A scroll of showing the image of the Buddha.

About JUSEIGE

The gatha JUSEIGE comes from "The Larger Sutra of Immeasurable Life". In that sutra the Bodhisattva Dharmakara, who becomes the Amida Buddha, declares to the Buddha Lokeshvararaja his intentions to become a Buddha himself.The Three Sacred Vows, refer to Dharmakara's pledge to:1) Establish the most incomparable Vow in the world,2) Become a great provider and save the poor and suffering,3) Attain Buddhahood and have his Name heard throughout the ten quarters.

THREE SACRED VOWS
translation of JUSEIGE

Thus spoke Bodhisattva Dharmakara: 

 I establish the Vows unexcelled, 
And reach the Highest Path, Bodhi, 
Were these Vows unfulfilled, 
I would never attain Enlightenment. 

I will be the great provider, 
Throughout innumerable kalpas, 
Should I fail to save all in need, 
I would never attain Enlightenment. 

Upon my attaining Enlightenment, 
If my Name were not heard anywhere, 
In the ten quarters of the universe, 
I would never attain Enlightenment. 

Practicing the Holy Way -- selflessness, 
Depth in right reflection and pure wisdom, 
Aspiring toward the highest path, 
I will be the teacher of devas and men. 

My wondrous power by its great light, 
Brightens the countless lands throughout, 
Removes the darkness of the three defilements, 
And delivers all from suffering and pain. 

Opening the eyes of Wisdom, 
I will end this darkness of ignorance. 
Blocking all the paths of evil, 
I will open the gate to Attainment. 

Having attained Buddhahood untainted, 
My august air shall illumine the ten quarters. 
The sun and the moon being outshone, 
The celestial lights shall hide in shame. 

I will open the Dharma-storehouse 
And bestow upon all the treasure of my virtues. 
Constantly going among the masses, 
I will preach the Dharma with a lion's roar. 

Paying homage to all the Buddhas, 
I will be endowed with all virtues. 
Vows and Wisdom completely realized, 
I will be master of the three worlds. 

As Buddha's wisdom unimpeded 
Has no place its light cannot reach, 
So my power of Merit and Wisdom 
Shall be equal to the Honored One's. 

If my vows be certainly fulfilled, 
May this whole universe quake. 
And may the host of devas 
Rain wondrous blossoms from the sky.