Lotus Sutra Teachings and Translation
MYOU HOU RENGE KYOU NYORAI JYURYOU HOUGEN
THE WONDERFULLY-PROCLAIMED LOTUS SUTRA
THE VERSE IN PROCLAMATION OF THE BUDDHA (II)
I- Sho- Jin Zuu Riki
Possessing various supernatural powers,
Ryou Ten Dou Shu- Jyou
(And) in order (to lead) sentient beings to attainment,
Sui Gon Ni- Fu- Ken
Although quite near, (we) fail to see.
Shu- Ken Ga- Metsu Do-
May we as sentient beings see fully the (Path) to Enlightenment
Kou Ku- You Sha- Ri-
(And) may we pay homage to the Buddha's ashes (i.e. the Dharma)
Gen Kai E- Ren Po-
(And) come to realize universal love for all mankind.
Ni- Shou Kaggou Shin
Adopting a heart of reverence,
Shu- Jyou Gi- Shin Buku
Obedient (to the needs of) sentient beings,
Shichi Jiki I- Nyuu Nan
Comprehending directly the nature of Mind,
Isshin Yokken Butsu
And desiring with pure intent to see the Buddha's (Path),
Fu- Ji- Shaku Shin Myou
May we hold dear our precious existence (within this lifetime).
Ji- Ga- Kyuu Shu- Sou
In time, we as well as all followers,
Ku- Shutsu Ryou Jyu- Sen
(Shall) depart the (seat) upon Vulture's Peak,
Ga- Ji- Go- Shu- Jyou
And preach to all sentient beings,
Jyou Zai Shi- Fu- Metsu
Eternally possessing that which does not perish.
I- Hou Ben Riki Ko-
Because (we) hold the Power of Expedient Means
Gen Nu- Metsu Fu- Metsu
(And) do not discriminate between that with stains and that without,
Yo- Koku U- Shu- Jyou
Within other countries, practicing ascetic practices,
Ku- Gyou Shin Gyou Sha
If there are those who would profit from belief (in the Dharma)
Ga- Bu- O- Hi- Chuu
Among those people must we be.
I- Setsu Mu- Jyou Hou
For this sake must we expound the Supreme Dharma.
Nyo- Tou Fu- Mon Shi-
Thou, hearken unto these words!
Tan Ni- Ga- Metsu Do-
(And) at once shall I manifest non-returning within my Mind.
Ga- Ken Sho- Shu- Jyou
I look upon all sentient beings
Motszai O- Ku- Kai
(And shall) release them from the ocean of suffering.
Ko- Fu- I- Gen Shin,
Because my Body can not be seen,
Ryou Go- Shou Katsu Gou
(You) must adopt within (yourselves) adoration (and reverence),
In Go- Shin Ren Bo-
(And come to) depend upon this Mind of Love.
Nai Shutsu I- Seppou
For this reason does the Buddha depart to teach the Most Holy Doctrine.
Jin Zuu Riki Nyo- Ze-
Buddha, He of Excellent Unsurpassed Powers!
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.