eight Tathagatas in the Assembly of the Medicine Buddha, and all their retinues.

Generate bodhicitta:

For the sake of sentient beings, vow to attain Buddhahood. Through cultivating and upholding the assembly of the eight great Tathagatas, together with their retinues, make offerings, pay homage, and invite them. Mentally make these vows successively in the following order:

From within the intrinsic nature of suchness, bring forth the Four Immeasurables

Sentient beings and I have never differed in the Dharma-nature

Because this principle is not understood, may all beings always attain happiness and purification of all karma

May they be freed from suffering and all causes of suffering

May all their suffering cease and may they always attain happiness

May they abandon evil causes and attachments, attain security and perpetual bliss, and always possess a mind of equanimity.

May the Three Jewels and all Buddhas and bodhisattvas accept and sustain us, through the complete accumulation of the two provisions and the inconceivable power of the pure dharmadhatu. May the original vows of the Seven Buddha-Tathagatas be fulfilled as stated in the sutra; may the Tathagatas of the ten directions bear witness for this disciple; and may the noble Dharma protectors at the mandala and all the offerings, through the majestic power of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, be transformed into a pure Buddha-land like Amitabha Buddha’s Land of Utmost Bliss, complete with every meritorious adornment.

May this ground be formed entirely of diverse precious substances, level, immaculate, vast, and spacious; may wondrous light illuminate every place; may celestial flowers be scattered and the fragrances of ox-head sandalwood and candana permeate everywhere; may gold, silver, and precious substances be strewn across the ground; may precious pools contain water possessing the eight qualities; and may birds of every color fly, leap, and sing wondrous melodies.

May there also be precious wish-fulfilling trees adorned with mani jewels, pearls, and coral, from which precious gems hang and flowers and fruits bloom. When the wind blows, may it stir golden bells that emit wondrous sounds. May all such things arise naturally and be perfectly accomplished.

Furthermore, upon the ground formed of the seven precious substances, may there be immeasurable palaces radiating brilliant light that illuminates immeasurable worlds. Such scenes are beyond compare in this world. With pure roots of virtue, majestic virtue, and mastery, may homage be paid where the Tathagata dwells together with all bodhisattvas, the Noble Sangha, devas, nagas, yaksas, gandharvas, asuras, kimnaras, mahoragas, humans, and nonhumans, countless in number, coming and going in joyful play.

May the flavors of Dharma also issue forth, liberating all sentient beings so that they attain happiness, are freed from afflictions, defilements, and obstructions, and forever remain untouched by the works of Mara. May everything described above assuredly be accomplished, incomparable in this world and resembling a Buddha’s Pure Land. May beings attain great wisdom, definitively realize the Mahayana, cultivate calm abiding and insight, enter the gateway of liberation, and realize the intrinsic nature that is free of characteristics.

May immeasurable precious lotus thrones, immeasurable merits, and immeasurable precious halls arise naturally and be perfectly accomplished.

Furthermore, within the mandala, upon their lotus lion thrones, may the Tathagata King of Auspiciousness, Renowned for His Excellent Name; the Tathagata King of Majestic Light and Sound of the Precious Moon, Lotus, and Wisdom; the Tathagata Accomplished in Wondrous Conduct, Immaculate Precious Radiance of Golden Color; the Tathagata Supreme Auspiciousness Free from Sorrow; the Tathagata Thundering Sound of the Dharma Ocean; the Tathagata Supreme Wisdom of the Dharma Ocean, Playful in Spiritual Powers; the Tathagata King of Lapis Lazuli Light, Medicine Master; Sakyamuni Tathagata; the Tathagatas of the ten directions; the bodhisattvas; the noble deities; the Dharma protectors; and all members of the assembly each abide upon their own seat in proper order, naturally and perfectly present.

Furthermore, both within and without, in every place, may sublime food and drink, garments, music, and all kinds of offerings from the realms of devas and humans, prepared according to one’s ability and as described in the Sutra’s Chapter on Samantabhadra’s Vows and Practices, fill the ocean of clouds and be offered universally to the noble assembly. May they graciously accept them.

Chỉ ngạt ma nạp ma bạt hợp hắc oác đắc bạt nan lặc tát a lặc ba lặc ma lặc đạt nạp đáp tháp a hắc đáp a nha a lặc hợp đắc tát ma nha ưu tát ma phổ đạt đạt hợp nha đáp đạt nha tháp a chỉ ngạc ma bạt tạp phù bạt tạp phù ma lạp a tất đạt nha a bạt tạp phù, ma lạp a bạt đề tư đáp đáp bạt tạp phù ma cáp a bạt đề mạn đốt ba tang kiết lạt ma na bạt tạp phù tát lạt oát kiết lạt ma a a oát lạt ma tất thạc đạt cáp nạp bạt tạp phù sa a cáp a.

Furthermore, may all Buddhas and bodhisattvas accept and sustain us, and may this be accomplished through the supreme power of the complete accumulation of the two provisions and the supreme, inconceivable power of the dharmadhatu.

Tathagata King of Auspiciousness, Renowned for His Excellent Name; Tathagata King of Majestic Light and Sound of the Precious Moon, Lotus, and Wisdom; Tathagata Accomplished in Wondrous Conduct, Immaculate Precious Radiance of Golden Color; Tathagata Supreme Auspiciousness Free from Sorrow; Tathagata Thundering Sound of the Dharma Ocean; Tathagata Supreme Wisdom of the Dharma Ocean, Playful in Spiritual Powers; Tathagata King of Lapis Lazuli Light, Medicine Master; Sakyamuni Tathagata … may all Tathagatas, Worthy Ones, Perfectly Enlightened Ones throughout the ten directions and the three times, together with all bodhisattvas, compassionately bear witness.

The Blessed Ones are endowed with great loving-kindness and compassion. Because, five hundred years after the turning of the Dharma in the Age of the Semblance Dharma, all beings will be bound by karmic obstructions, afflicted by all manner of grave illnesses, harmed by every form of suffering, and oppressed by poverty, the Blessed Ones wish to rescue such sentient beings and bring benefit, peace, and happiness to devas and humans.

All Tathagatas possess every skillful means and all great vows. Through these supreme powers, may they accept and sustain without ceasing, becoming a refuge and support for … name … who seeks … and for all beings. May they descend to this place of awakening, accept these offerings, and compassionately sustain and bless us.

Our present fundamental teacher, Sakyamuni Buddha, emanates transformation bodies throughout the lands of the ten directions, playfully displaying spiritual powers for the benefit of beings. May the Blessed One, in his great loving-kindness and great compassion, never forsake his solemn vows but take pity upon me and all beings in the Final Dharma Age, become our refuge and support, descend to this place of awakening, accept these offerings, and bestow accomplishment upon us.

Manjusri Bodhisattva Mahasattva, Salvation Bodhisattva, Vajrapani Bodhisattva … and all bodhisattvas who once attended the assemblies of the Seven Tathagatas: when you heard the Sutra of the Merits of the Original Vows, you embraced and upheld its meaning within the great assembly and generated the resolve to accomplish the Tathagata’s Wondrous Dharma. Now, become a refuge and support for … name …, for us, and for all beings. We invite you to descend to this place of awakening, take pity upon us, and graciously accept these offerings.

Furthermore, within the Dharma assemblies of the Tathagatas in times past, you deities made vows with truthful words to protect and uphold the Sutra of the Merits of the Original Vows of the Seven Tathagatas, the true Dharma, and the fourfold assembly. May Sakra, Lord of the Devas; Great Brahma, Lord of the Devas; Dhrtarastra, Heavenly King Who Upholds the Realm; Virudhaka, Heavenly King of Increase and Growth; Virupaksa, Heavenly King of Wide Vision; Vaisravana, Heavenly King of Great Learning … together with the noble assembly of Dharma protectors, now become a refuge and support for me, (name …), and for all beings. May they descend to this place of awakening, take pity upon us, and graciously accept these offerings.

Furthermore, within the Dharma assemblies of the Tathagatas, those who in times past made vows to protect sentient beings and uphold the true Dharma of the Sutra of the Merits of the Original Vows are:

Yaksa Great General Jiyi

Vajra Yaksha Great General

Solemn-Bearing Yaksha Great General

Star-Bearing Yaksha Great General

Wind-Bearing Yaksha Great General

Dwelling Yaksha Great General

Strength-Bearing Yaksha Great General

Drink-Bearing Yaksha Great General

Speech-Bearing Yaksha Great General

Thought-Bearing Yaksha Great General

Movement-Bearing Yaksha Great General

Perfect Attention Yaksha Great General

The Yaksha Great Generals, who in former times formed noble intentions, now serve as a refuge for me, ... (name ...), and all sentient beings. I reverently beseech you to descend into this Dharma assembly, accept these offerings, and compassionately bestow your protection and blessing.

Neither coming nor going, the body is indestructible

In accord with beings’ capacities, transformation bodies appear

Like the radiant moon suspended in the sky

Illuminating the world and dispelling darkness.

I reverently invite the World-Honored Transcendent Destroyer.

Whatever small measure of merit I now possess,

I pray that you compassionately accept it.

The Dharma bodies of all the Honored Ones are inherently pure,

Far removed from craving and every bond.

Have compassion upon us and remove all obstacles;

With this pure water, please bathe.

All the Honored Ones are endowed with every perfection.

The fragrant water contained in this precious vase,

Full to overflowing, I now offer.

I also offer these various kinds of music,

And unsurpassed, incomparable garments,

Perfumed with fragrance to enrobe the bodies of the Buddhas.

I further vow to offer flowers of every hue,

And boundless fragrances I now present.

I also offer all manner of celestial substances

To the indestructible vajra bodies.

With a steadfast mind that never retreats,

I pray to attain the vajra body.

Afflictions parch all sentient beings;

May the water of Dharma bring them fulfillment.

To accomplish all karmic conditions,

I now offer this vase of pure water.

Here within this pure Dharma assembly,

I reverently offer this majestic lotus throne.

Abiding unwaveringly in meditative concentration,

I beseech all the Honored Ones to remain.

Seated upon precious thrones of immeasurable worth,

Manifest your spiritual powers without obstruction.

Abiding firmly in the nature of equality,

Please accept the offerings arranged here.

The eight great Tathagatas, each in his own land, employ spiritual powers, traverse through space, and arrive at the Dharma assembly, where they abide serenely upon precious lion thrones in the center. The bodhisattva retinues, Brahma, Shakra, the Dharma Protectors, and the Twelve Yaksha Great Generals each abide upon their respective original seats.

Having completed this visualization, present the various offerings, and so forth, arranging whatever offerings one can according to one’s means.

Great Brahma, who saves gods, humans, sentient beings, and me,

Manjushri, son of the Dharma King,

Whom the Buddha ever nurtures as the root of the teaching and the path,

Upright and majestic, I bow in utmost sincerity.

Holy Son of the Gods Tát Trì Nạp Lặc Y,

Who explained and established the texts correctly,

Hay Nhẫn Khổ Hành Thiên Phổ, Vajra Virtue,

And the sovereign Hộ Quang—to these four I bow.

Steadfast in supreme virtue, venerating the Three Jewels,

Reverently honoring the sacred teaching, An Đế Nhật Quang Tôn,

Sovereign of the great wondrous Dharma, Cát Tường Đế,

And the master of this world—to these four I bow.

Chấp Tài Tự Hộ, lord among the gods,

Chúng Tôn Tộc Tánh, great virtuous Quang Minh Đế,

Tuyết Lãnh Tối Thân Nhất Thiên Đảnh Tôn Đế,

And Phan Địa Hàng Oan—to these four I bow.

Great spiritual friend Thư An, renowned for wisdom,

Dương Địa Độc Tuyền, flourishing master of the Dharma banner,

Phù Xuyên Thành Giáo Nhật Quang Trác Ma Xa,

And Chánh Giác Tu Quán—to these four I bow.

Born of a noble lineage, the heart-essence Kiết Tường Tràng,

Incomparable joy, universally rejoicing, protector of fulfillment,

The thatched-hut master renowned as Kiết Tường Hiền,

And the master Phước Xưng—to these four I bow.

Dharma-propagating great master Bảo Danh Kiết Tường Phan,

Endowed with wisdom like Bodhisattva Manjushri,

The supreme Vinaya holder, complete in every rite,

And Biến Hỷ Trí Huệ—to these four I bow.

The six masters who upheld the precepts, guarded against transgression, and cultivated merit,

The master who extinguished false speech, mighty with Samantabhadra’s power,

One perfectly endowed with the certain knowledge of all modes,

And the steadfast sovereign—to these four I reverently bow.

The World-Honored One, perfectly endowed with merit and truly auspicious,

The Dharma master of gracious kindness, Gối Rễ Sạ Rô Ba,

The dwelling Dharma master, a master of expansive intent,

And Tu Bảo Thần Hải—to these three I bow.

Diệu Ngữ Cụ Tư Lệ Tạng, supreme in wisdom,

And the two supreme vajra-abiding masters,

Rightly named Dharma-Grace, Speech-King Wisdom,

And Hiền Nhận Diệu Hải—to these two I bow.

Chánh Giác Tu Quán, whose renown endures like space,

A great spiritual friend endowed with merit and wisdom,

The one of perfect and universal enlightenment called Venerable Phước Đức,

And the incomparable Hàng Chỉ—to these three I bow.

Holy Enlightened Root, Pha Đề Tát Anh Tôn,

The benefactor Pha Đề Tát Anh of later times,

The king Thiện Kiết Tường among the Tát Hòa Lặc,

And Để Y Bà Ma Kiết A Lặc—to these four I bow.

Life of the sacred teaching, Mộc Thiên Đức Bồ Đề Quang,

Savior of sentient beings, bearing the great title Đế Tư,

The bodhisattva Ma Cáp A Tát Anh, master Nguyệt Tràng,

And Công Bà Thích Sư—to these four I bow.

Master Thắng Tràng, skilled in extinguishing the precious afflictions,

Gia Oát Tự Tại Diệu Mỹ, famed in name,

Gia Oát Đức Diệu, who taught the precepts and perfected every practice,

And the majestic sovereign—to these four I bow.

The Vinaya master Thương Ba Trì of vast merit,

The Dharma masters, bodhisattvas, and venerable monks who received praise,

The Sutra of the Original Vows and Ritual Procedures of the Eight Great Tathagatas,

Together with the renowned great masters—to all I bow.

The Snowy Range, birthplace of beneficial merit,

Where practitioners, whether superior or inferior, can all enter the path,

The Golden Original-Vow Merit of the Dharma King,

And the Dharma Protectors who aided its transmission—to all I bow.

The perfectly awakened Buddha, guide to the ultimate twofold benefit,

The true and wondrous Dharma of the sacred teaching, with the two truths in their twofold levels,

The supreme Sangha, endowed with both perfections and upholding the teaching,

I take refuge in and bow to all the Three Jewels.

(This section of verses was composed by lamas during the Qing dynasty. Some lines of praise are in Tibetan and therefore need not be recited; moreover, the names of Tibetan figures appear herein. Because this is a translation, they have had to be rendered.)

I bow, make offerings, and take refuge in all the Sugatas and their assemblies of disciples throughout the ten directions and the three times.

I bow, make offerings, and take refuge in the Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Completely Awakened One, King of Auspicious Renown, surrounded by measureless and boundless assemblies of hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of bodhisattvas.

I bow, make offerings, and take refuge in the Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Completely Awakened One, King of Majestic Sound, Adorned with the Wisdom of the Precious Moon and Lotus Flower, surrounded by bodhisattvas.

I bow, make offerings, and take refuge in the Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Completely Awakened One, Accomplished in Wondrous Conduct through Stainless Precious Radiance of Golden Hue, surrounded by hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of bodhisattvas.

I bow, make offerings, and take refuge in the Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Completely Awakened One, Supreme Auspicious One Free from Sorrow, surrounded by measureless kotis of bodhisattvas.

I bow, make offerings, and take refuge in the Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Completely Awakened One, Thunderous Proclamation of the Ocean of Dharma, surrounded by a retinue of measureless bodhisattvas.

I bow, make offerings, and take refuge in the Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Completely Awakened One, Supreme Wisdom of the Ocean of Dharma, Sporting in Spiritual Powers, surrounded by measureless bodhisattvas.

I bow, make offerings, and take refuge in the Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Completely Awakened One, Medicine Master, King of Lapis Lazuli Light, together with his bodhisattva retinue: Universal Illumination of Sunlight, Universal Illumination of Moonlight, and measureless bodhisattvas.

His radiant body is blue, the hue of precious jewels;

His luminous marks and characteristics have the nature of space.

Pervading every place, he bestows accomplishment;

To the Medicine Master Tathagata I bow.

His many words of Dharma bring benefit;

His pure Brahma voice possesses every excellence of speech.

Perfectly containing the entire Dharma treasury of liberation;

To the Medicine Master’s wondrous speech I bow.

His wisdom is profound as the great ocean;

With unconditioned compassion, he saves every kind of being.

All his vows were made to liberate beings;

To the Medicine Master’s supreme mind I bow.

I bow, make offerings, and take refuge in the Fundamental Teacher, the Blessed One, Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Completely Awakened One, Shakyamuni Buddha, together with his retinue of thirty-six thousand bodhisattvas.

The supreme torch that dispels all darkness,

The excellent medicine that removes every painful illness,

All the wondrous and subtle treasures of the Dharma—

To them I bow, take refuge, and make offerings.

I bow, make offerings, and take refuge in the Noble Youth Manjusri, the Bodhisattva Mahasattvas Deliverance and Vajrapani, and all the other bodhisattva mahasattvas.

I bow, make offerings, and take refuge in Great Brahma, Sakra, the Four Great Heavenly Kings, and all the Dharma Protectors. I bow, make offerings, and take refuge in the Great Yaksha General Utterly Fearsome and the twelve Great Yaksha Generals within this noble assembly. We reverently offer water of merit, scented ointments, beautiful fragrant flowers, incense, bright lamps, food, medicines, precious canopies, banners, and streamers.

We arrange and present offerings to the utmost of our ability, together with every excellent thing found among gods and humans. With perfect reverence, we offer them like oceanic clouds, just as described in the chapter on Samantabhadra’s Practices and Vows: as boundless as space and as the great ocean, without shore or limit. All these we offer entirely.

Now, on behalf of … and myself, and all sentient beings who, since beginningless time, have assumed various bodies in samsara, failing to perform wholesome deeds, doing what ought not to be done, and failing to do what ought to be done, and so forth: we sincerely repent of every right and wrong deed mentioned above. We rejoice in all the wholesome deeds and every merit possessed by ordinary and noble beings throughout the three times.

We entreat the Buddhas of the ten directions to turn the wheel of Dharma and become radiant lamps for the world. If any intend to enter nirvana, we beseech them with utmost sincerity to remain forever in the world, benefiting beings and bringing them peace and happiness. Thus, we dedicate all the merits of ourselves and others.

May they become causes for the attainment of unsurpassed bodhi.

We humbly beseech all the World-Honored Ones present at this Dharma altar to regard and protect us with compassion. Possessing great loving-kindness and great compassion, the Buddhas, for the sake of beings in the future age—five hundred years after the Dharma of Images begins to decline—who will be bound by evil karma, oppressed by painful illnesses, afflicted by manifold sufferings, and tormented by poverty and hunger; wishing to deliver those beings and benefit gods and humans, the Seven Tathagatas, Arhats, Perfectly Enlightened Ones, long ago employed skillful means to make vast vows and bestow inconceivable blessings, protection, and acceptance.

May our present Fundamental Teacher, Sakyamuni Tathagata, who personally drew near and instructed us, accept and protect us. May the noble Manjusri, Deliverance, Vajrapani, and all the other revered bodhisattva mahasattvas, who formerly vowed to bring the meanings of this sutra to fulfillment, accept and protect us. Brahma, Sakra, the Four Great Heavenly Kings, the twelve Great Yaksha Generals, and the others protect the Buddhadharma and accomplish great works.

Wherever the Sutra of the Merits of the Fundamental Vows is present in a Dharma assembly, they protect and deliver all who uphold, read, and recite it. We now follow the Fundamental Vow Sutra and its ritual procedure, gathering the offerings and arranging and presenting them to the utmost of our ability. We respectfully pray that those above will grant the complete fulfillment of our vows.

May the World-Honored Ones at this Dharma altar compassionately regard and protect us, and may the revered noble ones, endowed with wisdom, look upon us with mercy. We pray that all these inconceivable deeds may be dedicated to the flourishing of the Buddhadharma; to the peace, health, strength, and longevity of the lineage-holding masters; to the prosperity and harmonious instruction of the Sangha, complete in the ten Dharma practices; and to the increasing power of those who uphold and propagate the teaching.

May all sentient beings attain happiness and peace. May the present benefactor … be freed from calamities and obstacles, perfect the two accumulations, and swiftly attain perfect, unsurpassed enlightenment. We humbly beseech you to bestow your blessings.

(Again, whenever offerings are made, one should make vows and bow to the Eight Tathagatas, the Wondrous Dharma, and the Sangha, praying for the accomplishment of the dharani treasure vase … The Eight Tathagatas begin with Auspicious King of Excellent Renown …

First, recite the name of Auspicious King of Excellent Renown Tathagata, make offerings, and formulate the vows.

I bow, make offerings, and take refuge in the World-Honored One, the Arhat, the Perfectly Enlightened One, Auspicious King of Excellent Renown Tathagata. (7 times)

The disciples of the Buddha now assembled at this place of awakening, in the presence of Auspicious King of Excellent Renown Tathagata, hear his name, recollect and recite it seven times, and make offerings and praises. Auspicious King of Excellent Renown Tathagata formerly made this vow: I shall act for the sake of all sentient beings. If any are afflicted by various painful illnesses, fevers or chills, demons, spells that animate corpses, distressing perils, calamities, or disease, these shall immediately be extinguished. Until they ultimately attain bodhi, they shall not suffer from fevers or demonic afflictions, and all their karmic obstacles shall be eradicated.

I vow to act for the sake of all sentient beings. If any suffer from madness, ringworm, leprosy, or other illnesses, I shall save them. Until they ultimately attain bodhi, their faculties shall remain complete, and all the sufferings and afflictions of disease shall cease and be utterly ended.

I vow to act for the sake of all sentient beings. If any are overcome by greed, anger, or delusion; commit the five heinous offenses or other unlawful deeds; slander the true Dharma; or create unwholesome karma and fall into the three evil destinies and the hells—when those beings, suffering in hell, recollect my name, all their five heinous offenses, evil karma, and obstacles shall be eradicated. They shall ultimately attain unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment, never fall into the evil destinies or hells, and always be born among the devas to enjoy every happiness.

I vow to act for the sake of all sentient beings. If any suffer from poverty and lack food, drink, clothing, money, grain, and so forth, may they all, until they attain the path of bodhi, possess abundant gold, silver, grain, clothing, and everything else they require. If they are shackled, imprisoned, involved in warfare, or undergo various physical sufferings, may they all, until attaining the path of bodhi, always be liberated from those sufferings and eradicate every bodily affliction.

I vow to act for the sake of all sentient beings. If any are without refuge and physically fall into places inhabited by lions, tigers, wolves, bears, or venomous snakes, or into fiery pits that endanger their lives, may they all, until attaining bodhi, have the fiery pits extinguished, cause all ferocious beasts to give rise to loving-kindness, and reach a place of safety.

I vow to act for the sake of all sentient beings. If any are troubled and frightened by lawsuits, disputes, or conflict, may all such lawsuits, disputes, and conflicts be extinguished until they ultimately attain bodhi, and may they instead give rise to mutual compassion.

I vow to act for the sake of all sentient beings. If any travel by boat or raft upon rivers or enter raging currents and encounter dangers that threaten to take their lives, causing them various sufferings, may they all, until they ultimately attain bodhi, travel safely upon rivers and seas, coming and going without fear.

I pray that when this life ends, I shall be born in the Buddha-land of Auspicious King of Excellent Renown Tathagata, the Arhat, the Perfectly Enlightened One. Seated upon the lion throne of a lotus flower, may I be endowed with all the merits of dharanis, meditative concentrations, and so forth. May I then receive a prediction of enlightenment, with the unsurpassed guiding teacher Auspicious King of Excellent Renown and the Buddhas of the ten directions placing their hands upon my head. With a joyful heart, may I, in the space of an instant, journey freely and unobstructedly throughout all Buddha-lands.

Long ago, the supreme Buddha, the Tathagata,

Made eight vast and profound great vows.

Through the Buddha’s compassionate acceptance and protection,

May all sentient beings attain accomplishment.

May the Buddhadharma forever endure,

Bringing lasting peace and happiness to sentient beings.

May the darkness of the afflictions be entirely dispelled,

And may they swiftly attain the unsurpassed path of bodhi.

Second, recite the name of King of Majestic Sound Tathagata, make vows, and present offerings.

I bow, make offerings, and take refuge in the World-Honored One, the Arhat, the Perfectly Enlightened One, King of Majestic Sound Tathagata, Adorned with the Wisdom of the Jeweled Moon and Lotus. (7 times)

The disciples of the Buddha now assembled at this place of awakening, in the presence of King of Majestic Sound Tathagata, Adorned with the Wisdom of the Jeweled Moon, hear and recollect his name seven times, praise him, make offerings, and cultivate roots of virtue. King of Majestic Sound Tathagata, Adorned with the Wisdom of the Jeweled Moon, formerly made these vows:

For the sake of all sentient beings, if there are those engaged in commerce, trade, or various occupations whose minds are burdened by sorrow and anxiety, who neglect wholesome Dharmas and the bodhicitta, delight in samsara, and undergo the many sufferings of birth, aging, sickness, and death—the sufferings of love, hatred, and frustrated desires—finding no peace or happiness and enduring immeasurable, boundless sorrow: I vow that all these shall be eliminated, until they attain Perfect Enlightenment and become Worthy Ones, Perfectly Enlightened Ones.

May food, drink, clothing, and every necessity be fully provided; may they possess abundant money, grain, gold, and silver; may their wholesome Dharmas increase; may they never depart from the bodhicitta; and may they be liberated from the evil destinies, the hells, and all the sufferings and tribulations of samsara.

For the sake of all sentient beings, if heat, cold, hunger, or thirst causes their bodies to suffer pitiable afflictions, I vow that all karmic obstructions from their past lives shall be eliminated. From this body until their final body, and until they attain unsurpassed bodhi, may they be liberated from every suffering and experience the joys of the heavenly realms.

Furthermore, if women are oppressed by various illnesses and wish to relinquish the female body, or if they undergo the sufferings of childbirth, I vow that all their sufferings shall be completely eradicated. From this body until their final body, and until they attain unsurpassed bodhi, may they always possess a male body. I vow, for the sake of all sentient beings who encounter the calamities of death through six lifetimes, who enter dangerous places and are assailed by bandits, or whose bodies are oppressed by the sufferings of parents, brothers, sisters, relatives, and family members: may they all be liberated until they attain ultimate bodhi;

may the perils of death, hostile tribulations, and every place in which suffering is endured all disappear, and may they swiftly be freed from them.

I vow, for the sake of all sentient beings who at night enter dark places, or who, because of circumstances connected with their affairs and occupations, are frightened, distressed, and disturbed by evil ghosts and spirits, crying out and wailing loudly: may all these afflictions be eliminated until they attain ultimate bodhi; may there be no more dark places; may all evil ghosts and spirits be liberated, make offerings, render service, and perform wholesome deeds.

I vow, for the sake of all sentient beings who are foolish, dull-witted, and devoid of wisdom, and who forget the wholesome Dharmas, the factors of awakening, meditation, the dharani gateways, and the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha: may they all awaken until they attain ultimate bodhi. May meditation, right mindfulness, the dharani gateways, and the factors of awakening become manifest and be perfected; may they attain great wisdom and act without obstruction.

I vow, for the sake of all sentient beings whose aspirations are inferior, who seek the vehicles of the sravakas and pratyekabuddhas and cultivate accordingly, taking no delight in unsurpassed, supremely wondrous bodhi: may all such limitations be eliminated until they attain ultimate bodhi. May they become irreversible in unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment, transcend the stages of pratyekabuddhas and sravakas, follow the path of bodhi, and never abandon it.

I vow, for the sake of all sentient beings who encounter the end of a great kalpa, when a vast conflagration arises and burns everything, causing them sorrow and anxiety, and who, because of evil karma from previous lives, now undergo painful retribution without any refuge or support: may they be freed from all suffering, sorrow, and anxiety, and attain refreshing coolness.

I vow that, when this present life comes to an end, they shall be born in the realm of the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, the Tathagata King of Majestic Sound, Adorned with the Wisdom of the Jeweled Moon and Lotus. May they be born by transformation from a lotus upon a lion throne; may the merits of the dharani gateways and meditation become manifest before them; may the unsurpassed Teacher, the Tathagata King of Majestic Sound, Adorned with the Wisdom of the Jeweled Moon and Lotus, together with all the Buddhas of the ten directions, bestow predictions of enlightenment upon them; may their minds be filled with joy; and may they travel in an instant to the Buddha realms, freely and without obstruction.

Blessed One, majestic King of Wondrous Sound,

Who once made eight solemn vows,

Through the Buddha’s compassionate acceptance,

May all sentient beings attain accomplishment.

I pray only that the Buddha-Dharma may ever flourish,

Bringing peace and happiness to sentient beings;

May ignorance and afflictions all be eliminated,

And may they swiftly attain the path of unsurpassed bodhi.

Tathagata Golden-Hued Stainless One

Homage, offerings, and refuge to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, the Tathagata Golden-Hued Stainless One, Wondrous Conduct Accomplished through Jeweled Radiance. (7 times)

The Buddha’s disciples now gathered at this place of practice, before the Tathagata Golden-Hued Stainless One, Wondrous Conduct Accomplished through Jeweled Radiance, have heard and recited his name seven times, praised him, made offerings, paid homage, and cultivated roots of virtue. The Tathagata Golden-Hued Stainless One, Wondrous Conduct Accomplished through Jeweled Radiance, once made these vows:

I vow, for the sake of all sentient beings who commit unwholesome acts of killing and sever the lives of living beings, and who, because of these evil karmic deeds, suffer short lives, many illnesses, and death caused by water, fire, blades, poison, or disease: may all the bonds of their evil karma and obstructions be entirely destroyed; may they enjoy long lives free from illness; and wherever and whenever they may be, may they never suffer an untimely death.

I vow, for the sake of all sentient beings who commit every kind of evil and sinful karma and steal the wealth of others, thereby becoming poor and lowly, lacking clothing, suffering hunger and thirst, and undergoing bodily afflictions: may all their offenses be eliminated, and until they attain ultimate bodhi, may they be wealthy, independent, and lacking nothing.

I vow, for the sake of all sentient beings who harbor malicious intentions and engage in conflict, fighting and killing one another: may all such evils be completely eliminated, and until they attain unsurpassed, perfect bodhi, may they love one another and regard one another as parents.

I vow, for the sake of all sentient beings who, because of greed, anger, and delusion, violate the precepts, commit offenses against the rules of training, accept the offerings of the faithful, and fall into the three evil destinies and the hells: may all their karmic obstructions be eliminated; may they be freed from every affliction; and until they sit at the bodhi seat, may they uphold the precepts, carefully guard the three karmic activities of body, speech, and mind, and never depart from the bodhicitta.

Đáp đạt nha tháp a, tây đạt đắc tây đạt đắc ma tạp ni ma ưu sát nisam ưu đắc tất sam ưu đắc a ma lặc, tất ma lặc ma ma hắc lạp diệp, hy lặc ra nha yết lặc bạch, lặt đáp nạp hắc lặc bạch tát lợi oát a lặc tháp tát ha đạt cáp ni ma nạp tắc, ma cáp a ma nạp tắc, a đạt bất đắc a đáp nha đạt bất đắc, tất y đáp bạt cáp nha tô bạt lạt nạp ba lạt cát ma quách khái ba lặc cáp ma a đạt cáp khê đắc, tát lạp oát a lặc trì quật, a ba lặt a tư đắc tạp da tư tạp tạp si phố đạt đạt cáp oa chi bạt cáp a khê đắc nạp ma ma tát lặc oát đát tháp a hắc đáp a nan a bà a cáp a.

TADYATHÀ: SIDDHE SIDDHE SUSIDDHE, MOCANI MOKSANI, MUKTE VIMUKTE , AMALE VIMALE MAMGALI HIRANYAGARBHE RATNAGARBHE SARVÀRTHA SÀDHANI, PARAMÀRTHA SÀDHANI, MANAS MAHÀMANAS, ADBHUTE ATYADBHUTE, VÌTABHAYESU BHANI BRHMA-GHOSE , BRAHMA-JUSTE, SARVÀRTHASU APARAJITE, SARVATRA APRATIHATE CATURSASTI BUDDHA KOTI BHASITE , NAMA SARVA TATHÀGATÀNÀM SVÀHÀ

In the past, when the Tathagata Accomplishment of Wondrous Conduct through Immaculate Jeweled Light was seated at the seat of enlightenment, he contemplated sentient beings obstructed by greed, hatred, and delusion; tormented by evil illnesses; slain through enmities and various calamities; imperiled in dangerous places; and entering the hells to undergo all manner of suffering for an entire kalpa. Wishing to benefit sentient beings, cause them to enter the path to bodhi and attain perfect enlightenment, and eliminate all karmic obstacles, he proclaimed the fundamental dharani.

Through reciting this mantra, may he accept and protect us and all sentient beings; may all offenses entailing rebirth in the Avici Hell be eliminated; and may every aspiration be fulfilled. At the end of life, may we further be kept in the compassionate mindfulness of the Tathagata Accomplishment of Wondrous Conduct through Golden Jeweled Light. When this body is relinquished, may we be reborn in the Buddha-land of the Tathagata Accomplishment of Wondrous Conduct through Golden Jeweled Light, be born by transformation from a lotus upon a lion throne of lotuses, and fully attain the various dharani gateways, meditative concentrations, and virtues.

May the unsurpassed guiding teacher, the Tathagata Accomplishment of Wondrous Conduct through Golden Jeweled Light, together with the Buddhas of the ten directions, appear before us and bestow predictions of enlightenment upon us. Our minds filled with joy, may we journey throughout the Buddha-lands in but an instant, freely and without obstruction.

Blessed One of Golden Immaculate Light,

Who long ago made four great vows,

Through the Buddha’s compassionate power of acceptance,

May all sentient beings attain accomplishment.

May the Buddha-Dharma ever flourish,

Bringing peace and happiness to sentient beings everywhere.

May ignorance and afflictions all be eliminated,

And may they swiftly attain the path of unsurpassed bodhi.

Tathagata Supreme Auspiciousness Free from Sorrow

Homage, offerings, and refuge to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, the Tathagata Supreme Auspiciousness Free from Sorrow. (7 times)

The children of the Buddha now present at this Dharma assembly have heard and recollected the name of the Tathagata Supreme Auspiciousness Free from Sorrow, and have reverently praised and recited it seven times. That Buddha once made these vows:

For the sake of all sentient beings who undergo many kinds of suffering and distress, whose minds are joyless and filled with many forms of sorrow, I vow that all their grief, discontent, and sorrowful suffering shall be eliminated, that they shall forever leave them far behind and never undergo them again, and that they shall always enjoy happiness, contentment, and longevity.

For the sake of all sentient beings who, after committing evil karma, fall into the Avici Hell and other places of darkness, I vow that when they are born in such places, the light radiating from the body of the Tathagata King of Supreme Auspiciousness Free from Sorrow shall shine upon their bodies; all their karmic offenses shall be extinguished; they shall be liberated from the sufferings of hell; and until attaining bodhi, they shall always enjoy the pleasures of the heavenly and human realms.

For the sake of all sentient beings who formerly committed evil karma by taking the wealth of others and consequently were born into impoverished households, lacking clothing, food, drink, and other necessities, and who constantly suffer from the oppression of heat, cold, hunger, and thirst until their bodies become emaciated, I vow that, until their ultimate attainment of bodhi, all their clothing, food, drink, bedding, and necessities shall be abundant. Like the devas, their bodies shall possess beautiful and pleasing radiance and be adorned with every ornament.

For the sake of all sentient beings whose vital essence is seized by evil ghosts and spirits, causing them to suffer from various illnesses, I vow that, until they attain bodhi, all evil ghosts and spirits that seize their vital essence shall flee, and that those beings shall give rise to loving-kindness and be liberated from every illness, suffering, and affliction. When this body reaches the end of life, may it be reborn in the Buddha-land of the Tathagata, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, Supreme Auspiciousness Free from Sorrow, and be born by transformation from a lotus upon a lion throne of lotuses.

Thereafter, may it attain the various dharani gateways, meditative concentrations, and virtues. May the unsurpassed guiding teacher, the Tathagata Supreme Auspiciousness Free from Sorrow, together with the Buddhas of the ten directions, bestow predictions of enlightenment upon it. With a joyful mind, may it journey throughout the Buddha-lands in but an instant, freely and without obstruction.

Blessed One, Supreme King Free from Sorrow,

Who long ago made four great vows,

Through the Buddha’s compassionate power of acceptance,

May all sentient beings attain accomplishment.

May the Buddha-Dharma ever flourish,

Bringing peace and happiness to sentient beings everywhere.

May ignorance and afflictions all be eliminated,

And may they swiftly attain the path of unsurpassed bodhi.

Tathagata Dharma-Ocean Thunderous Sound

Homage, offerings, and refuge to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, the Tathagata Dharma-Ocean Thunderous Sound. (7 times)

The children of the Buddha now present at this Dharma assembly have heard, invoked, and recollected the name of the Tathagata Dharma-Ocean Thunderous Sound seven times, reverently praising and making offerings to him. That Buddha once made these vows:

For the sake of all sentient beings born into families holding wrong views, who do not believe in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha and who have departed far from the bodhi-mind, I vow that all their karmic obstacles shall be eliminated and that, until their ultimate attainment of bodhi, they shall perfect right view regarding the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, possess complete reverence and faith, and never retreat from the bodhi-mind.

For the sake of all sentient beings who have not heard of the Buddha, Dharma, or Sangha; who are born in border regions; who associate with evil companions and commit offenses; who, after death, fall into the three evil destinies; and who cultivate no wholesome deeds, I vow that the name of the Tathagata Dharma-Ocean Thunderous Sound shall enter their ears and naturally resound like the voice of the Dharma; that all their karmic obstacles shall be eliminated; and that, until their ultimate attainment of bodhi, they shall never forsake the bodhi-mind.

For the sake of all sentient beings who, because they lack clothing, bodily ornaments, anointing incense, burning incense, bedding, and medicines, undergo suffering and commit evil deeds, I vow that all clothing and ornaments, anointing incense, burning incense, bedding, medicines, and other necessities they seek according to their wishes shall be provided, and that, until their ultimate attainment of bodhi, they shall lack nothing whatsoever.

For the sake of all sentient beings who, through the ripening of past karma, fight and kill one another, causing death; who are wounded by bows, arrows, blades, and clubs; and who undergo the suffering of great calamities, I vow that all bows, arrows, blades, and clubs shall turn back; that all enemies shall give rise to loving-kindness, cherish life, and cease killing; and that, until their ultimate attainment of bodhi, they shall freely possess in abundance all that they require.

When this body reaches the end of life, may it be reborn in the realm of the Tathagata Dharma-Ocean Thunderous Sound and be born by transformation from a lotus upon a lion throne of lotuses. May it further attain the various Dharma gateways of dharani, meditative concentrations, and virtues. May the Tathagata Dharma-Ocean Thunderous Sound and the Buddhas of the ten directions appear before it and bestow predictions of enlightenment upon it. With a joyful mind, may it journey throughout the Buddha-lands in but an instant, freely and without obstruction.

Blessed One, Supreme Dharma-Ocean Thunderous Sound,

Who long ago made four great vows,

Through the Buddha’s compassionate power of acceptance,

May all sentient beings attain accomplishment.

May the Buddha-Dharma ever flourish,

Bringing peace and happiness to sentient beings everywhere.

May ignorance and afflictions all be eliminated,

And may they swiftly realize the path of unsurpassed bodhi.

Tathagata King of Spiritual Powers

Homage, offerings, and refuge to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, the Tathagata Play of Spiritual Powers through Supreme Wisdom of the Dharma-Ocean. (7 times)

The children of the Buddha now present at this Dharma assembly have heard and recollected the name of the Tathagata Play of Spiritual Powers through Supreme Wisdom of the Dharma-Ocean seven times, praising and making offerings to him, and so forth. The Buddha Play of Spiritual Powers through Supreme Wisdom of the Dharma-Ocean once made these vows:

For the sake of all sentient beings who quarrel with one another and create evil karma because of plowing, farming, commerce, and trade, I vow that all necessities of life shall be provided according to their wishes, that evil deeds shall be eliminated, and that they shall constantly perform wholesome deeds.

For the sake of all sentient beings who fall into hell because they have committed the ten unwholesome deeds, I vow that all shall fully cultivate the ten wholesome deeds and that immeasurable sentient beings shall never fall into the evil destinies.

May it be that all sentient beings who, because they have gone before the authorities, are beaten, bound, imprisoned, and even put to death, shall have all such calamities completely eliminated. Until they attain ultimate bodhi, may they be liberated from every bond and prison and gain freedom, wealth, and abundance.

May it be that all sentient beings who, through committing evil karma, are destined to die prematurely or suffer an untimely death shall have all their sinful karma completely eliminated and never again encounter the calamity of death. May they always enjoy longevity, and at the time of death, may the name of the Buddha Dharma-Ocean Supreme Wisdom Playful Supernormal Powers enter their ears. In accordance with their aspiration, may they immediately be reborn in the wholesome realms, attain an exalted station, and, until reaching ultimate bodhi, always enjoy the bliss of devas and humans.

May it be that, when this body comes to an end, we shall be reborn in the Buddha-land of Dharma-Ocean Supreme Wisdom Playful Supernormal Powers, born by transformation from a lotus upon a lion throne of lotus blossoms. Thereafter, may all gateways of dharani, meditative concentration, and merit become manifest before us. May the unsurpassed guiding teacher, the Tathagata Dharma-Ocean Supreme Wisdom Playful Supernormal Powers, together with all the Buddhas of the ten directions, bestow predictions of our enlightenment. With minds filled with joy, may we journey throughout the Buddha-lands in the space of an instant, free and unobstructed.

World-Honored Buddha Dharma-Ocean Supernormal Powers,

Long ago You made four great vows.

Through the Buddha’s compassionate power of acceptance,

May all sentient beings attain accomplishment.

We pray only that the Buddha-Dharma may ever flourish,

Causing all sentient beings everywhere to attain peace and bliss;

May ignorance and afflictions all be eliminated,

And may they swiftly attain the path of unsurpassed bodhi.

Medicine Buddha Tathagata

We bow, make offerings, and take refuge in the World-Honored One, the Worthy One, the Perfectly and Completely Awakened One, the Tathagata Medicine Master, King of Lapis Lazuli Light. (7 times)

The disciples of the Buddha now gathered at this place of practice have heard and recited seven times the name of the Tathagata Medicine Master, King of Lapis Lazuli Light, making offerings to and praising that Buddha, who long ago made these vows:

May it be that all sentient beings shall possess the thirty-two marks of a great being and the eighty excellent characteristics. Just as My bodily marks are magnificent, may all sentient beings likewise attain such magnificence.

The radiance from the body of the Tathagata Medicine Master, King of Lapis Lazuli Light, illuminates immeasurable and boundless worlds. His majestic virtue is resplendent, and His body resembles precious lapis lazuli. Just as His marks are, may sentient beings likewise attain them. May they be luminous within and without, brilliantly radiant and vast, auspicious and majestic in virtue, abiding within a magnificent net of blazing light that shines more brightly than the sun and moon. Just as He is, may all sentient beings likewise be. As for sentient beings born in the darkness between two worlds, who travel and dwell by night in those worlds, may they all behold this majestic light, attain peace and happiness, and freely accomplish whatever they undertake.

Through immeasurable wisdom and skillful means, the Tathagata Medicine Master, King of Lapis Lazuli Light, brings benefit. May it be that all sentient beings shall never lack whatever necessities they require for their use and shall always possess them in abundance.

May it be that all sentient beings who follow erroneous paths or who follow the paths of the shravakas or pratyekabuddhas shall all come to abide securely upon the path of bodhi within the Mahayana Dharma.

May it be that, until attaining ultimate bodhi, all sentient beings shall guard the three karmas and never transgress any precept or training rule. Even if they have violated the precepts and discipline, may they not fall into the unfortunate realms.

May it be that all sentient beings whose bodies are ugly or malformed, whose faculties are incomplete, who are foul, afflicted with bodily discharges, obstinate, or foolish, whose bodies are crooked, who are hunchbacked, leprous, lame, or insane, and who are oppressed by every kind of illness and suffering, shall have all karmic obstructions from former lives eliminated and all their bodies and faculties made upright, handsome, and magnificent.

May it be that all sentient beings who are oppressed by illness, without refuge, without anyone to care for them, without medicine, without relatives or close companions, and poor, destitute, and miserable, shall have every illness removed and completely dispelled. Until attaining ultimate bodhi, may they no longer be afflicted or harmed by sickness and may they possess every necessity in abundance and prosperity.

If there are women who are distressed by the various evils associated with the female body, who take no pleasure in being women and wish to attain male bodies, may they all transform from female into male and, until the fulfillment of bodhi, always possess male bodies. May it be that all sentient beings ensnared and bound in Mara’s net shall be liberated; may all divergent views and conflicting doctrines be entirely severed; may they regain right view and completely accomplish the vast practices of bodhi.

May it be that all sentient beings who have violated the king’s law and been confined in prison, shackled, chained, and beaten, as well as those sentient beings who suffer from urgent oppression and whose body, speech, and mind are troubled and scattered, shall, through the power of My merit, be liberated from every calamity and harm.

May it be that all sentient beings who, driven by hunger and thirst, commit evil karma in their search for food shall receive an abundance of delicious food and thereafter be granted the flavor of the Dharma, bringing them peace, joy, and happiness.

May it be that all sentient beings whose bodies lack clothing, who are poor and afflicted, and who are tormented day and night by heat, cold, flies, and mosquitoes, shall all obtain whatever they desire. May they immediately receive fine clothing, precious ornaments, fragrant ointments, garlands, and every kind of music and entertainment. May everything sentient beings desire be provided in abundance; may they joyfully uphold the noble precepts, be liberated from every suffering and affliction, and always dwell in peace and bliss.

May it be that, when this body comes to an end, we shall immediately be reborn in the Buddha-land of the Tathagata Medicine Master, King of Lapis Lazuli Light, born by transformation from a lotus upon a lion throne of lotus blossoms. Thereafter, may all gateways of dharani, meditative concentration, and merit become manifest before us. May the unsurpassed guiding teacher, the Tathagata Medicine Master, King of Lapis Lazuli Light, together with all the Buddhas of the ten directions, bestow predictions of our enlightenment. With minds filled with joy, may we journey throughout the Buddha-lands in the space of an instant, free and unobstructed.

World-Honored Medicine Master, Lapis Lazuli Light,

Long ago You made twelve vows.

Through the Buddha’s compassionate power of acceptance,

May all sentient beings attain accomplishment.

We pray only that the Buddha-Dharma may ever flourish,

Universally benefiting all sentient beings;

May ignorance and afflictions be utterly eliminated,

And may they swiftly attain the path of unsurpassed bodhi.

Shakyamuni Tathagata

We bow reverently and take refuge in the World-Honored One, the Worthy One, the Perfectly and Completely Awakened One, the Tathagata Mighty and Victorious Shakyamuni. (7 times)

The disciples of the Buddha now gathered at this place of practice have heard and recollected seven times the name of the Tathagata Shakyamuni, reverently making offerings and praising Him. The guiding teacher, Shakyamuni Buddha, out of compassion for us and all sentient beings—bound by evil karma, oppressed by various illnesses and sorrows, and poor, destitute, and deprived—and in order to benefit sentient beings and bring peace and bliss to devas and humans, taught the skillful means and embracing original vows of the Seven Buddhas.

He said to Manjushri: “If anyone wishes to seek the accomplishment of merit and virtue, that person should abandon afflictions and recite the names of the Seven Tathagatas during the three periods of the day and the three periods of the night, with firm resolve, reverence, and deep faith. With wholehearted devotion, that person should make images of the Buddhas and present offerings of incense, flowers, lamps, candles, food, drink, music, and various other articles; observe the eight-part fasting precepts; remain in a pure place for seven days; make vows to be reborn in those Buddha-lands; arouse compassion and regard all sentient beings impartially; and also recite this mantra:”

Đát đạt nha tháp a Đề tắc đề tắc y mặc ni mật kì ma cô ma cô tát ba đáp đáp tháp a hắc đáp tát ma a đạt cáp nha, đề từ si đắc, a đắc ma đắc ba a lặc ba a lặc thạc đạt cáp ni tát lặc oát ba a ba ma nạp ha sa nha, ma ma bố đạt đắc phố đạt đá đáp đát mặc ô mặc cô mặc phố đạt đạt cáp kiết vi đát lặc ba lịt hạc đạt cáp ni, đạt cáp mặc ni đạt cáp mặc, mặc rô mặc rô mặc rô bái dung hồ tát lặc át a kiết a lạp mật lạt đáp ứ ni bạt a lặc ni phố đạt đác tô phố đạt đắc phố đạt đạt cáp a đề tư xoa a nạp lặc kiết ky bộ mặc tát lặc oát đức oát tát mặc a tát mặc tát a mặc oát a cáp lam bộ tát lặc oát phố đạt đạt cáp pha đề tát cưu sa mặc sa mặc ba đế sa mạn đô mặc,

tát lặc oát y đáp ứ ba đạt lặc oát bạt nha a đáp nha tư phổ ô lặc nạp phổ ô lặc ni phổ ô lặc nha mặc tát lặc oát a a sa a nha tự ách châu nha ba lặc đề bạt cáp a mặc tát lặc oát ba a bạt ma kiết sát ương kiết lị sa a cáp kha.

TADYATHÀ: KUME KUME, INIME NIHI , MATI MATI, SAPTA TATHÀGATA SAMÀDHI ÀDHISTHITE

ATE MATE PARIPÀPA SODHANE, SARVA PÀPA NÀSAYA

BUDDHE BUDDHOTTAME, UME KUME BUDDHAKSATRA PARISODHANE

DHARMINI DHARME MERO MERO, MERUSIKHARE, SARVA KÀLA MRTYU NIVÀRÀNI

BUDDHISU BUDDHE BUDDHA ADHISTHANENA RAKSATU ME

SARVA DEVÀ SAME ASAME, SAMAN-VÀ- HARANTU ME

SARVA BUDDHA BODHISATTVA SAME SAME PRASAMYANTU ME

SARVA ÌTÌ, UPADHÀVA

SARVA VYÀDHANA SARVA SATVÀNÀMCA PÙRANE PÙRANE PÙRAYA ME

SARVA ÀSÀ VAIDÙRYAPRABHÀSE

SARVA PÀPA KSAYAM KARE SVÀHÀ

This is called the Vaidurya Dharani. If a good man or good woman makes offerings to it, receives and upholds it, and recites it a full 1,080 times, all the Tathagatas will protect and remain mindful of that person, the bodhisattvas will keep that person in mind, Vajra-Wielding Bodhisattva will show compassion, and Sakra, Brahma, and the Four Great Heavenly Kings will all give their protection. All grave offenses entailing the Avici Hell and all karmic obstructions will be extinguished.

That person will be free from illness, enjoy long life, and suffer no untimely death. All calamities arising from enemies, wilderness demons, brigands, conflict, and litigation will be eliminated, and that person will remain far removed from every injury caused by adversaries. Whatever is sought will be fulfilled according to that person’s wishes.

Thus, all these things are for us, as set forth in the Ritual of the Seven Buddhas. Before the assembly, Shakyamuni Tathagata taught the offering, prayer, recitation, and mantra so that we and all sentient beings may receive its beneficial care and swiftly obtain protection.

World-Honored One, Perfectly and Equally Enlightened Shakyamuni Buddha,

Who taught the Medicine Master mantra and the fruits of its benefits,

Through the Buddha’s compassionate power of embracing care,

May all sentient beings attain accomplishment.

We pray only that the Buddhadharma may ever flourish,

That sentient beings everywhere may attain peace and happiness,

That ignorance and afflictions may all be eliminated,

And that they may swiftly realize the path of unsurpassed bodhi.

The Dharma Jewel

It breaks and subdues darkness, the most excellent torch;

It cures every painful illness, the finest medicine.

To all Dharma Jewels that are free from desire,

I bow, take refuge, and make offerings. (7 times)

The Buddha’s wondrous teaching is true and unchanging. May we here and now attain the fulfillment of our original vows according to their true meaning.

Hearing the Name extinguishes offenses and gives rise to merit;
What the Tathagata has taught is without error or difference.

Through the Buddha’s compassionate power of embracing care,

May all sentient beings attain accomplishment.

We pray only that the Buddhadharma may ever flourish,

Causing sentient beings everywhere to attain peace and happiness,

That ignorance and afflictions may all be eliminated,

And that they may swiftly realize the path of unsurpassed bodhi.

The Sangha Jewel, Manjushri Bodhisattva

Homage and offerings to, and refuge in, the noble Manjushri Bodhisattva Mahasattva.

His mind is far removed from every affliction, defilement, offense, and fault. His body is replete with awe-inspiring virtue, pure and radiant; his dignified bearing is majestic, like a pristine and beautiful lotus. Devas, humans, asuras, nagas, and vidyadhara sages surround him. Upon his head he wears a jeweled crown that destroys the three evil destinies and the sufferings of sentient beings. (7 times)

World-Honored One, Manjushri took pity on beings in the world who are obscured by karmic obstructions, bound and saddened by illnesses, oppressed by pain and anguish, and deluded by wrong views that cause them to fall into evil realms. Out of compassion for sentient beings, so that anyone who hears this sutra will become irreversible on the path to unsurpassed bodhi, eliminate the obstructions of offenses, remain untroubled by demons, see calamities and all undesirable circumstances entirely disappear, and encounter favorable conditions in all that is sought, accomplishing it freely according to their wishes, he spoke at the Dharma assembly concerning the seven names of the Medicine Master Buddhas and the Sutra of the Merit of Their Original Vows,

addressing Shakyamuni Tathagata as follows: “World-Honored One!

After the Dharma of Images has begun, if anyone recites and upholds the Sutra of the Merit of the Original Vows, extensively explains it to others, personally copies it, or asks others to copy it and produce a Sanskrit manuscript, reverently believes in and honors it, and makes offerings of various fragrant flowers, powdered incense, anointing incense, burning incense, garlands, banners, and canopies, I shall, for that person’s sake, proclaim the name of Medicine Master Vaidurya Light Tathagata.

Even in that person’s dreams, I shall speak clearly into their ear so that they may understand. Furthermore, if a bag is made from five-colored silk, this sutra is placed within it, and it is set in a clean place, the Four Great Heavenly Kings, their retinues, and immeasurable hundreds of thousands of devas will immediately come to that place. The person who receives and upholds this sutra will not suffer an untimely death, nor will ghosts and spirits be able to seize their vital essence.

Even if it has already been seized, they will recover their spirit just as before. All the foregoing are the true words of a noble one, without falsehood. Now, at this altar, offerings of various articles are presented to the ocean-wide assembly of Tathagatas.

Surely, through past affinities for cultivating according to this ritual and through the transmission of the noble teaching set forth in the sutra, every benefit for me and for sentient beings will be accomplished.”

Manjushri, in the profound and extensive Sutra of Original Vows,

Earnestly inquired concerning all its benefits.

Through the Buddha’s compassionate power of embracing care,

May all sentient beings attain accomplishment.

We pray only that the Buddhadharma may ever flourish,

That all sentient beings everywhere may attain peace and happiness,

That ignorance and afflictions may all be eliminated,

And that they may swiftly realize the path of unsurpassed bodhi.

Bodhisattva Who Rescues and Liberates

Homage and offerings to, and refuge in, Bodhisattva Who Rescues and Liberates, Mahasattva. (7 times)

World-Honored One! Taking pity on sentient beings in the evil age who suffer from various causes of pain, Bodhisattva Who Rescues and Liberates aroused compassion and, before the World-Honored One amid the ocean-wide assembly, said: “Greatly Virtuous World-Honored One! In a future age, after the Dharma of Images has begun, if sentient beings are oppressed by painful illnesses, their bodies grow gaunt and weak, they are unable to eat or drink, their lips and throats are parched, and the signs of death appear, while their parents, relatives, friends, and acquaintances surround them weeping, their vision becomes unclear, and they see the messengers of King Yama, the Dharma King, leading their consciousness before King Yama.

The spirits born together with each person record in full all their good and evil deeds and present them to King Yama. Yama, the Dharma King, then questions them concerning their offenses and merits according to the law of Dharma and passes judgment.

“If, for the sake of the sick person, others take refuge in Medicine Master Vaidurya Light Tathagata and make offerings according to the Dharma, that person’s consciousness, after seven days, twenty-one days, thirty-five days, or forty-nine days, will awaken as though from a dream and clearly perceive that good and evil each bring their respective results. Having personally seen and understood this, that person will refrain from evil even at the cost of life.”

Rules for making offerings: The Buddha further said to the Venerable Ananda: If anyone wishes to be freed from grave illnesses and calamities, then for the sake of the sick person, for seven days and nights one should recite the scripture, practice generosity, and observe the eight fasting precepts. According to one’s ability, one should offer food, drink, and other necessities to the assemblies of bhiksus and attend upon them.

During the six periods of day and night, one should recite the name of the Tathagata Medicine Master, King of Lapis Lazuli Light, and also recite this forty-nine times. Lamps should be lit continuously for forty-nine days. Seven images should be made, and before each image seven lamps should be placed, each lamp as large as a cartwheel, and they should remain continuously illuminated for forty-nine days and nights.

One should also make forty-nine five-colored banners. Venerable Ananda! If a ksatriya, an anointed king, and so forth, should encounter illnesses or calamities, or if his country should suffer invasion or rebellion from abroad, strange transformations among the stars, eclipses of the sun or moon, untimely winds and rains, drought beyond the proper season, epidemics among the populace, or any calamity causing unrest, then that ksatriya or anointed king should arouse loving-kindness toward all sentient beings, open the prisons, and alleviate suffering.

In accordance with the foregoing Dharma rite, he should make offerings to the Buddha Medicine Master, King of Lapis Lazuli Light. Through these roots of virtue and the power of Buddha Medicine Master’s meritorious fundamental vows, the country will become peaceful and secure; winds and rains will come in due season; grain harvests will be abundant; the people will be free from illness, peaceful, happy, and joyful; all violent and evil spirits will cease causing disturbances; every inauspicious sign will disappear; and that anointed king’s longevity, complexion, and strength will increase, while he remains free from illness and at ease.

All the foregoing are the true and unfailing words of the Noble One. I now respectfully offer all the articles upon this altar to the ocean-wide assembly of the Tathagatas. Recalling the conditions of former lives in which I practiced this ritual, I have now obtained this ritual.

May the various benefits described in this sutra bring accomplishment to me and all sentient beings. Humbly, I pray that they be accepted.

When beings suffer illness and calamity, may they be compassionately delivered,

Their afflictions extinguished and peace and happiness bestowed.

Through the sustaining power of the Buddha’s compassion,

May all sentient beings attain accomplishment.

May the Buddha-Dharma ever flourish,

Bringing peace and happiness universally to sentient beings.

May ignorance and all afflictions be entirely eliminated,

And may they swiftly attain the path of unsurpassed bodhi.

Vajrapani

Homage, offerings, and refuge to the majestic bodhisattva mahasattva Vajrapani. (7 times)

Homage, offerings, and refuge to Great Brahma, Sakra, and the Four Great Heavenly Kings—Dhrtarastra, Virupaksa, Virudhaka, and Vaisravana—as well as the attendant devas and the virtuous Dharma-protecting spirits. (7 times)

I respectfully offer all these abundant articles to the devas and spirits who guard the ten directions, to the Four Great Heavenly Kings, and to their retinues. May the Buddha-Dharma flourish and sentient beings dwell in peace and happiness. In the ocean-wide assembly, before the great congregation, the bodhisattva mahasattva Vajrapani, together with Great Brahma and Sakra; the Four Great Heavenly Kings Dhrtarastra, Virudhaka, Virupaksa, and Vaisravana; and the Dharma protectors and virtuous spirits questioned the Buddha with truthful words: “We have heard the Fundamental Vows of the seven Tathagatas and have beheld, approached, and attended upon the Tathagatas.

Wherever the names of the seven Tathagatas are recited, or copies of this scripture are made, circulated, and honored with offerings, we and our Dharma-protecting retinues will all go to that place. If good men, good women, kings, or officials receive, uphold, and transcribe the honored Sutra of Fundamental Vows, then, empowered by the Buddha’s awe-inspiring spiritual might, we shall protect them all. We shall protect their cities, towns, and villages; calamities of death, hostile adversaries, dangers in the wilderness, and all illnesses will entirely disappear.

Following the Buddha in compassionately pitying sentient beings, we shall cause all such afflictions to retreat and disperse. Quarrels, conflicts, and lawsuits will all be eliminated. Whatever they seek will be fulfilled; their bodies and minds will be peaceful and happy; they will freely enjoy their provisions; and their wealth, grain, and rice will increase.

At all times we shall protect them. Now, before the Buddha, we make this vow: If any faithful good man or woman remembers us, that person should recite this mantra:

Đát đạp nha tháp a, a cô ma cô đáp lặc cô ma ma cô cô phù cáp hô ha ma lặc ma lặc ma lặc ma lặc đát đát phù sa ha cáp a

– ) TADYATHÀ : AKU MAKU TARAKU MAMAKU KURE HA HO HE MARA MARA MARA MARA PUCURE PURE SVÀHÀ

“If anyone recites the names of the seven Tathagatas and recites this mantra, or transcribes it, or asks others to transcribe it, and reverently makes offerings, such persons will not fall into the three evil destinies. They will not regress from unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment. They may be reborn according to their wishes in the Buddha realms, will constantly behold the Buddhas, and will fully attain knowledge of former lives, dharani, and meditative concentration.” These things were spoken from their own mouths.

Furthermore, the bodhisattva Vajrapani addressed the Buddha: “If anyone upholds and recites the honored Sutra of Fundamental Vows, then, to benefit those sentient beings, I shall proclaim this mantra. May all Buddhas protect and sustain me. Homage to the seven perfectly enlightened Buddhas.

Homage to all Vajra Holders.

Đát đạp nha tháp a ngạc ma bạt tạp phù bạt tạp phù ma cáp a bạt tạp phù bạt tạp lặc ba a thương đạt cáp ba lặc ni y tát ma tát ma tát mạn đáp a ba lặc đề cáp đáp bạt tạp phù sa ma sa ma ba lặc sa mạn đô tát lặc ốt bạt nha a đạt cáp nha ma nổ tát ma lặc bạt cáp hắc ốt a nạp bạt tạp ma lặc ba a ni tát lặc ốt a thương mặc ba lị phổ ô lặc điệp sa ha cáp a.

TADYATHÀ : OMÏ VAJRE VAJRE MAHÀ VAJRE VAJRA PÀ’SA DHÀRANÏI SAMA ASAMA SAMANTA APRATIHATA VAJRE ‘SAMA ‘SAMA PRA’SAMYANTU SARVA VYÀDHAYA KURU KURU SARVA KARMA APRÀNÏANÌ KSÏAYA ‘SAMAYA MÀNU’SA MARA BHAGAVAMÏ VAJRAPÀNÏI SARVA À’SÀ ME PARIPÙRAYA_ SVÀHÀ

“World-Honored One! If anyone recites the names of the seven Buddhas, upholds and recites the Sutra of Fundamental Vows, and recites this mantra, I shall enable that person to fulfill every aspiration and accomplish all wholesome Dharmas. If anyone wishes to see me, that person should transcribe this sutra, make seven Buddha images and an image of the Vajra Holder, place relics of the Buddha within the images, and follow the foregoing rites taught by the Tathagata.

With incense, flowers, lamps, candles, jeweled necklaces, music, and adornments, the person should make offerings, and should also recite this mantra while performing deeds that benefit all sentient beings. That person should observe the eightfold fasting precepts, bathe three times daily, and change garments three times daily. From the eighth day through the fifteenth day, the mantra should be recited 108 times each day.

I will then personally appear in that person’s dream and converse with them. Whatever they request, I shall bestow.” All the foregoing are the words of the Noble One and are without error. Now, upon this altar, these articles of offering are respectfully presented to the ocean-wide assembly of the Tathagatas.

Surely, through causes and conditions from former lives, I have encountered the Noble Path and am able to circulate and practice this ritual. As the Root Sutra describes its benefits, may I and all sentient beings swiftly attain accomplishment. Humbly, I pray that these offerings be accepted.

Furthermore, may the profound and wondrous Dharmas of the Sutra of the Fundamental Vows and Merits of the Seven Buddhas ever flourish. May all demonic obstacles that interrupt spiritual cultivation in this region, or cause illness among people and animals, or cause winds, rains, frost, and snow to damage crops and harvests—all calamities, evil omens, and unfortunate events that make sentient beings anxious and sorrowful—be dispelled.

May all deviant demons, li, mei, wang, and liang spirits within this world, whether abiding here or roaming everywhere, and all beings of these various classes who now, on account of … me, may have been enemies from former lives, may now have formed harmful connections, may cause hindrances through the geography of the land, or may bring calamities and misfortunes inherited from ancestors—all such beings, on account of … me and everyone else, whether they have taken the lives of others or, within the country and among their retinues, have taken others’ possessions, and all demons, monsters, and ghosts that cause calamity and torment sentient beings—be skillfully tamed through expedient means.

May all their harmful intentions give rise instead to loving-kindness; may they abandon every evil deed, never again commit wrongdoing, enter the assembly of the Noble Ones, and help the Noble Teaching circulate. Humbly, I pray that these offerings be accepted.

The Devas’ Esoteric Mantra and Solemn Vow

Recitation of the mantra for the Vajrapani practice

Through the Buddha’s compassionate power of acceptance,

May all sentient beings attain accomplishment.

May the Buddha-Dharma ever flourish.

May all benefactors

Have their karmic obscurations dispelled and their wishes fulfilled.

May evil maras disperse and favorable conditions arise.

The Twelve Great Yaksha Generals

Homage, offerings, and refuge to the Great Yaksha General Extreme Dread.

Homage, offerings, and refuge to the Great Yaksha General Vajra.

Homage, offerings, and refuge to the Great Yaksha General Upholding Majesty.

Homage, offerings, and refuge to the Great Yaksha General Upholding the Stars.

Homage, offerings, and refuge to the Great Yaksha General Upholding the Wind.

Homage, offerings, and refuge to the Great Yaksha General Dwelling Place.

Homage, offerings, and refuge to the Great Yaksha General Upholding Strength.

Homage, offerings, and refuge to the Great Yaksha General Upholding Drink.

Homage, offerings, and refuge to the Great Yaksha General Upholding Speech.

Homage, offerings, and refuge to the Great Yaksha General Upholding Thought.

Homage, offerings, and refuge to the Great Yaksha General Upholding Movement.

Homage, offerings, and refuge to the Great Yaksha General Perfect Intention.

(3 times)

We offer all these abundant and delicious articles to the Great Yaksha Generals and their attendants. May the Buddha-Dharma flourish. May every obstacle and calamity affecting the benefactors be dispelled.

We sincerely supplicate the Twelve Yakshas of awe-inspiring virtue, the divine generals close to them, and all their retinues, each possessing seven hundred million yakshas. May they compassionately behold, bear witness to, and remember how, in the assembly, they addressed the Buddha with these truthful words: “Through reliance upon the Buddha’s awesome power, we have heard the name of the Tathagata Medicine Master, King of Lapis Lazuli Light, and no longer fear the evil destinies.

All of us, united in one mind, until the end of our lives take refuge in the Buddha, take refuge in the Dharma, and take refuge in the Sangha. We vow never to abandon a single sentient being, but to perform meaningful and beneficial deeds that bring them peace and happiness. Wherever we may be—in cities, towns, villages, or secluded and tranquil places—if this sutra circulates there, or if anyone reads and recites it, upholds the name of the Tathagata Medicine Master, King of Lapis Lazuli Light, and reverently makes offerings, we and all our retinues shall protect that person, cause them to escape every calamity, and bring all their prayers to complete fulfillment.” The Blessed One then told them: “To repay the kindness of the Tathagata Medicine Master, King of Lapis Lazuli Light,

you should act in this way for the benefit, peace, and happiness of all sentient beings.

Excellent! Excellent! Act as you wish.” Today, at this place of practice, we present these articles as offerings.

We respectfully beseech you and all your retinues to arouse compassion and accept the objects and articles offered. Through affinities from former times, I have encountered the circulation of the sacred teaching and have been able to practice the ritual procedure as taught in the sutra. May all benefits for me and all sentient beings be accomplished.

Furthermore, may the merit of the Sutra of Original Vows and its exceedingly profound and wondrous Dharma teachings cause the sacred teaching always to flourish. May all obstacles and calamities that cause practitioners to abandon their practice midway be dispelled. May every demonic obstruction here that causes illness; storms, rain, frost, and snow that destroy crops; every disaster, evil omen, and misfortune that causes sentient beings grief, sorrow, and anxiety; and every evil spirit, li, mei, wangliang, or other such being dwelling throughout this realm now be pacified.

If … and we suffer disturbing calamities and misfortunes due to retribution from grievances in former lives, harmful affinities formed in this life, obstructions arising from the geography of the land, or conditions handed down by our ancestors; and if, because of …, such beings harm our lives, harm our relatives, or take others’ possessions—may all maras, ghosts, spirits, and demons that cause such calamities be skillfully subdued.

May they relinquish every harmful intention and give rise to loving-kindness. May they leave behind all evils and wrong conduct and never again create unwholesome karma. May they all enter the sacred assembly here at this place of practice, never forget their vows, and cause the sacred teaching to circulate.

We respectfully beseech you to accept these offerings.

The Yakshas, hearing the Sutra of Original Vows,

Made vows to protect and save all beings.

Through the Buddha’s compassionate power of acceptance,

May all sentient beings attain accomplishment.

May the Buddha-Dharma ever flourish.

May all benefactors

And sentient beings dispel their obscurations and fulfill their prayers.

May evil maras retreat and disperse, and favorable conditions arise.

Earth Deities

We now present the five objects of desire and all articles endowed with merit as a vast offering of food. Foremost, we offer them to the steadfast Earth Goddess; to all the divine beings who everywhere protect the nation and bring peace to its people; to all the deities dwelling here; to the devas and nagas; to the twelve mighty deities; and to all powerful nonhuman beings. May all of you partake of this food offering and bless …, their relatives, and the entire assembly, so that while practicing the path their obstructive conditions may be dispelled and all their wishes completely fulfilled.

Đát đạp nha tháp a cô mặc cô mặc y mặc ni mật hi ma đề ma đề tát ba đáp tháp hắc đáp tát ma a đạt cáp nha đề tạp si đắc a đắc ma đắc ba a lặc ba a ba thạc đạt cáp ni tát lặc ốt ba a ba ma nạp a s nha ma ma phố đạt đắc phố đạt đà nạp nạp mặc, ô mặc cô mặc phố đạt đạt cáp kiết vi đạp lặc ba lị thạc đạt cáp ni, đạt cáp mặc ni đạt cáp mặc, mặc rô mặc rô mặc rô thí tạp phù tát lặc ốt a kiết a lạp mật lặc đạt ứ ni bạt a lặc ni, phố đạt đắc tô phố đạt đắc phố đạt đạt cáp a đề tạc xoa a nạp lặc kiết đảm cô mặc a lặc ốt đức ốt tát mặc a tát mặc, tát ma nạp ốt a cáp dủ bộ tát lặc ốt phố đạt đạt cáp bạt đề tát anh sa mặc sa mặc ba lặc sa mạn đô mặc tát lặc ốt y đáp ứ ba ma đạt lặc ốt bạt nha a đáp nha tư, phổ ô lặc nạp phổ ô lặc ni,

phố ô lặc nha mặc tát lặc ốt a a sa a nhạ tự ách chu ô lặc nha ba lặc đề bạt cáp a mặc a lặc ốt ba a bạt ma kiết sát ương kiết lỵ sa a cáp a.

Nạp ma bạt hắt ốt đắc tự ách tạc tạp diệp cô rô tự ách chu ô lặc nha ba lặc bạt cáp lặc a tạp a nha đát tháp a hắt đáp nha a lặc cáp đắc tát ma nha kiết tát ma phố bạt cáp nha đát đạp nha tháp a, ngạc ma tự ách tạc tạp diệp lặc a tạp a tát sa đạt hắc đắt sa a cáp a.

(Recite the mantra as many times as possible.)

Through the mantra’s power, the eight Tathagatas and their retinues emit immeasurable light from their bodies. It shines into the vessels of water, accepting, empowering, and blessing them.

Homage to all the venerable lineage masters

Pure auspicious marks like precious lotuses,

A body formed of the eighty excellent characteristics;

All who see or hear of you receive mindful protection—

Guide King of Excellent Name, to you I pay homage.

Adorned with the splendor of the Precious Moon Lotus,

Your lofty wisdom comprehends all things;

Your profound speech is like the vast ocean—

Buddha King of Majestic Sound, to you I pay homage.

The golden radiance of Jambudvipa’s river,

Your majestic virtue shines brighter than a thousand suns;

Your beautiful body surpasses even precious adornments—

Stainless One of Golden Color, to you I pay homage.

Having attained nirvana’s everlasting peace and bliss,

You dispel the suffering and anguish of sentient beings;

Sovereign throughout the six realms—

Victorious Buddha Free from Sorrow, to you I pay homage.

Your Dharma voice resounds everywhere, destroying calamities;

Your truthful speech is profound as the ocean;

You eliminate the three poisons of sentient beings—

Dharma King Ocean of Sound, to you I pay homage.

Your Dharma wisdom penetrates all wondrous principles;

You sport freely within the realm of the dharmadhatu;

Directly perceiving the nature of every kind of being—

Tathagata Mastery of Supernormal Powers, to you I pay homage.

Greatly compassionate Blessed One, you embrace all beings;

Merely hearing your name dispels the suffering of every realm;

Medicine Master Buddha, healer of the illness of the three poisons—

King of Lapis Lazuli Light, to you I pay homage.

Through great compassion and skillful means, you were born into the Shakya clan;

You subdued every kind of mara;

Your golden body resembles Mount Sumeru—

Shakyamuni, to you I pay homage.

Far to the east, beyond four Ganges’ sands,

Lies the pure Buddha-land called Unsurpassed,

Where immeasurable bodhisattvas gather all around—

Victorious King of Excellent Name, to you I pay homage.

Far to the east, beyond five Ganges’ sands,

Lies the pure Buddha-land called Wondrous Jewel,

Where immeasurable bodhisattvas gather all around—

Tathagata Precious Moon, to you I pay homage.

Far to the east, beyond six Ganges’ sands,

Lies the pure Buddha-land called Fragrant Accumulation;

Surrounded on every side by countless bodhisattvas,

To Stainless Golden-Hued One I bow my head.

Far to the east, beyond seven Ganges’ sands,

Lies the pure Buddha-land called Free from Sorrow;

Surrounded on every side by countless bodhisattvas,

To Victorious Virtue Free from Sorrow I reverently bow.

Far to the east, beyond eight Ganges’ sands,

Lies the pure Buddha-land called Dharma Banner;

Surrounded on every side by countless bodhisattvas,

To Dharma-Ocean Thunderous Voice I reverently bow.

Far to the east, beyond nine Ganges’ sands,

Lies the pure Buddha-land called Jeweled Ocean;

Surrounded on every side by countless bodhisattvas,

To Tathagata Victorious Wisdom I reverently bow.

Far to the east, beyond ten Ganges’ sands,

Lies the pure Buddha-land called Lapis Lazuli;

Surrounded on every side by countless bodhisattvas,

To the Medicine Master Tathagata I reverently bow.

In great compassion and diligence surpassing all the noble ones,

You tame those difficult to tame in the evil age of the five turbidities;

Patiently appearing in the world to save sentient beings,

To the Teacher Shakyamuni I reverently bow.

Able to dispel all darkness in the world

And extinguish the causes of every affliction and suffering,

Mother of Buddhas, wisdom that reaches the shore of awakening,

To the wondrous Dharma of the Three Vehicles I reverently bow.

Treasury of Wisdom, Ever-Youthful Son of the Dharma King,

You pity us, beset by a hundred oppressions;

You requested the Buddha to reveal the wondrous Dharma—

To Bodhisattva Manjushri I reverently bow.

Through skillful means, for us who are submerged in samsara,

So that the nation may prosper, the people be at peace, and merit and longevity increase,

You taught the Dharma practices of making offerings—

To Bodhisattva Saving and Delivering I reverently bow.

Adorning the assembly before the Tathagatas,

You vowed to preserve and uphold the Buddha’s scriptures;

Each of you faithfully obeys the Buddha’s command—

To all the noble ones of the Esoteric teachings I reverently bow.

Upon widely hearing the name of the Medicine Master Buddha,

You extensively aroused loving-kindness to protect the scriptures;

Each of you has seven hundred million attendants—

To the Twelve Great Generals I reverently bow.

I further pay homage to all realms throughout the ten directions,

With profound faith in all virtues;

Manifesting boundless transformations in bodies everywhere,

I bow throughout all Buddha-realms.

However many there may be throughout the worlds,

All the Buddhas of the three times,

With pure body, speech, and mind

I bow to them all without exception.

Through the awesome spiritual power of Samantabhadra’s vows and practices,

I manifest bodies everywhere before the Tathagatas;

One body manifests all bodies,

And each body bows to all Buddhas.

Within all Buddha-realms

And amid every assembly of bodhisattvas,

Throughout the boundless Dharma realm, as numerous as these,

With profound faith I know that Buddhas are present everywhere.

Moreover, with every kind of voice,

I utter every sublime expression;

Throughout countless kalpas until the end of the future,

I praise the virtues of all Buddhas.

Moreover, with every kind of flower garland,

Music, fragrant ointments, banners, and canopies,

And all such forms of adornment,

I offer them all to the Buddhas.

Fine, pure garments imbued with fragrance,

Powdered incense, fragrant ointments, lamps, and blazing lights,

All amassed as high as mountains—

I offer them all to the Buddhas.

Moreover, with vast and supreme understanding,

And profound faith in the Buddhas of the three times,

Through the vows and practices of Samantabhadra,

I make offerings everywhere to all Tathagatas.

All deluded karma I have created in the past

Has arisen from beginningless greed, anger, and ignorance,

Produced through body, speech, and mind;

For all of it, I now repent.

For all sentient beings throughout the ten directions,

Those of the Two Vehicles, both learners and those beyond learning,

And all Tathagatas and bodhisattvas—

I rejoice in whatever merit they possess.

To all lamps of the worlds throughout the ten directions

Who have first accomplished the path of bodhi,

I most sincerely offer exhortation and entreaty:

May the Buddhas turn the unsurpassed Dharma wheel.

When the Buddhas intend to enter nirvana,

I vow most sincerely to exhort and entreat them:

May the Buddhas long remain in the world

To benefit every kind of sentient being.

All merit from homage, praise, and offerings,

From entreating the Buddhas to remain and turn the Dharma wheel,

From rejoicing, repentance, and every root of goodness,

I dedicate to sentient beings and the Buddha path.

Thus has it been taught in the Sutra of the Fundamental Vows and Merits of the Seven Buddhas. Having reverently arranged and adorned the Dharma sanctuary and presented every kind of offering, with utmost reverence and sincerity we invite the seven Tathagatas, Worthy Ones, Perfectly and Completely Awakened Ones, together with Buddha Shakyamuni and all their retinues, to descend to this Dharma sanctuary, bear witness, and accept these offerings.

Before all Buddhas, I repent of my transgressions; before all Buddhas, I rejoice in every root of goodness. Relying further upon the power of these roots of goodness and the awesome spiritual power by which the Buddhas and bodhisattvas gather us in and accept us, may all teachers who propagate the Dharma for the benefit of sentient beings have every transgression committed since beginningless time entirely extinguished.

May they be free from illness, enjoy long lives, and always dwell in bodily peace and security. May all their worldly and supramundane undertakings be auspicious; may they possess abundant wealth; may the two accumulations ultimately be perfected; may they attain the indestructible body and swiftly realize the unsurpassed Buddha path. May every calamity, within and without, in the world be dispelled; may they enjoy happiness and abundance and swiftly realize unsurpassed bodhi.

Furthermore, may people and other beings everywhere be free from calamity and disease and from hunger and poverty. May every misfortune and danger be forever eliminated; may the rains be timely and the winds favorable; may grain harvests be abundant; and may all sentient beings live in peace and contentment. In future lives, may they be reborn in the Buddha-lands, behold the Buddhas, hear the Dharma, and receive predictions of awakening.

May the two accumulations of merit and wisdom be perfected, and may they attain the fruit of great awakening. Furthermore, may the precious Dharma long remain in the world, enabling all people to awaken and understand.

O seven Transcendent Destroyers, Tathagatas, Worthy Ones, Perfectly and Completely Awakened Ones, together with your retinues, and O Shakyamuni together with your retinue in the sacred assembly: Now, for the sake of … and for the welfare and happiness of all sentient beings, we have recited and upheld this sutra. Yet we may have done so at improper times, engaged in unwholesome conduct, or left the rite incomplete because we did not fully understand it.

Our afflictions may be deep and heavy; the offerings may have been scant or impure; or the prescribed rites may not have been performed completely. For all such matters, we humbly beseech you, in your great loving-kindness and great compassion, to take pity upon us and accept them. May we forever be separated from obstacles and calamities.

We humbly beseech you to accept them.

For failures and transgressions,

Arising from delusion regarding self and others,

Whether committed by ourselves or caused in others,

We beseech you to show compassion for them all.

Sentient beings in this evil age

Have little merit and much darkness;

They do not fully understand the intent of the noble ones—

We beseech you to show compassion for them all.

Lacking wisdom because of avarice,

Our offerings are incomplete;

We humbly beseech the Great Compassionate Ones

To show compassion for them all.

Our actions have been deficient

And not performed according to the ritual procedure;

They have not accorded with the Tathagatas’ intent—

We beseech you to show compassion for them all.

For every fault and error,

For not following the ritual procedure,

And for all that was done incorrectly,

We beseech you to show compassion for them all.

Ceremonial Sending Forth (Farewell)

World-Honored Ones, you benefit all sentient beings;

Your vows, practices, and virtues are all fulfilled.

We beseech the Buddhas to return to your native lands,

And entreat you to descend here again when next invited.

O Buddhas, World-Honored Ones of great loving-kindness and great compassion, now that the deeds of benefit have been completed, we humbly beseech you to employ your spiritual powers and return with your retinues to your native lands.

ρ Dedication of Merit

Manjushri possesses mighty wisdom;

Samantabhadra’s universal vows and practices are likewise.

I dedicate every root of goodness,

Praying that all may train and practice accordingly.

Praised by all Buddhas of the three times

Are all their vast and great vows.

I dedicate every root of goodness,

Vowing to practice the deeds of Samantabhadra and Manjushri.

Bestowing all these virtues upon sentient beings,

Together with the merit and wisdom that have been cultivated,

May every kind of wisdom and merit arise;

May the two supreme minds be attained.

May medicines eliminate all diseases and calamities,

And may every form of peace and happiness arise.

May offerings and reverence be rendered,

And may the sacred teachings endure forever.

Through the sustaining power of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas,

The true power of the complete four conditions,

The power of purity, and the power of profound faith,

May every aspiration be fulfilled.

Verses of Auspiciousness

The light of loving-kindness illuminates and dispels all darkness;

Majestic and glorious are the seven Tathagatas.

The revered sutra of their fundamental vows is wholly complete;

May all the Buddhas’ blessings of peace assemble here.

When the sutra enters the ear, it dispels all suffering;

The profound and wondrous Dharma saves sentient beings.

The fundamental vows encompass the eight hundred Treasuries;

May all the blessings of the Dharma assemble here.

May this sutra bestow complete fulfillment upon all,

And through its protection cause it to circulate everywhere.

Bodhisattvas, shravakas, and divine generals,

May the great assembly gather here in peace and well-being.

THE SUTRA OF THE WISH-FULFILLING KING: THE RITUAL MANUAL FOR MAKING OFFERINGS TO THE SEVEN MEDICINE BUDDHAS