RITE OF BESTOWING ALMS FOOD
Translation Note: CAUTION! This rite is clearly indicated in all texts, but common practice shows that it is not usually performed daily as the text would seem to indicate. Instead, this rite was generally performed only on Auspicious Days and on the 1st and 15th of each month. In some temples and monasteries, it was not performed at all due to caution on the part of the Abbot. Indeed, in some places anyone caught learning this Rite was banned from the establishment by standing rules. This is because this rite is one of the most serious of the Tantric Rites that became common to Chinese Buddhist practice. As the rite involves the use of Mantra, Mudra and Samadhi of the highest type, few were qualified to correctly perform it, and those who did so without the practice and knowledge required to do so correctly did (and do) so at their peril. Today, we live in an age when few 'intelligent' people believe in the ghosts for whom this rite is intended. Logic would then dictate that it be omitted by those who do not believe in ghosts. If you are one who is certain that this rite still has a purpose and an audience, please be cautious and learn the correct performance of the Mudra indicated before attempting this rite.
Being the correct manner of bestowing Alms Food on Hungry Ghosts by monks as taught at Meng Shan and handed down to us by Dharma Master Wai Kuo Kan Lu, who taught this method to the Great Assembly when he dwell for a time at the "Four Streams Concealed Mountain Monastery" commonly known as Meng Shan. In addition to the Ceremonial Words that follow, the Master also left us with this gatha:
ALL SILENTLY
A fierce fire, blazing, blazing, illuminating the Iron City
The Iron City that burns those Solitary Souls
The Solitary Souls that desire to be reborn in the Pure Land
Let them then listen to this portion of the Hua-Yen.
The IRON CITY is the most fierce and terrible of all the Hells. The phrase translated here as Solitary Souls means in its complete nuance "those souls for whom there is no-one to offer sacrifices.' The HUA-YEN referred to is the "Flower Garland" or the Chinese name for - the Avatamsaka Sutra. [Japanese: Kengon]
The Eastern and Western Ranks are to stand facing each other.
ALL
If men desire the Complete Knowledge of all the Buddhas of the Three Realms, let them look thoroughly into the nature of the Dharma Realms which are affirmed to be completely created by the Mind!
At the first stroke of the Great Ch'ing above (after the word Buddha) an ACOLYTE (Shih-che) who has been schooled in his duty and who is standing in the Eastern Ranks, turns to face the Altar and gives WEN-HSUN bow. He remains quietly in this position.
If men desire the Complete Knowledge of all the Buddhas of the Three Realms, let them look thoroughly into the nature of the Dharma Realms which are affirmed to be completely created by the Mind!
If men desire the Complete Knowledge of all the Buddhas of the Three Realms, let them look thoroughly into the nature of the Dharma Realms which are affirmed to be completely created by the Mind!
PRECENTOR
The Pure Words That Break Open The Gates Of Hell!
ALL
AUM! To the One of Kharadiya Mountain, Hail!
AUM! To the One of Kharadiya Mountain, Hail!
AUM! To the One of Kharadiya Mountain, Hail!
PRECENTOR
The Pure Words of Universal Invitation!
ALL
Homage to the Earth and the Earth's Unwavering Tathagata!
Homage to the Earth and the Earth's Unwavering Tathagata!
Homage to the Earth and the Earth's Unwavering Tathagata!
PRECENTOR
The Pure Words That Release the Bonds of Oppression!
ALL
AUM! To the Three Shining Antidotes, Hail!
AUM! To the Three Shining Antidotes, Hail!
AUM! To the Three Shining Antidotes, Hail!
Now the entire assembly brings the palms together in the position of salutation
ALL
Homage to the Surpassing Flower Garland Sutra of the Mahayana!
Homage to the Surpassing Flower Garland Sutra of the Mahayana!
Homage to the Surpassing Flower Garland Sutra of the Mahayana!
ALL
Homage to the Constantly Abiding in the Ten Directions Buddhas!
Homage to the Constantly Abiding in the Ten Directions Dharma!
Homage to the Constantly Abiding in the Ten Directions Sangha!
Homage to Our Original Teacher Shakyamuni Buddha!
Homage to the Great Compassionate Hearer of the Cries of the World, Kuan Shih Yin Bodhisattva!
Homage to the Dark and Light, Saving from Suffering Earth-Storehouse Lord, Ti Tsang Bodhisattva!
Homage to the One Who Recorded the Teachings, the Venerable Ananda!
At the stroke of the Hand Ch'ing after the word "original", the ACOLYTE gives WEN-HSUN and moves slowly to stand before the "bowing cushion" which should be placed directly in front of the CELEBRANT'S SEAT in the central aisle between the Two Ranks. The ACOLYTE then makes another bow of WEN-HSUN when he arrives and standing in place begins to offer three bows for each of the seven praises, repeated three times.
Now the entire assembly turns to face the altar while continuing the repetition of these seven praises. All keep their hands in the position of salutation as they continue:
ALL
Homage to the Constantly Abiding in the Ten Directions Buddhas!
Homage to the Constantly Abiding in the Ten Directions Dharma!
Homage to the Constantly Abiding in the Ten Directions Sangha!
Homage to Our Original Teacher Shakyamuni Buddha!
Homage to the Great Compassionate Hearer of the Cries of the World, Kuan Shih Yin Bodhisattva!
Homage to the Dark and Light, Saving from Suffering Earth-Storehouse Lord, Ti Tsang Bodhisattva!
Homage to the One Who Recorded the Teachings, the Venerable Ananda!
Homage to the Constantly Abiding in the Ten Directions Buddhas!
Homage to the Constantly Abiding in the Ten Directions Dharma!
Homage to the Constantly Abiding in the Ten Directions Sangha!
Homage to Our Original Teacher Shakyamuni Buddha!
Homage to the Great Compassionate Hearer of the Cries of the World, Kuan Shih Yin Bodhisattva!
Homage to the Dark and Light, Saving from Suffering Earth-Storehouse Lord, Ti Tsang Bodhisattva!
Homage to the One Who Recorded the Teachings, the Venerable Ananda!
When the many bows are completed, the Acolyte will again perform WEN-HSUN and both the Acolyte and the Assembly release the palms.
The Acolyte who has come from his position has done so to display our honor to the Buddha, and his three bows have displayed our honor to the three Precious Ones, the Buddha Shakyamuni, the Bodhisattva Kuan Yin, the Bodhisattva Ti Tsang and the Venerable Patriarch Ananda, who because of the power of their fundamental vows hear us when we call out their names and make their appearance known throughout the entire universe so as to give their aid to help the Hungry Ghosts to escape suffering.
ALL
I take refuge in the Buddha!
The ACOLYTE, still acting on behalf of the entire assembly, at the word "Buddha" begins the bow of full formal prostration.
I take refuge in the Dharma!
I take refuge in the Sangha!
I take refuge in the Buddha because of His Two Complete and Honored Teachings!
The ACOLYTE now performs the mudra "Lifting the Buddha's Feet"
I take refuge in the Dharma because its Mysterious Power aids me to abandon the passions
take refuge in the Sangha because it is the Wonderful Brotherhood that follows the Venerable Middle Way!
Thus, I have taken refuge in the Buddha!
The ACOLYTE now rises up from the Full Formal Prostration
Thus, I have taken refuge in the Dharma!
Thus, I have taken refuge in the Sangha!
ALL
I take refuge in the Buddha!
The ACOLYTE now begins a second Full Formal Prostration
I take refuge in the Dharma!
I take refuge in the Sangha!
I take refuge in the Buddha because of His Two Complete and Honored Teachings!
The ACOLYTE now performs the mudra "Lifting the Buddha's Feet" for the second time.
I take refuge in the Dharma because its Mysterious Power aids me to abandon the Passions!
I take refuge in the Sangha because it is the Wonderful Brotherhood that follows the Venerable Middle Way!
Thus, I have taken refuge in the Buddha!
The ACOLYTE now rises up from the second Full Formal Prostration.
Thus, I have taken refuge in the Dharma!
Thus, I have taken refuge in the Sangha!
ALL
I take refuge in the Buddha!
The ACOLYTE now begins the third and final Full Formal Prostration.
I take refuge in the Dharma!
I take refuge in the Sangha!
I take refuge in the Buddha because of His Two Complete and Honored Teachings!
The ACOLYTE now performs the mudra of "Lifting the Buddha's Feet" for the third and final time.
I take refuge in the Dharma because its Mysterious Power aids me to abandon the Passions!
I take refuge in the Sangha because it is the Wonderful Brotherhood that follows the Venerable Middle Way!
Thus, I have taken refuge in the Buddha!
The ACOLYTE now rises up from the final Full Formal Prostration.
Thus, I have taken refuge in the Dharma!
Thus, I have taken refuge in the Sangha!
The ACOLYTE now performs the WEN-HSUN bow and returns to his place
ALL
On behalf of the Children of Buddha who have created the many kinds of sinful karma, which has existed from time without beginning, having been caused by greed, anger and delusion which stemmed from the body, speech and thought, and has brought them to this present existence, all these do the Children of the Buddha thus completely Confess and Repent.
On behalf of the many sorts of Sentient Beings who have created the many kinds of sinful karma, which has existed from time without beginning, having been cause by greed, anger and delusion which stemmed from the body, speech and thought, and has brought them to this present existence, all these do the Sentient Beings thus completely Confess and Repent.
On behalf of the Solitary Souls who have created the many kinds of sinful karma, which has existed from time without beginning, having been caused by greed, anger and delusion which stemmed from the body, speech and thought, and has brought them to this present existence, all these do the Solitary Souls thus completely Confess and Repent.
All living beings without limits they swear and vow to save;
Pain and distress without ending they swear and vow to cut off;
Dharma Gates beyond counting they swear and vow to master;
Buddha Paths without measure they swear and vow to perfect;
All living beings without limits they swear and vow to save;
Pain and distress without ending they swear and vow to cut off;
Dharma Gates beyond counting they swear and vow to master;
Buddha Paths without measure they swear and vow to perfect;
All living beings without limits they swear and vow to save;
Pain and distress without ending they swear and vow to cut off;
Dharma Gates beyond counting they swear and vow to master;
Buddhas Paths without measure they swear and vow to perfect.
On my own behalf, I also swear and vow to save limitless numbers of living beings;
On my own behalf, I also swear and vow to endlessly cut off pain and distress;
On my own behalf, I also swear and vow to master countless Dharma Gates;
The ACOLYTE now performs WEN-HSUN and again comes from his place to stand before the "bowing cushion" with his hands in the position of salutation.
On my own behalf, I also swear and vow to perfect Buddha Paths without measure;
On my own behalf, I also swear and vow to save limitless numbers of living beings;
On my own behalf, I also swear and vow to endlessly cut off pain and distress;
On my own behalf, I also swear and vow to master countless Dharma Gates;
On my own behalf, I also swear and vow to perfect Buddha Paths without measure;
On my own behalf, I also swear and vow to save limitless numbers of living beings;
On my own behalf, I also swear and vow to endlessly cut off pain and distress;
On my own behalf, I also swear and vow to master countless Dharma Gates;
On my own behalf, I also swear and vow to perfect Buddha Paths without measure!
PRECENTOR
Ti Tsang's Pure Words for Extinguishing Fixed Karma!
ALL
AUM ! To the One of Saving Transformations, Hail!
AUM! To the One of Saving Transformations, Hail!
AUM! To the One of Saving Transformations, Hail!
The ACOLYTE now turns to the center and performs WEN-HSUN.
PRECENTOR
Kuan Yin's Pure Words for Extinguishing Karmic Barricades!
ALL
AUM! To be free from desires, Svaha!
AUM! To be free from desires, Svaha!
AUM! To be free from desires, Svaha!
PRECENTOR
The Pure Words for Opening the Throat!
AUM! Let those of the suffering existences come to the Tathagata!
AUM! Let those of the suffering existences come to the Tathagata!
AUM! Let those of the suffering existences come to the Tathagata!
The ACOLYTE now moves to before the Buddha and performs WEN-HSUN.
PRECENTOR
The Pure Words of the Precepts for Removing Unclean Hindrances!
ALL
AUM! Removing Unclean Impurities From All Living Beings!
As the first AUM, is spoken, the ACOLYTE begins the "Raising the Lotus" Mudra with the right hand The left hand circles the Sacred Character (AUM) on the Altar, clockwise, and then forms the "Binding Sign" Mudra. The entire action is completed before the end of the sentence. The above movements are repeated with each of the lines below, making three times in all.
AUM! Removing Unclean Impurities From All Living Beings!
AUM! Removing Unclean Impurities From All Living Beings!
During the next section the ACOLYTE picks up the Pure Chalice using the first two fingers of his right hand and his right thumb. He then lifts the Pure Chalice 'up and out' (as if offering a toast) before placing it in the up turned palm of the left hand. When the assembly reaches the word 'Tathagata' his right forms the "Raising the Lotus " Mudra above the rim of the Chalice. When the assembly reaches the word "AUM" the fingers of the left hand, still holding the Pure Chalice close twice to make the "Binding Sign" Mudra. These motions are repeated with each repetition.
PRECENTOR
The Pure Words of Making the Food Edible!
ALL
Homage to every Tathagata! They are the Defenders! AUM! Protecting! Protecting! HUM!
Homage to every Tathagata! They are the Defenders! AUM! Protecting! Protecting! HUM!
Homage to every Tathagata! They are the Defenders! AUM! Protecting! Protecting! HUM!
The ACOLYTE now holds the transformed food in his left hand. He holds his right hand above the Food Offering and, pointing to it says:
ACOLYTE
I will now recite the Immeasurably Dignified Respect - Inspiring Sovereign of the Kingdom of Light's Surpassingly Mysterious Dharanis, and by their power you are able to rely on this food offering. Draw near to this Unequaled Feast of monastic food. Draw near to this Immeasurable Food. This meal is given to you. It is not different than the food of the Buddhas. Thus, it is unsurpassed: This is Alms food! Therefore know that because it is the result of Almsgiving, it is twice superior! Know also that its merit is inexhaustible! It fills the Void and throughout the Complete Universal Dharma Realm, it can save all from the emptiness of hunger so that suffering is abandoned and joy obtained!
PRECENTOR
The Sweet Dew Water Pure Words
During the next section, at the word "Formed", the ACOLYTE picks up the Purifying Vessel (asperger) and places it within the mouth of the Pure Chalice, thus filling it. At the word "AUM" the ACOLYTE lifts a stick of burning incense to his head and circumambulates the Altar twice (clockwise). When this is done, the ACOLYTE then lifts the Pure Chalice so that the mouth is raised and again circumambulates the Altar twice (clockwise). Finally, at the word "Hail" at the end of the third repetition, the ACOLYTE pours or shakes out a bit of water from the Purifying Vessel.
ALL
Homage to the Wonderfully Formed Tathagata the Buddha Aksobhya, the Conquering One!
AUM! Auspicious! Auspicious! Completely Auspicious Beyond the Auspicious! Hail!
Homage to the Wonderfully Formed Tathagata, the Buddha Aksobhya, the Conquering One!
AUM! Auspicious! Auspicious! Completely Auspicious Beyond the Auspicious! Hail!
Homage to the Wonderfully Formed Tathagata, the Buddha Aksobhya, the Conquering One!
AUM! Auspicious! Auspicious! Completely Auspicious Beyond the Auspicious! Hail!
The assembly quietly reflects
PRECENTOR
Let us regard and reflect on this Water and on the dependable power of this Mystical Incantation. Throughout the Deep and Profound, Pure Clean Dharma Realm, it has the Power to command that the throats of the Hungry Ghosts open up. Because of this, throughout the entire Dharma Realm, all beings can now obtain this offering of the Sweet Dew Water and Pure Food!
As the PRECENTOR recites this passage, the ACOLYTE pours out a bit more water, and then with his RIGHT SHOULDER facing inward, circumambulates the Altar once. He then pours out a bit more water and with his LEFT shoulder facing inward, circumambulates the Altar again. Then, pouring out a bit more water, the ACOLYTE makes a dual circumambulation, first with the RIGHT shoulder inward and then with the LEFT shoulder inward, not pausing between these two.
When the above actions are completed, the Precentor continues the Rite. saying:
PRECENTOR
The One Character Pure Words of the Watery Realm!
ALL
In the following passage, after the initial "AUM" the syllable "VAM" is recited as if in 4/4 time - i.e. x&x&xxx
AUM! Vam, Vam, Vam, Vam, Vam!
AUM! Vam, Vam, Vam, Vam, Vam!
AUM! Vam, Vam, Vam, Vam, Vam!
As this formula is recited, the ACOLYTE, still holding the Purifying Vessel as above, pours out a bit of the Sweet Dew Water for each time the syllable '"VAM" is pronounced. This action is performed with the Purifying Vessel in the Right Hand, and with the Left Hand held behind the back so as to be concealed.
PRECENTOR
The Pure Words of the Ocean of Milk!
During this section, at the first stroke of the Ch'ing, the ACOLYTE produces the SAMAYA Mudra, first turning the body.
ALL
Homage to the Buddhas in the Universe! AUM! VAM!
Homage to the Buddhas in the Universe! AUM! VAM!
Homage to the Buddhas in the Universe! AUM! VAM!
At the third repetition of the syllable "Vam" the Assembly brings their hands to the position of salutation.
The ACOLYTE now grasps the Pure Chalice with his fingers held at its mouth and at the beginning of the phrase 'Vairocana Tathagata' he raises it and turns facing the West. At each the words (Fear, Dread and Abandoning) the ACOLYTE takes a step to the West, and then pauses, still facing outward, and raises the Pure Chalice in offering. He then returns to his original position. At the next cycle of repetition, he repeats the previous motion, except using the East, returning again to his original position. the Third (final) cycles is the same as the previous two, except that the disciple turn to face the Center of the Hall. When he has taken the three steps, he then turns to the North (and the Altar) before raising the Chalice.
ALL
Homage to the Abundant Treasures Tathagata!
Homage to the Precious Victory Tathagata!
Homage to the Wonderfully Formed Aksobhya Tathagata!
Homage to the Space Filling Vairocana Tathagata!
Homage to the Fear and Dread Abandoning Tathagata!
Homage to the Sweet Dew King Tathagata!
Homage to the Infinite Qualitied Amitabha Tathagata!
Homage to the Abundant Treasures Tathagata!
Homage to the Precious Victory Tathagata!
Homage to the Wonderfully Formed Aksobhya Tathagata!
Homage to the Space Filling Vairocana Tathagata!
Homage to the Fear and Dread Abandoning Tathagata !
Homage to the Sweet Dew King Tathagata!
Homage to the Infinite Qualitied Amitabha Tathagata!
Homage to the Abundant Treasures Tathagata!
Homage to the Precious Victory Tathagata !
Homage to the Wonderfully Formed Aksobhya Tathagata!
Homage to the Space Filling Vairocana Tathagata!
Homage to the Fear and Dread Abandoning Tathagata!
Homage to the Sweet Dew King Tathagata!
Homage to the Infinite Qualitied Amitabha Tathagata!
The assembly now releases the hands and resumes the normal position
During this next section, as the Assembly recites, the ACOLYTE begins to trace the Sanskrit character "HUM" in the water of the Pure Chalice, using the third (or middle) finger of the right hand. When the recitation reaches the words "Pure Land," he flicks water from this finger water toward the Altar and kneels, right knee down, left knee up.
ALL
It is by the power of these Mystical Incantations that you can obtain this Pure Dharma Food! These Alms, which are as pervasive as the sands of the Ganges, are given to the Sons of Buddha so that they can vow to completely and fully renounce meanness and greed, thus speedily casting off their ghostly existences so that they can enter the Pure Land and take refuge in the Three Precious Ones that Send Forth the Bodhi Wisdom so that all can finally attain the Complete Unsurpassed Way whose merits are limitless to the end of time!
Let all the Sons of Buddha equally receive this Dharma Food!
It is by the power of these Mystical Incantations that you can obtain this Dharma and Alms Food! These Alms, which are as pervasive as the sands of the Ganges, are given to All Sentient Beings so that they can vow to completely and fully renounce meanness and greed, thus speedily casting off their ghostly existences so that they can enter the Pure Land
The ACOLYTE again traces the Sanskrit character "HUM" in the water of the Pure Chalice. this time, however, he uses the first two digits of the Left Hand.
and take refuge in the Three Precious Ones that send forth the Bodhi Wisdom so that all can finally attain the Complete Unsurpassed Way whose merits are limitless and eternal!
Let All Sentient Beings be nourished by this Dharma Food!
When the recitation arrives at the word "Water" the ACOLYTE makes one flick of the Water with his Left Hand while still holding the rim of the Pure Chalice.
It is by the power of these Mystical Incantations that you can receive this Sweet Dew Water!
These Alms, which are as pervasive as the sands of the Ganges, are given to All Solitary Souls so that they can completely and fully renounce meanness and greed, thus casting off their ghostly existences so that they can enter the Pure Land
The ACOLYTE again traces the Sanskrit character "HUM" in the water of the Pure Chalice. using the first two digits of the Left Hand. As the recitation continues after the tracing indicated above, the ACOLYTE begins a series of flicks, beginning with three to his left, followed by three to his right and finishing with two flicks inward towards the Altar. Then turning outward away from the Altar, the ACOLYTE makes two flicks outward toward the ground, and then at the words THIS DHARMA FOOD, begins the last three flicks, timing the flick to punctuate the last three words (THIS DHARMA FOOD). The flick that punctuates (THIS) should be over the right shoulder. The flick that punctuates (DHARMA) should be over his left shoulder. The flick that punctuates (FOOD) should be straight outward towards the ground.
and take refuge in the Three Precious Ones that send forth the Bodhi Wisdom so that all can finally attain the Complete unsurpassed Way whose merits are limitless and eternal!
Let All Solitary Souls be nourished by this Dharma Food!
Now the Assembly begins the Offertory Hymn and at the word "Offering" the Acolyte will take the Pure Food to the Birthless Altar as described below:
The Pure Dharma Food Offering is taken outside and is placed on a Special Platform in the Courtyard. (If this is not possible, then a Special Altar inside the Hall is used. Neither of these Offering Altars contains images of either Buddhas or Bodhisattvas on them, nor visible from them. Otherwise it will be impossible for the Offering to be received.)
The Acolyte now divides the Offering into three portions, reciting as he does:
ACOLYTE
This first offering is given so that those who prey on fish will find their nets empty.
This second offering is given so that those who prey on animals will find their traps barren.
This third offering is given to all other places so that we can pray that living beings will perceive the fragile nature of their bodies and finally attain the Birth of No-Birth.
Thus is the Birthless Altar divided: A Pure and Superior Place!
If it is possible, there is also a Great Stone Canopy over the Altar, or, if not, then a pomegranate or a peach tree near the Altar to provide cover. This is so that the Ghosts and Spirits will not fear to partake of this offering without being seen. This is the custom that was established so that there will be no distinction made of the three sorts of beings.
PRECENTOR
Sing now the Pure Words of Unfettered Charity!
Plainsong Chant
ALL
In the following section, when the recitation reaches the Sacred Word "AUM" the ACOLYTE gives three finger snaps, first to the center and then to the left and right. This is done for each of the three times.
To thee the Universal Sons of Buddha Assembly, we now give to thee these Alms of Offering. This food is sent to the Ten Directions to All Children of Buddha. We swear that by means of the merits that universally extend from all Alms Food that is given to the Children of Buddha, together all will perfect the Buddha Path: AUM! Completely Filling! Svaha!
To thee the Universal Sentient Beings Assembly, we now give to thee these Alms of Offering. This food is sent to the Ten Directions to All Sentient Beings. We swear that by means of the merits that universally extend from all Alms Food that is given to the Sentient Beings, together all will perfect the Buddha Path: AUM! Completely Filling! Svaha!
To thee the Universal Solitary Souls Assembly, we now give to thee these Alms of Offering. This food is sent to the Ten Directions to All Solitary Souls. We swear that by means of the merits that universally extend from all Alms Food that is given to the Solitary Souls, together all will perfect the Buddha Path: AUM! Completely Filling! Svaha!
ALL
AUM! The Diamond Thunderbolt From Sambhava! HU!
AUM! The Diamond Thunderbolt From Sambhava! HU!
AUM! The Diamond Thunderbolt From Sambhava! HU!
When the ACOLYTE finishes the final three finger snaps, he positions himself outside the door to the Great Hall (on the Western side) and waits for the recitation of the Heart Sutra to reach the phrase " Who was practicing Deep Prajna Paramita". At the word "Who", he opens the door and walks to the Main Altar so as to arrive at the phrase "In emptiness there is no form." He then performs WEN-HSUN, turns and follows the Eastern Border to position near the Bowing Cushion. When he arrives at the Bowing Cushion, he turns to face the Main Altar , gives one Full Formal Prostration and rises. After the bow is completed, the ACOLYTE retraces his path to again stand before the Main Altar. At the phrase "Going, Going" the Acolyte, using both palms grasps the Pure Chalice. He lifts it from the Altar and stands motionless while listening for the second repetition of the of the Future Rebirth Mantra.
THE GREAT WISDOM OF THE HEART SUTRA
Plainsong/Chant Ancient
PRECENTOR
The Great Wisdom of the Heart Sutra!
ALL
When the Bodhisattva Kuan Yin
Who was practicing Deep Prajnaparamita
Perceived the five skandhas
He saw them to be in their own self-nature Empty
And He Was delivered from all suffering and misery
He said:
Oh Sariputra, Form is emptiness, Emptiness is form.
Form is the same as emptiness, Emptiness is the same as form.
That which is formed I s empty, that which is empty has form
So it is also with sensation and thought and activity and consciousness.
Oh Sariputra!
All things are empty:
They are not born, They are not annihilated.
They are not impure, They are not pure.
They do not increase, They do not decrease,
Therefore, Oh Sariputra:
In emptiness there is no form, no sensation, no thought, No activity, No consciousness.
No eye, nor nose, nor tongue, Nor body, nor mind.
No form, nor sound, nor color, nor taste, nor touch, nor objects.
No element of hearing. No element of vision, no element of smelling, No element of tasting, no element of touching, No element of consciousness.
There is no knowledge and no ignorance 'til we come to No old age and No death
And no extinction of old age and death.
There is no suffering, No accumulation, no annihilation, No Path
There is no Knowledge, no attainment and no realization.
Because there is no Attainment in the mind of the Bodhisattva who depends on
Prajna Paramita there are no obstacles, And going beyond Distorted views:
He is Nirvana!
All Buddhas of the Past, Present and Future depend on Prajna Paramita to attain the
Highest Perfect Enlightenment. Therefore one should know that The Prajna Paramita is the Great Mantra, The Mantra of Great Wisdom, The Highest Mantra, The Unequaled Mantra, The End of All Suffering! True not false! The Mantra is proclaimed in Prajna Paramita: Oh Buddha! Going, Going, Going On, To the Other Shore. Always going on to the Other Shore! Always Becoming Buddha! Hail the Sutra of the Heart of Great Wisdom!
The Great Scripture of Wisdom of the Heart!
The Great Scripture of Wisdom of the Heart!
The Great Scripture of Wisdom of the Heart!
ALL
The Future Rebirth Mantra
Homage to Amitabha Buddha! Tathagata! He Who Calls Out!
Amitabha Who Benefits! All That Exists!
Amitabha Benefits Everywhere! One Hundred Existences!
Amitabha Benefits Everywhere! The Prophesied Sovereign!
Amitabha Benefits Everywhere! The Prophesied Sovereign!
One Who Benefits All! The Firmament and Sky Benefiting! Hail!
As the recitations continue, the ACOLYTE sets down the Pure Chalice and picks up two sticks of Incense. Holding these as if one, traces n the face of the CENSER the Sanskrit character "HUM" before lighting the sticks and placing them in the Censer.
Homage to Amitabha Buddha! Tathagata! He Who Calls Out!
Amitabha Who Benefits! All That Exists!
Amitabha Benefits Everywhere! One Hundred Existences!
Amitabha Benefits Everywhere! The Prophesied Sovereign!
Amitabha Benefits Everywhere! The Prophesied Sovereign!
One Who Benefits All! The Firmament and Sky Benefiting! Hail!
The ACOLYTE now returns to the Bowing Cushion via the Eastern Border.
Homage to Amitabha Buddha! Tathagata! He Who Calls Out!
Amitabha Who Benefits! All That Exists!
Amitabha Benefits Everywhere! One Hundred Existences!
Amitabha Benefits Everywhere! The Prophesied Sovereign!
Amitabha Benefits Everywhere! The Prophesied Sovereign!
One Who Benefits All! The Firmament and Sky Benefiting! Hail!
The ACOLYTE, having arrived at the Bowing Cushion, now begins three Full Formal Prostrations, then rises are waits while the recitation continues.
The Pure Words for Universally Transferring Merit
ALL
AUM! To those that dwell on Earth, to each one of the Earth and the Great Universe HUM!
AUM! To those that dwell on Earth, to each one of the Earth and the Great Universe HUM!
AUM! To those that dwell on Earth, to each one of the Earth and the Great Universe HUM!
In the section below, at the phrase "Four Forms of Birth" the ACOLYTE makes one additional Prostration, rises, and then gives WEN-HSUN. At the phrase " Three Existences are entrusted," the ACOLYTE will turn and give a bow to the LEFT. When he does this, the GREAT ASSEMBLY will also give WEN-HSUN. At the phrase "Sands of the Ganges" the ACOLYTE turns again to the FRONT and gives one bow. At the phrase "Ten Thousand Classes" the ACOLYTE turns to the RIGHT and gives one bow, and the Great Assembly gives WEN-HSUN in response.
ALL
Our vows bring our days good fortune, they bring our nights good fortune. Thus so every hour of every day has good fortune. So that all those who exist in this age can have such good fortune, we resolve that the many kinds of teaching from Superior Teachers we shall gather up. So that all those who exist in this age can have such good fortune, we resolve that the many kinds of Gifts from the Three Precious Ones we shall gather up. So that all those who exist in this age can have such good fortune, we resolve that the many kinds of Dharmas we shall embrace. Indeed, we shall constantly embrace and protect them. The Four Forms of Birth Advance in the Precious Stages, and the Three Existences are entrusted to the Transforming Lotus Pools. Solitary Souls as numerous as the Sands of the Ganges thus attain the Three Stages of Virtue, and the Ten Thousand Classes of Sentient Beings advance in the Ten Stages.
While the Meng Shan Rite is now completed, the Acolyte that performs the vital functions of the Rite is not yet finished with his duties. This next portion of the text is a Homage to Amitabha and the Serpentining Processional. However, so as to correctly complete the duties of the Acolyte, the directions for his duty are continued as above until he is able to return to his position in the Assembly. If the Meng Shan Rite is not performed, then these directions for the Acolyte are to be ignored. Also if the Meng Shan Rite has not been performed, the Evening Recitations are to be continued at this point.
Homage to Amitabha
PRECENTOR
And also to the Precious Form of Amitabha Buddha
ALL
His Thirty-two Marks and Unequaled Light and Virtue!
They are beyond all comparison!
The White Curled One Who Pervades the Five Mystical Mountains!
His Violet-eyed Purity Extends to the Four Seas!
His Inner Illumination has transformed Buddhas beyond number and counting,
And also transformed Bodhisattva Assemblies without number!
PURE LAND WRITING
Being a treatise on the Pure Land composed by Great Teacher T'zu-yun Ch'an chu - whose name means "Compassionate Clouds of Forgiveness"
The Assembly should be kneeling, with the mind calm and stilled
PRECENTOR
With Single-mindedness, we commit our lives
To the Pure Realm of Ultimate Joy, and
Amitabha Buddha,
Vowing that by means of the Pure Illumination that shines on us
And His Compassionate Vows, which include us,
That we now correctly reflect on
And invoke this Tathagata's Name
It is because of this Path of Bodhi-Wisdom
That we pray to be reborn in this Pure Land.
In Ancient Times this Buddha took Fundamental Vows, saying,
If there exist living beings
Who desire Rebirth in my land,
and are of determined mind and joyful faith,
Let them make Ten Reflections on me, and,
If they are not so reborn,
I will not take up my own Complete Enlightenment.
It is due to the reflecting on this Buddha's Causes
We can obtain and enter this Tathagata's
Great Oath Ocean Sea
And receive this Buddha's Compassionate Power
Which completely cuts off our assembled sins
And strengthens and lengthens our Good Roots
When we then approach the ends of our lives
And we know that our time has arrived
Our bodies will be beyond suffering
Our hearts will not be confused, and,
Our Thoughts will not be ''topsy-turvy"
Thus, we will enter into the Profound Samadhi
The Buddha and the Saintly Assembly
Will hold out their hands to us forming a Precious Platform
And they will come to greet us.
Then, in an instant of thought
One is reborn in the Land of Ultimate Joy
Where one's Lotus Blossom will open at the sight of a Buddha.
And one can then hear the Buddha's Vehicle
And from this begin a Buddha's Enlightenment.
The Great Salvation of All Living Beings
Is His Vast Vow of Bodhi-Wisdom!
ALL
The Great Salvation of All Living Beings Vast Vow of Bodhi-Wisdom! We vow to be reborn in the Western Region's Pure Land Where the Nine Kinds of Lotus Blossoms will be our fathers and mothers And when these Blossoms unfold at the sight of a Buddha, to become aware of the Birthless State, and, The Always Progressing Bodhisattvas will be our constant companions!
THE WESTERN REGION VOWS WRITING
A treatise by Great Teacher Yun Hsu, called "Cloud Rest"
The Assembly remains kneeling
ALL
We bow our bodies and heads to the Ease of Body Joy of Heart Western Realm And the Great Guiding Teacher who welcomes All Living Beings. Now, we also send forth our own vows, pledging to be reborn in His Land, and, He affirms our Vow by sending down to us His Compassion and Mercy!
Because of the activities of the Four Favors throughout the Three Existences of the Dharma Realm of All Living Beings, I, Disciple your name spoken here now pray to All Buddhas and their One Vehicle Path of Unsurpassed Bodhi-Wisdom. And, I remain wholeheartedly Mindful of the Great Name of Ten Thousand Merits: Amitabha Buddha, in the expectation of being Reborn in the Pure Land. Again, because my karma is heavy and my good fortune light, my obstacles deep and my wisdom shallow, my mind easily inflames and Pure Virtue difficult for me to perfect, at this moment, to the Buddha before me, I energetically raise the Five Members, open and unfold my heart and surrender myself in sincere confession and repentance.
I have had many rebirths, leading from early ages to this very moment, and, I know that the source of all illusions is the Pure Mind that indulges in greed, anger and delusion which contaminate and infect the Three Karmas without measure or limit. This has brought about impure sins which are also without measure or limit, and these bindings of oppressive karma I vow to completely cast-off and diminish from this moment on. I will manifest this solemn and profound oath and be absolutely separate from sinful doctrines so as to remain unchanged by them as I zealously cultivate the Holy Way. I vow not to retreat into laziness, I vow to perfect the Wisdom of a Buddha, and I vow to save all living beings.
The Power of Amitabha Buddha's Compassionate and Merciful Vow is my example, and He feels concern for us and sends us His Divine Protections as we sit in Right Meditation. Then, as if in a dream, we can obtain sight of Amitabha Buddha's Golden Colored Body and thus be inspired to be reborn in Amitabha Buddha's Precious Land where we will be consecrated with Amitabha Buddha's Sweet Dew Nectar and covered with the Illumination of Light and Wisdom. He will hold His Hand over our heads and His Robe will cloth our bodies. This vision causes me to personally remove my former karmic barriers and to increase my good roots so that Klesa will quickly become nonexistent and my ignorance suddenly destroyed as I attain the Complete Enlightenment Which Is Beyond Human Thought.
When awakened to this Calm and Illuminating region of reality, continual attainment is now present and continues to life's end. Foreknowledge is continual and the body is without obstructions caused by pain or illness, suffering or difficulties. The mind is without passion, desire, delusion or doubt, and from previous existences appear myriad good roots and Right Mindfulness that separates knowledge and abandons retribution, thus enabling entry into Ch'an Samadhi.
Amitabha Buddha, the Bodhisattvas Kuan Yin and Ta Shih Chih, and the Complete Assembly of the Holy Saints emit abiding illumination in welcome and reach out their hands to raise and guide us to the Lofty Pavilions where Pennants and Flags fly, rare Incense burns and Heavenly Musicians play. Before your eyes, see the Western Region's Sacred surrounding which cause all living beings to see and hear the Dharma, filling them with such gladness that all are moved to give praise and to send forth the Bodhi-Wisdom Mind.
In your time, I have taught the Diamond Vehicle and the Platform Vehicle, and now encourage descendants of the Buddha with this teaching: In a finger snap of time you can be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Joy, there to dwell in the center of a Surpassing Lotus Blossom in the Seven Precious Lakes. When this flower opens in the presence of a Buddha you will be able to see all the Bodhisattvas and to hear the Profound Dharma sounds which enable you to attain the patient state of Birthlessness, and from that moment on, you will also receive the merits created by the efforts of all the Bodhisattvas!
I, myself, am without the ability to foretell the future, but this prediction has already come to pass, and, the Threefold Body, the Four Forms of Wisdom, the Five Sorts of Vision, the Six Supernatural Powers and the Limitless Pervasive Merit of the One Hundred Thousand Dharani Gates are completely perfected as a result of this having happened.
Non-interfering with peaceful nourishment repays the Buddha for His Entering the World of Transmigration, which occurs by the use of His Beyond Thought or Description Sovereign Supernatural Power of appearing everywhere in the Ten Directions of the Universe within the same instant, and where He uses myriad Expedient Means to Save All Living Beings from the Wheel of Transmigration, commanding them to completely abandon pollution and return to their Fundamental Minds so that all will be reborn together in the Western Region's Pure Land and thus enter the State of Continual Progress without Regression.
This is the Great Vow:
As there are worlds without limit, and living beings without limit, Karma and Klesa without limit, so also is My Oath without limit!
Now we vow to worship the Buddha that sent forth this vow and thus cultivate and maintain the merit that repays this gift to all sentient beings. Thus also are the Four Favors completely repaid and the Three Existences equally depend upon this: The Universal Dharma Realm of All Living Beings Embracing Complete Omniscience!
With this Assembly, I now invoke and reflect on Amitabha Buddha, calling out this truly meritorious Buddha's name! O And I reflect on the enduring assistance given by His Compassionate, Merciful, Pitying Vow. It is due to this Vow that we are able to make this Confession and Repentance:
Now all bring their palms together
ALL
From the beginning, all evil karmas have been created by my greed, anger and delusion and have stemmed from my body, mouth and mind, bringing me to this present life. All of them I now completely Confess and Repent and vow that up to the very moment of my death I will cut off all obstructive barriers so that I will personally be able to see Amitabha Buddha and immediately be reborn in the "Ease of Body - Joy of Heart" Land. The merit from such a vow, end rebirth in the Gloriously Adorned Buddha's Pure Land is the superior repayment of the Four Favors and sends down salvation to the Three Paths of Suffering. If you can see or hear tines words, you should completely send forth the Bodhi-Wisdom Mind until this One Reward Body is exhausted so that all can together be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Joy!
The palms are released
In the Ten Directions and Three Realms, All Buddhas Bodhisattvas and Mahasattvas proclaim: The Great Wisdom That Carries to the Other Shore!
PU HSIEN'S WARNING TO THE ASSEMBLY
Plainsong
ALL
This day has come to an end And our lives have been thus shortened We are like fish running out of water how can there be any joy in this
PRECENTOR
Great Assembly! Be zealous in your advancement and pure progress! And to be saved from having a swelled head, be careful and do not slacken in moment after moment!
Now to the sound of the Ch'ing the Assembly brings together their palms and perform the Full Formal Prostration. All rise and perform WEN-HSUN.
THE THREE REFUGES
ALL
I commit myself to the Buddha and pray that all living beings
All Slowly begin a full prostration
Expound with their bodies the Great Way Sending forth the Unsurpassed Mind
All rise before the beginning of the next refuge
I commit myself to the Dharma
All Slowly begin a second full prostration
and pray that all living beings Enter the Profound Sutra Treasury of Knowledge and Wisdom as broad and the Ocean
All rise before the beginning of the next refuge
I commit myself to the Sangha
All Slowly begin the final full prostration
and pray that all living beings respond in unison as a Great Assembly that is Wholly Unhindered in Giving Homage to the Sacred Assembly
All rise completely and then perform the WEN-HSUN bow
In this way we offer the Three Refuges to permeate the Dharma and All Existences! If we do not remember these Three Refuges, it is certain that all our thoughts will be inferior!
ALL
Homage to the Western Region's Land of Ultimate Joy, and to the One for whom One Atom of His Body equals Five Great Mystical Mountains, for whom One Tear from His Eye is the same as the Four Great Oceans, and in whom the Eighty-four Thousand Marks and Signs Emit the Wisdom Illumination; He who has given the Forty-eight Vows that welcome and guide, the Great Teacher: Amitabha Buddha!
PRECENTOR
The Evening Recitations are concluded!
All face the Altar and give WEN-HSUN, but remain in place as the Precentor continues:
Note: The Tai Tsang Text ends after the PRECENTOR declares that the Evening Recitations are ended, but the modern texts and common practice indicate that the following sections were widely used as additions to the standard text.
HYMN OF PRAISE TO AMITABHA
PRECENTOR
Let us now sing the Praises of Amitabha Buddha!
Then the Duty Distributing Monk takes up the small wooden fish to his breast so that he can keep time and all assembled stand with their hands in the position of salutation and give three bows before turning to face the East and beginning the first verse. After each verse is sung, all turn to the West and repeat the same verse, repeating the pattern for all four verses.
EAST ROW
Homage to the Amitabha Buddha
WEST ROW
Homage to the Amitabha Buddha
EAST ROW
Homage to the Cries of the Word Regarding Kuan Yin Bodhisattva
WEST ROW
Homage to the Cries of the Word Regarding Kuan Yin Bodhisattva
EAST ROW
Homage to Mahasthama Bodhisattva
WEST ROW
Homage to Mahasthama Bodhisattva
EAST ROW
Homage to Pure Clear Great Ocean Assembly of Bodhisattvas
WEST ROW
Homage to Pure Clear Great Ocean Assembly of Bodhisattvas
Now all turn to face the Altar and perform WEN-HSUN Bow
PRECENTOR
The Giving of Humble Praise and the Offering of Solemn Vows has been completed. We have also given Homage to the Three Precious Ones and taken the Three Precious Refuges. Because this has perfectly transformed our bodies, we can now say:
ALL
Give Praise to the Sangharama Sage Assembly of Bodhisattvas!
Give Praise to the Sangharama Sage Assembly of Bodhisattvas!
Give Praise to the Sangharama Sage Assembly of Bodhisattvas!
Now all bring their palms together in the position of salutation and recite the Great Compassionate Mantra
PRECENTOR
The Dharani of the Thousand Hand, Thousand Eyed Great Compassionate Hearted One!
ALL
Give Praise to the Three Treasures!
Give Praise to the Great Bodhisattva-Mahasattva Kuan Yin!
To the Great Compassionate One, AUM!
He who has leaped beyond all fears!
I take refuge, praising Him, in the sure hope that I will be taken into the Heart of the Blue-Necked Noble, Greatly Venerated Kuan Yin!
His is the Perfect Completion; His is the Pure State that brings Victory and clears obstructions from the Path!
AUM! To the Introspecting World Overcoming One! The Great Lion!
The Great Bodhisattva!
All, all is defilement, defilement! The World, world!
Do, do the work! Hold, hold fast to the Great Victory!
I hold, hold on to Indra the Creator!
Move, moving my defilement free one! Come and hear, hear!
Joy springs up in me! Speak, speak and direct me!
Like the trampling of elephants on the earth!
Like the trampling of elephants causing it to tremble!
Going, Going! Auspicious! Auspicious! The Excellent, Excellent One Is awakened, I have awakened The Merciful One! The Blue Necked One! The Daring and Successful One! The Joyous One!
He who has attained a Mastery of Discipline, Hail!
He of the Blue Neck, Hail!
He the Lion Head and Faced One, Hail!
He the Weapon Handed One, Hail!
He the Wheel Handed One, Hail!
He the Lotus Handed One, Hail!
He the Blue-Necked One of Far-reaching Causes, Hail!
He the Beneficent One Who Is Named in this Mystic Formula, Hail!
(a)
He of the Diamond-Thunderbolt Surpassing Glory, Hail!
He of the Constellation Surpassing Glory, Hail!
He of the Small Vehicle Surpassing Glory, Hail! AUM!
We honor the words of this Holy One Who Bestows Virtue, Hail!
I give praise to the Three Precious Ones!
I give praise to Kuan Yin, Hail!
May there be success from this Mystical Incantation! Svaha!
(a) This section's four lines are added so that it will be in accord with the ancient principle as recorded in the Great Compassionate Sutra and is required to insure success according to Great Teacher Yun Hsi (note: some of the newer versions lack this supplement and the verses)
Now the entire Assembly makes Three Formal Prostrations to the sound of the Ch'ing. as the Precentor recites:
PRECENTOR
Thus the Sangharama has been praised and we offer the merit of this recitation for its benefit.
When the Three Prostrations are completed, the Eastern and Western Ranks turn to face each other. They place there palms together at the position of salutation and then offer the WEN-HSUN Bow. The hands are then released.
The Evening recitations are now ended and all now file out of the Great Shrine Hall unless there are additional Rites to be held.
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