The Nine Grades of Rebirth 九品往生
Introduction
The Nine Grades of Rebirth were first introduced by Shakyamuni Buddha in The Buddha Speaks of the Visualisation of the Buddha of Infinite Life Sutra (or, simply, the Visualisation Sutra). We learn from the Visualisation Sutra that Prince Ajatasattu usurped the throne of his father, King Bimbisara, and then had him imprisoned. He later forced Queen Vaidehi, his mother, into solitary confinement after discovering that she had been secretly bringing the king food and drink. In her agony and desperation, Queen Vaidehi beseeched the Buddha to teach her how to visualise a place of pure karma, free from all suffering and distress. In response, the Buddha expounded this sutra to her. Out of the countlessly many splendid Buddha-lands that the Buddha displayed to her, Queen Vaidehi chose Amitabha Buddha’s Land of Ultimate Bliss. Accordingly, the Buddha instructed her in sixteen visualisations to guide her towards rebirth in that Pure Land.
The visualisations of the highest, middle, and lowest grades of rebirth make up three of the sixteen visualisations that the Buddha teaches in the Visualisation Sutra. However, even for Pure Land practitioners who do not practise visualisation, the teaching of the Nine Grades of Rebirth offers very important guidance on how to cultivate in order to successfully attain rebirth in the Pure Land and perhaps even achieve a higher level of rebirth.
Namo Amitabha Buddha!
Namo Amituofo! 南无阿弥陀佛！
-
南无本师释迦牟尼佛 (三称)
Namo Fundamental Teacher
Shakyamuni Buddha (three times)
南无阿弥陀佛 (三称)
Namo Amitabha Buddha (three times)
开经偈
无上甚深微妙法, 百千万劫难遭遇。
我今见闻得受持, 愿解如来真实义。
Sutra Opening Verse
The unsurpassed, profound, subtle and wondrous Dharma
Is rarely encountered in hundreds of thousands of millions of kalpas.
I now see and hear it, receive and uphold it,
May we understand the true meaning of the Tathagata.
南无莲池海会佛菩萨 (三称)
Namo Lotus Pond Ocean-wide Assembly of
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas (three times)
-
佛说观无量寿佛经
之
九品往生
The Nine Grades of Rebirth
from
the Visualisation Sutra
(The most important chapter of the Visualisation Sutra for Pure Land practitioners)
刘宋西域三藏法师畺良耶舍 译
Based on the Chinese text translated by Tripitaka Master Kālayaśas
from the Western Regions during the Liu-Song Dynasty
上品往生
The Highest Grade of Rebirth
(i) 上品上生 The Highest Level of the Highest Grade
佛告阿难，及韦提希：“上品上生者，若有众生愿生彼国者，发三种心，即便往生。何等为三? 一者至诚心，二者深心，三者回向发愿心; 具三心者，必生彼国。”
The Buddha said to Ananda and Vaidehi, “For those in the highest level of the highest grade of rebirth: if there are sentient beings who wish to be born in that Land, they should awaken the three kinds of minds, and they will be reborn there. What are the three? The first is the mind of utmost sincerity; the second is the mind of deep faith; and the third is the mind which vows for rebirth by transferring merit. Those who possess these three minds will certainly be reborn in that Land.
“复有三种众生，当得往生。何等为三? 一者慈心不杀，具诸戒行; 二者读诵 大乘，方等经典; 三者修行六念。回向发愿，愿生彼国; 具此功德，一日乃至七日，即得往生。”
Also, there are three kinds of beings who will be reborn there. Who are the three? First are the compassionate ones who refrain from killing and observe the various precepts; second are those who read and recite the Mahayana Vaipulya sutras; and third are those who cultivate the six kinds of mindfulness. They should transfer this merit and vow to be reborn in that Land. By accomplishing this merit for one day or for up to seven days, they will attain rebirth.
“生彼国时，此人精进勇猛故，阿弥陀如来，与观世音，大势至，无数化佛，百千比丘，声闻大众，无量诸天，七宝宫殿，观世音菩萨，执金刚台，与大势至菩萨，至行者前，阿弥陀佛放大光明，照行者身，与菩萨授手迎接。观世音，大势至，与无数菩萨，赞叹行者，劝进其心。”
When such a person is about to be born in that Land, because he has been diligent and vigorous, Amitabha Tathagata will appear together with Avalokiteshvara, Mahasthamaprapta, countless transformed Buddhas, hundreds of thousands of bhikshus and Śrāvakas, countless heavenly beings, and seven-jewelled palaces. Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, holding a diamond platform, and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva will approach the practitioner. Amitabha Buddha will emit a great light to illuminate the practitioner’s body and, together with the Bodhisattvas, will offer a welcoming hand. Avalokiteshvara, Mahasthamaprapta, and countless other Bodhisattvas will then praise the practitioner and tell him to be more diligent.
“行者见已，欢喜踊跃，自见其身，乘金刚台，随从佛后，如弹指顷，往生彼国。”
Upon seeing this, the practitioner will jump with joy and bliss. He will see himself sit atop the diamond platform and will follow after the Buddha. In a fingersnap, he will be reborn in that Land.
“生彼国已，见佛色身，众相具足; 见诸菩萨，色相具足; 光明宝林，演说妙法。闻已，即悟无生法忍。经须臾间，历事诸佛，遍十方界，于诸佛前，次第授记，还至本国，得无量百千陀罗尼门。”
Once reborn in that Land, the practitioner will see the Buddha’s body, perfectly endowed with the myriad characteristics. He will also see the Bodhisattvas, perfectly endowed with the physical characteristics. The radiant jewelled forests will proclaim the wondrous Dharma, and upon hearing it, the practitioner will instantly realise the Endurance of the Non-arising of Dharmas. In an instant, he will visit and venerate all the Buddhas throughout the ten directions, receive predictions of Buddhahood from each Buddha in succession, return to Amitabha Buddha’s Land, and attain countless hundreds of thousands of Dharani-gates.
“是名上品上生者。”
This is called sentient beings in the highest level of the highest grade of rebirth.
(ii) 上品中生 The Middle Level of the Highest Grade
“上品中生者，不必受持读诵方等经典。善解义趣，于第一义，心不惊动，深信因果，不谤大乘，以此功德回向，愿求生极乐。”
Beings in the middle level of the highest grade of rebirth do not necessarily need to uphold, read, and recite the Vaipulya sutras. However, they should be able to fully understand their meaning. Upon hearing the highest truth, their minds should not be perplexed or shaken. They should deeply believe in the law of cause and effect and refrain from slandering the Mahayana. They should transfer this merit and vow to be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss.
“行此行者，命欲终时，阿弥陀佛，与观世音，大势至，无量大众，眷属围绕，持紫金台，至行者前，赞言：‘法子! 汝行大乘，解第一义，是故我今来迎接汝!’ 与千化佛，一时授手。”
When the life of such a practitioner is about to end, Amitabha Buddha, together with Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta, and countless beings and relatives will surround the practitioner. Holding a purple-gold platform, they will approach the practitioner and praise him, saying: ‘Dharma son, you have practised the Mahayana and have understood the highest truth. For this reason, we have now come to welcome you.’ Amitabha Buddha and thousands of transformed Buddhas will then offer their welcoming hands.
“行者自见坐紫金台，合掌叉手，赞叹诸佛，如一念顷，即生彼国。七宝池中，此紫金台，成大莲华，经宿则开。”
The practitioner will see himself seated on the purple-gold platform, and, with palms pressed together, he will praise the Buddhas. In the instant of a thought, he will immediately be reborn in that Land. In the seven-jewelled lotus pond, the purple-gold platform will become a huge lotus, which will open after one night.
“行者身作紫磨金色，足下亦有七宝莲华，佛及菩萨，俱时放光，照行者身，目即开明，因前宿习，普闻众声，纯说甚深第一义谛。即下金台，礼佛合掌，赞叹世尊。”
The practitioner's body will be of purple-gold colour, and there will also be a seven-jewelled lotus under his feet. The Buddha and Bodhisattvas will all emit light, illuminating the practitioner's body. His eyes will open and clarity will arise. Due to his past practice, he will hear all sounds purely proclaiming the profound Ultimate Truth. He will then descend from the golden platform, pay homage to the Buddha with palms joined, and praise the World-Honoured One.
“经于七日，应时即于阿耨多罗三藐三菩提，得不退转。应时即能飞行，遍至十方，历事诸佛。于诸佛所修诸三昧，经一小劫，得无生忍，现前授记。”
After seven days have passed, the practitioner will immediately attain the stage of non-regression on the path to annutara-samyak-sambodhi. Instantly, he will be capable of flying in the ten directions to visit and venerate all the Buddhas. He will cultivate all kinds of samadhis in all the places of the Buddhas. After one small kalpa has passed, the practitioner will attain the Endurance of the Non-arising, and he will receive a prediction for his future Buddhahood.
“是名上品中生者。”
This is called sentient beings in the middle level of the highest grade of rebirth.
(iii) 上品下生 The Lowest Level of the Highest Grade
“上品下生者，亦信因果，不谤大乘，但发无上道心，以此功德回向，愿求生极乐国。”
Beings in the lowest level of the highest grade of rebirth are those who believe in the law of cause and effect, do not slander the Mahayana, and generate unsurpassed bodhicitta. They should transfer this merit and vow to be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss.
“行者命欲终时，阿弥陀佛，及观世音、大势至、与诸菩萨，持金莲华，化作五百佛，来迎此人。五百化佛，一时授手，赞言：‘法子! 汝今清净，发无上道心，我来迎汝!’”
When the life of such a practitioner is about to end, Amitabha Buddha, together with Avalokiteshvara, Mahasthamaprapta, and other Bodhisattvas, carrying a golden lotus, will transform into five hundred transformed Buddhas to welcome this person. These five hundred transformed Buddhas will extend their hands to the person, praising him with these words: ‘Dharma son, you are now pure, having generated unsurpassed bodhicitta, and so we have come to receive you.’
“见此事时，即自见身坐金莲华，坐已华合，随世尊后，即得往生七宝池中，一日一夜，莲华乃开，七日之中，乃得见佛。虽见佛身，于众相好，心不明了，于三七日后，乃了了见。闻众音声，皆演妙法，游历十方，供养诸佛，于诸佛前，闻甚深法。经三小劫，得百法明门，住欢喜地。”
After seeing these things, the practitioner will see himself seated on the golden lotus, which will then close and follow the World-Honoured One. Immediately, the practitioner will attain rebirth in the seven-jewelled lotus pond. After one day and one night, the lotus will open, and then within seven days, the practitioner will be able to see the Buddha. Although he will see the Buddha’s body, his mind will not understand all the great signs, but after three weeks he will understand them clearly. He will hear many sounds, all proclaiming the wondrous Dharma. He will be able to travel in the ten directions and make offerings to all the Buddhas, and in the presence of all the Buddhas he will hear the most profound Dharma. After three small kalpas have passed, he will attain the Dharma-gate that Illuminates the Hundred Dharmas and abide in the Stage of Joy.
“是名上品下生者，是名上辈生想，名第十四观。”
This is called sentient beings in the lowest level of the highest grade of rebirth. This is called the visualisation of the highest grade of rebirth, the fourteenth visualisation.”
中品往生
The Middle Grade of Rebirth
(i) 中品上生 The Highest Level of the Middle Grade
佛告阿难，及韦提希：“中品上生者，若有众生，受持五戒，持八戒齐，修行诸戒，不造五逆，无众过患，以此善根，回向愿求，生于西方极乐世界。”
The Buddha said to Ananda and Vaidehi, “For those in the highest level of the middle grade of rebirth: if there are sentient beings who uphold the five precepts, uphold the eight precepts, cultivate the various precepts, do not commit the Five Grave Offences, and are free from all faults, they should transfer all these good roots and vow to attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
“临命终时，阿弥陀佛，与诸比丘，眷属围绕，放金色光，至其人所，演说苦、空、无常、无我，赞叹出家，得离众苦。”
Near the time of death, Amitabha Buddha, together with many bhikshus and relatives, will surround this person. Amitabha Buddha will emit golden light and approach this person, expounding the teachings of suffering, emptiness, impermanence, and non-self, and praising the monastic life which enables one to be free from all suffering.
“行者见已，心大欢喜，自见己身，坐莲华台，长跪合掌，为佛作礼，未举头顷，即得往生极乐世界。”
Upon seeing this, the practitioner's heart will be filled with bliss, and he will see himself seated on a lotus platform. Kneeling down with his palms pressed together, he will bow to the Buddha, and before he can even lift his head, he will instantly attain rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss.
“莲华寻开，当华敷时，闻众音声赞叹四谛，应时即得阿罗汉道。三明六通，具八解脱。”
The lotus will open, and he will hear many sounds praising the Four Noble Truths. Instantly, the practitioner will attain the fruit of an Arhat, acquire the three insights and the six supernatural powers, and realise the eight liberations.
“是名中品上生者。”
This is called sentient beings in the highest level of the middle grade of rebirth.
(ii) 中品中生 The Middle Level of the Middle Grade
“中品中生者，若有众生，若一日一夜，持八戒齐; 若一日一夜，持沙弥戒; 若一日一夜，持具足戒; 威仪无缺，以此功德回向愿求生极乐国。”
For those in the middle level of the middle grade of rebirth: if there are sentient beings who, for one day and one night, uphold the eight precepts, or for one day and one night uphold the śrāmaṇera precepts, or for one day and one night uphold the complete monastic precepts, with no flaw in their conduct, they should transfer this merit and vow to attain rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss.
“戒香熏修。如此行者，命欲终时，见阿弥陀佛，与诸眷属，放金色光，持七宝莲华，至行者前，行者自闻空中有声，赞言: ‘善男子! 如汝善人，随顺三世诸佛教法，我来迎汝!’ 行者自见，坐莲华上。莲华即合，生于西方极乐世界。”
Permeated with the fragrance of these precepts, such a practitioner, when his life is about to end, will see Amitabha Buddha, together with many relatives, emitting golden light and holding a seven-jewelled lotus, approach him. The practitioner will hear a voice from the sky, praising him with these words: ‘Good man! Since you, a virtuous person, have followed the teachings of all the Buddhas of the three times, I have come to welcome you.’ The practitioner will see himself sitting on the lotus. The lotus will then close, and he will be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
“在宝池中，经于七日，莲华乃敷。华既敷已，开目合掌，赞叹世尊，闻法欢喜，得须陀洹，无半劫已，成阿罗汉。”
In the jewelled pond, after seven days have passed, the lotus will open. After the lotus opens, the practitioner will open his eyes and press his palms together, praising the World-Honoured One. After hearing the Dharma, he will be filled with joy and attain the fruit of a Śrotāpanna. Then, after half a kalpa, he will attain the fruit of an Arhat.
“是名中品中生者。”
This is called sentient beings in the middle level of the middle grade of rebirth.
(iii) 中品下生 The Lowest Level of the Middle Grade
“中品下生者，若有善男子，善女人，孝养父母，行世仁慈，此人命欲终时，遇善知识，为其广说阿弥陀佛，国土乐事，亦说法藏比丘，四十八愿。”
For those in the lowest level of the middle grade of rebirth: if there are good men or good women who attend dutifully to their parents and act with benevolence in the world, when the life of such a person is about to end, he may encounter a good advisor who will teach him about Amitabha Buddha and the joyful things in His Land of Ultimate Bliss, and who will also speak about the Forty-eight Great Vows of Bhikṣu Dharmakara.
闻此事已，寻即命终。譬如壮士，屈伸臂顷，即生西方极乐世界。”
After hearing these things, this person’s life will soon end. And as quickly as it takes a strong man to bend and extend his arm, he will immediately be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
“经七日已，遇观世音，及大势至，闻法欢喜，得须陀洹，过一小劫，成阿罗汉。”
Seven days after his rebirth, he will encounter the Bodhisattvas Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta. Upon hearing the Dharma, he will be filled with joy and attain the fruit of a Srotāpanna. Then, after one small kalpa, he will attain the fruit of an Arhat.
“是名中品下生者。是名中辈生想，名第十五观。”
This is called sentient beings in the lowest level of the middle grade of rebirth. This is called the visualisation of the middle grade of rebirth, the fifteenth visualisation.”
下品往生
The Lowest Grade of Rebirth
(i) 下品上生 The Highest Level of the Lowest Grade
佛告阿难及韦提希：“下品上生者，或有众生作众恶业，虽不诽谤方等经典，如此愚人，多造恶法，无有惭愧，命欲终时，遇善知识，为说大乘十二部经首题名字，以闻如是诸经名故，除却千劫极重恶业。智者复教合掌叉手，称南无阿弥陀佛，称佛名故，除五十亿劫生死之罪。”
The Buddha said to Ananda and Vaidehi, “For those in the highest level of the lowest grade of rebirth: there are sentient beings who commit many evil acts. Although they do not slander the Vaipulya sutras, such foolish people perform many evil deeds, yet feel no remorse. When the life of such a person is about to end, he may encounter a good advisor who will tell him the names and titles of Mahayana scriptures in the twelve categories. By hearing the names of these scriptures, he will eliminate the extremely heavy evil karma of a thousand kalpas. The good advisor may also teach him to join his palms and recite 'Namo Amitabha Buddha.' By reciting the Buddha's Name, he will eliminate the karma that would bind him to birth and death for five billion kalpas.
“尔时彼佛，即遣化佛，化观世音，化大势至，至行者前，赞言：‘善男子! 以汝称佛名故，诸罪消灭，我来迎汝! ’作是语已，行者即见化佛光明，遍满其室，见已欢喜，即便命终，乘宝莲华，随化佛后，生宝池中。经七七日，莲华乃敷。”
At that time, the Buddha will send a transformed Buddha, a transformed Avalokiteshvara, and a transformed Mahasthamaprapta to appear before the practitioner and praise him, saying: ‘Good man! Because you have recited the Buddha’s Name, your evil karma has been eliminated. We have come to welcome you.’ After these words are spoken, the practitioner will immediately see the light of the transformed Buddha permeate the room. Upon seeing this, the practitioner will be filled with joy, and his life will then come to an end. He will ride atop a jewelled lotus, following behind the transformed Buddha, and be reborn in the jewelled pond. After seven weeks, the lotus will open.
“当华敷时，大悲观世音菩萨，及大势至菩萨，放大光明，住其人前，为说甚深十二部经。闻已信解，发无上道心，经十小劫，具百法明门，得入初地。”
When the lotus opens, the greatly compassionate Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva will emit great bright light and stand before this person, expounding to him the profound scriptures of the twelve categories. Upon hearing these teachings, he will believe in and understand them, and he will generate unsurpassed bodhicitta. After ten small kalpas, he will attain the Dharma-gate that Illuminates the Hundred Dharmas and enter into the first Bodhisattva ground.
“是名下品上生者。”
This is called sentient beings in the highest level of the lowest grade of rebirth.”
(ii) 下品中生 The Middle Level of the Lowest Grade
佛告阿难，及韦提希：“下品中生者，或有众生，毁犯五戒，八戒，及具足戒，如此愚人，偷僧祗物，盗现前僧物，不净说法，无有惭愧。以诸恶业，而自庄严。如此罪人，以恶业故，应堕地狱，命欲终时，地狱众火，一时俱至。”
The Buddha said to Ananda and Vaidehi, “For those in the middle level of the lowest grade of rebirth: there are sentient beings who violate the five precepts, the eight precepts, and the complete monastic precepts. Such a foolish person steals the property of the Sangha, takes the possessions of the monks, and preaches the Dharma with impure intent, all without any remorse, adorning himself with (priding himself on) all these evil deeds. Such an evil person shall fall into hell due to his evil karma. When his life is about to end, the fires of hell will appear before him all at once.
“遇善知识，以大慈悲，即为赞说阿弥陀佛，十力威德，广赞彼佛，光明神力，亦赞戒定慧，解脱，解脱知见; 此人闻已，除八十亿劫生死之罪，地狱猛火化为清凉，风吹诸天华，华上皆有化佛菩萨，迎接此人。”
However, he may encounter a good advisor who, with great compassion, will immediately praise and explain to him Amitabha Buddha and His ten powers and majestic virtue, extensively praise the Buddha for His light and transcendental powers, and further praise the precepts, concentration, wisdom, liberation, and the knowledge and insight into liberation. When this person has heard these teachings, the evil karma that would bind him to birth and death for eight billion kalpas will be eliminated. The fires of hell will transform into a cool breeze, on which will float heavenly flowers. On top of the flowers will sit transformed Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, who have come to welcome this person.
“如一念顷，即得往生七宝池中，莲华之内，经于六劫，莲华乃敷。观世音，大势至，以梵音声，安慰彼人，为说大乘甚深经典。闻此法已，应时即发无上道心。”
In the instant of a thought, he will attain rebirth in the seven-jewelled lotus pond. He will remain in the lotus for six kalpas, after which it will open. Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta will comfort this person with their Brahma voices and then expound to him the profound Mahayana sutras. Upon hearing this Dharma, this person will instantly generate unsurpassed bodhicitta.
“是名下品中生者。”
This is called sentient beings in the middle level of the lowest grade of rebirth.”
(iii) 下品下生 The Lowest Level of the Lowest Grade
佛告阿难，及韦提希：“下品下生者，或有众生，作不善业，五逆十恶，具诸不善，如此愚人，以恶业故，应堕恶道，经历多劫，受苦无穷。”
The Buddha said to Ananda and Vaidehi, “For those in the lowest level of the lowest grade of rebirth: there are sentient beings who commit evil karma, including the Five Grave Offences and the Ten Evil Deeds, and are possessed of all kinds of evil qualities. Such a foolish person, due to his evil karma, shall fall into evil realms for many kalpas and endure endless suffering.
“如此愚人，临命终时，遇善知识，种种安慰，为说妙法，教令念佛，彼人苦逼，不遑念佛; 善友告言：‘汝若不能念彼佛者，应称无量寿佛，如是至心，令声不绝，具足十念，称南无阿弥陀佛。’ 称佛名故，所念念中，除八十亿劫生死之罪。”
When his life is about to end, this foolish person may encounter a good advisor who will comfort him in various ways, expound the wondrous Dharma to him, and teach him to be mindful of the Buddha (Amitabha). That person, tormented by suffering, will be unable to be mindful of the Buddha. The good advisor will then tell him, ‘If you cannot be mindful of the Buddha, then you should recite the Name of the Buddha of Infinite Life. With a sincere heart and without stopping, recite Namo Amitabha Buddha ten times.’ Because this person recites the Buddha’s Name, with every recitation, the evil karma that would bind him to birth and death for eight billion kalpas will be eliminated.
“命终之时，见金莲华，犹如日轮，住其人前，如一念顷，即得往生极乐世界。”
At the time of death, this person will see a golden lotus, like the sun, appear in front of him. In the instant of a thought, he will immediately attain rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss.
“于莲华中，满十二大劫，莲华方开，观世音，大势至，以大悲音声，为其广说诸法实相，除灭罪法。闻已欢喜，应时即发菩提之心。”
He will remain in the lotus for twelve great kalpas, after which the lotus will open. Then, Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta, with their greatly compassionate voices, will expound to this person the true nature of all dharmas, eliminating his evil karma. Upon hearing this, the person will be filled with joy and instantly generate bodhicitta.
“是名下品下生者。是名下辈生想，名第十六观。”
This is called sentient beings in the lowest level of the lowest grade of rebirth. This is called the visualisation of the lowest grade of rebirth, the sixteenth visualisation.”
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往生咒 (拔一切业障根本得生净土陀罗尼)
Rebirth Mantra
(The Dharani for Removing the Roots of All Karmic
Obstacles and Attaining Rebirth in the Pure Land)
南无阿弥多婆夜 哆他伽多夜 哆地夜他 阿弥利都婆毗
阿弥利哆 悉耽婆毗
阿弥唎哆 毗迦兰帝
阿弥唎哆 毗迦兰多
伽弥腻 伽伽那 枳多迦利 娑婆诃
Romanized Sanskrit:
namo amitābhāya tathāgatāya
tadyathā amṛtod-bhave
amṛta-siddhaṃ bhave
amṛta-vikrānte
amṛta-vikrānta
gāmine gagana kīrta-kare svāhā
English:
Adoration to the Exalted one of Infinite Light
namely: Oh! Nectar-producing one!
Nectar-creation-perfecting one!
Nectar-miracle one!
(he) performs miracle with nectar,
he makes (nectar) glory in sky,
All Hail!
赞佛偈
In Praise of Amitabha
阿弥陀佛身金色，相好光明无等伦。
白毫宛转五须弥，绀目澄清四大海。
光中化佛无数亿，化菩萨众亦无边。
四十八愿度众生，九品咸令登彼岸。
Amitabha Buddha's body is golden in hue,
His marks and radiance are beyond compare.
The urna between his brows coils like five Sumerus,
His deep blue eyes are as clear as the four great oceans.
Within his light appear countless transformation Buddhas,
And innumerable Bodhisattvas manifest as well.
With forty-eight great vows he rescues all sentient beings,
Leading them to the other shore through the Nine Grades of rebirth.
三皈依
Three Refuges
自皈依佛，当愿众生，体解大道，发无上心。
自皈依法，当愿众生，深入经藏，智慧如海。
自皈依僧，当愿众生，统理大众，一切无碍，和南圣众。
I take refuge in the Buddha. May all living beings
understand the great path and generate the
unsurpassed Bodhicitta.
I take refuge in the Dharma. May all living beings enter
deeply into the treasury of the sutras, with wisdom as
deep as the sea.
I take refuge in the Sangha. May all living beings guide
the masses without obstacles, to pay homage to the
assembly of sages.
普贤菩萨十大愿
Ten Great Practices and Vows of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra
一者礼敬诸佛。二者称赞如来。三者广修供养。四者忏悔业
障。五者随喜功德。六者请转法轮。七者请佛住世。八者常随
佛学。九者恒顺众生。十者普皆回向。
First, to pay homage to all Buddhas;
Second, to praise the Tathagatas;
Third, to extensively cultivate making offerings
Fourth, to repent of karmic obstacles;
Fifth, to rejoice in others’ merit;
Sixth, to request the turning of the Dharma Wheel;
Seventh, to invite the Buddhas to remain in the world;
Eighth, to constantly follow and learn from the Buddhas;
Ninth, to constantly accord with living beings;
Tenth, to universally transfer all merit.
功德回向
Merit Transfer
愿生西方净土中
九品莲花为父母
花开见佛悟无生
不退菩萨为伴侣
May we be born in the Western Pure Land,
Have the nine grade lotuses as our parents.
When the lotuses open, we will see the Buddha
and realise the truth of non-arising,
With Non-regressing Bodhisattvas as our companions.
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