From the Larger Pure Land Sutra, Tr. D. Braizer
Your radiant face,
Like a mountain peak catching the first burst of morning light
Has awesome and
Unequalled majesty.
Like black ink by comparison
Are the sun, the moon, or the “mani” treasure.
Tathagata,
Such is your incomparable face.
The melody of your enlightenment
Fills the world
Rare and precious are your precepts,
Learning, energy, meditation,
Wisdom and amazing virtue.
The oceanic Dharma of all Buddhas
Which you fathom to its deepest depths
Dispels the 3 poisons from the heart –
You are like a lion:
Valiant and divinely pure.
Great power! Deep wisdom!
Awesome light! Reverberation!
A prayer I make, a Buddha to become
Equal to you, my Dharma king,
To lead all beings to the other shore
Leaving none behind.
The six paramitas to perfect
With prajna at their head.
Should I become Buddha:
I will fulfil this prayer completely:
To everyone I’ll bring great peace.
To Buddhas countless as sand grains
My offerings I make,
And do not flinch from the trials of the incomparable Way,
Powerful, straight and true.
Though Buddha lands and worldly realms
Be numberless like sand,
By sheer power of aspiration
I’ll fill them all with light.
Let me become a Buddha
And the multitude of beings
Will all enjoy my primordial Nirvana world.
By indiscriminate compassion
I will enlighten all.
Reborn here from no matter where
In my country their hearts will lighten and be joyful,
Happy and at ease.
Oh you Buddha, witness my vow,
My true aspiration,
Establishing my vow on you
Gives me the strength to fulfil it.
Buddhas throughout space and time
Of unimpeded wisdom
Always witness my heart’s practice.
No matter the obstacles, the hardships,
My practice will endure
Through all,
Without regret.
TAN BUTSU GE