In the following simple ceremony, which we follow sequentially, we first pay respects to Sakyamuni Buddha for teaching us about the unsatisfactory reality of our existence and then of the happiness and liberation of the Pure Land. We then pay our respects to Amitabha Buddha for his compassionate vows to help all beings who request that help. Next, we begin chanting "Amituofo," which is the main part of the session. Continue this chanting for the time you have set aside for your practice.
After chanting, we pay our respects to the Bodhisattvas Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta for their exemplary teachings of compassion and wisdom respectively, and then to all the Bodhisattvas in the Pure Land for having progressed on the path of awakening.
Next is the Verse of Repentance to express our deep regret for having harmed innumerable beings throughout our countless lifetimes. Then we make our vow to be reborn in the Pure Land followed by the Dedication of Merit. This will pass on the goodness that has resulted from our chanting to help all beings end suffering and attain lasting happiness. We conclude with the Three Refuges.
Practice Session
One standing bow, three full bows, one standing bow
Place water container on gongzhuo and light incense
One standing bow
Homage to our original teacher Sakyamuni Buddha.
One standing bow
Homage to Amitabha Buddha.
One standing bow then be seated and chant:
Amituofo
Stand and resume hezang
Homage to Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.
One standing bow
Homage to Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva.
One standing bow
Homage to the great pure sea of bodhisattvas.
One standing bow
All evil actions committed by me since time immemorial,
stemming from greed, anger, and ignorance,
arising from body, speech, and mind,
I deeply repent having committed.
One standing bow
We wish to be born in the Western Pure Land
with lotus blossoms in four lands as our parents.
When the lotus opens, we shall see Amitabha Buddha,
be enlightened to the absolute truth,
and have Bodhisattvas who never regress on the path
as our companions.
One standing bow
May the merit and virtues accrued from this act
adorn the Buddha’s Pure Land,
repay the Four Kindnesses above,
and relieve the suffering of those in the Three Paths below.
May those who see or hear of this
bring forth the heart of understanding and compassion
and, at the end of this life,
be born together in the land of Ultimate Bliss.
One standing bow
To the Buddha I return and rely,
wishing that all living beings profoundly understand
the Great Way
and bring forth the heart of understanding.
One full bow
To the Dharma I return and rely,
wishing that all living beings deeply enter the
Sutra treasury
and have wisdom like the sea.
One full bow
To the Sangha I return and rely,
wishing that all living beings form
a great assembly
and live with one another in harmony.
One standing bow, three full bows, one standing bow
