Lotus Sutra Teachings and Translation
The following is an original, English translation of the "Verse in Proclamation of the Buddha" (Nyorai Juryou Honge) from the Wonderfully Proclaimed Lotus Sutra (Myo-Hou Renge Kyou):
The translation is preceded line-by-line (102 lines within the verse) with the linguistic pronunciation (shown in brown) of the Japanese kanji as written in roman characters (long characters are annotated with dashes {-} following vowels):
MYOU HOU RENGE KYOU NYORAI JYURYOU HOUGEN
THE WONDERFULLY-PROCLAIMED LOTUS SUTRA
THE VERSE IN PROCLAMATION OF THE BUDDHA
Ji- Ge- Toku Burrai
For it is the Buddha who may explain to us how we may be as the Buddha (Thus, have I heard...)
Sho- Kyou Sho Kou Sha-
Within a place designated for the propagation of the Dharma,
Mu- Ryou Hyaku Sen Man
Innumerable, more than hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands of
Oku Sai A- Sou Gi-
The Buddha`s disciples did gather (to hear)
Jyou Seppou Kyou Ge-
The Dharma (which was preached) throughout all times.
Mu- Shu- Oku Shy- Jyou
For the sake of bringing innumerable sentient beings into enlightenment,
Ryou Nyuu O- Buddou
(The Wondrous One) did enter the Dharma Path
Ni- Rai Mu- Ryou Kou
Forever has the Buddha possessed such immeasurable Mind
I- Do- Shu- Jyou Ko-
A ferry to bring across Sentient Beings,
Hou Ben Gen Ne- Han
Displaying the expedient means of attaining enlightenment
Ni- Jitsu Fu- Metsu Do-
And not enslaving oneself to the return of the Wheel.
Jyou Jyuu Shi- Seppou
(The Buddha), eternally residing in this (state), propounding the Dharma,
Ga- Jyou Jyuu O- Shi
We also have been existing in this same (state).
The verses translated have been adapted from two Japanese volumes dealing with the Lotus Sutra; The Tendai Sutra Collection and The Teachings of the Lotus Sutra, both Japanese originals.
The verses were liberally translated with additional submissions by Jion Prosser.
Special thanks to Steve Renfro for his assistance.
All rights to translated material rest with TLT and it directors. Permission for use and/or quotation may be granted by applying to Requests.