The Eighteen Great Vows of
the Venerable Master Hsuan Hua
by Venerable Master Hsuan Hua
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1. I vow that as long as there is a single Bodhisattva in the three periods of time throughout the ten directions of the Dharma Realm, to the very end of empty space, who has not accomplished Buddhahood, I too will not attain the right enlightenment. 2. I vow that as long as there is a single Pratyekabuddha in the three periods of time throughout the ten directions of the Dharma Realm, to the very end of empty space, who has not accomplished Buddhahood, I too will not attain the right enlightenment. 3. I vow that as long as there is a single Shravaka in the three periods of time throughout the ten directions of the Dharma Realm, to the very end of empty space, who has not accomplished Buddhahood, I too will not attain the right enlightenment. 4. I vow that as long as there is a single god in the Triple Realm who has not accomplished Buddhahood, I too will not attain the right enlightenment. 5. I vow that as long as there is a single human being in the worlds of the ten directions who has not accomplished Buddhahood, I too will not attain the right enlightenment. 6. I vow that as long as there is a single asura who has not accomplished Buddhahood, I too will not attain the right enlightenment. 7. I vow that as long as there is a single animal who has not accomplished Buddhahood, I too will not attain the right enlightenment. 8. I vow that as long as there is a single hungry ghost who has not accomplished Buddhahood, I too will not attain the right enlightenment. 9. I vow that as long as there is a single hell-dweller who has not accomplished Buddhahood, I too will not attain the right enlightenment. 10. I vow that as long as there is a single god, immortal, human, asura, air-bound or water-bound creature, animate or inanimate object, or a single dragon, beast, ghost, spirit, or the like of the spiritual realm that has taken refuge with me and has not accomplished Buddhahood, I too will not attain the right enlightenment. 11. I vow to fully dedicate all blessings and bliss which I myself ought to receive and enjoy to all living beings of the Dharma Realm. 12. I vow to fully take upon myself all sufferings and hardships of all living beings in the Dharma Realm. 13. I vow to manifest innumerable bodies as a means to gain access into the minds of living beings throughout the universe who do not believe in the Buddha-dharma, causing them to correct their faults and tend toward wholesomeness, repent of their errors and start anew, take refuge in the Triple Jewel, and ultimately accomplish Buddhahood. 14. I vow that all living beings who see my face or even hear my name will fix their thoughts on Bodhi and quickly accomplish the Buddha Way. 15. I vow to respectfully observe the Buddha's instructions and cultivate the practice of eating only one meal per day. 16. I vow to enlighten all sentient beings, universally responding to the multitude of differing potentials. 17. I vow to obtain the five eyes, six spiritual powers, and the freedom of being able to fly in this very life. 18. I vow that all of my vows will certainly be fulfilled. Also: I vow to save the innumerable living beings. I vow to eradicate the inexhaustible afflictions. I vow to study the illimitable Dharma-doors. I vow to accomplish the unsurpassed Buddha Way. |
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