Jodo Shinshu Creed
I affirm my faith in Amida’s Infinite Wisdom and Compassion. Reciting his Sacred Name, I shall live with strength and joy.
I shall look up to Amida’s Guiding Light. As I reflect upon my imperfect self, I live with gratitude for His Perfect Compassion which surrounds me at all times.
I shall follow Amida’s Teachings. I shall understand the Right Path and resolve to spread the true Teachings.
I rejoice in Amida’s Wisdom and Compassion. I shall respect and help my fellow men and work for the good of my community.
Golden Chain
I am a link in Amida’s golden chain of love that stretches around the world. I will keep my link bright and strong.
I will be kind and gentle to every living thing and protect all who are weaker than myself.
I will think pure and beautiful thoughts, say pure and beautiful words, and do pure and beautiful deeds.
May every link in Amida’s golden chain of love be bright and strong, and may we all attain perfect peace.
Homages
Minister – Hard it is to be born into human life; now we are living in it. Difficult it is to hear the Teachings of the Blessed One; now we hear them. If we do not gain emancipation in this present life, we may not be free from ill-faring in the ocean of births and deaths for kalpas. Let us reverently take refuge in the Three Treasures.
Response –
We go to the Buddha for guidance. May we always walk in the way that leads to Enlightenment.
We go to the Dharma for guidance. May we be submerged in the depth of the Teachings and gain Wisdom as deep as the ocean.
We go to the Sangha for guidance. May we all with one accord live the life of harmony in the spirit of brotherhood, free from the bondage of selfishness.
Minister – Even through myriads of kalpas, hard it is to hear such excellent and profound Teachings. Now we are able to hear and receive them. Let us try to understand the Tathagata’s Teachings.
Six Paramitas
GIVING – dana: I shall be helpful to others.
DISCIPLINE – sila: I shall follow the precepts of the Buddha.
PATIENCE – ksanti: I shall be patient and understanding.
ENDEAVOR – virya: I shall do my best in all things.
MEDITATION – dhyana: I shall reflect on the teachings of the Buddha.
WISDOM – prajna: I shall seek the light of wisdom.
Three Treasures
Leader – Hard it is to be born into human life. Now we are living it. Difficult it is to hear the Teachings of the Blessed One. Now we hear it. If we do not deliver ourselves in the present life, no hope is there that we shall be freed from suffering and sorrow in the ocean of birth and death. Let us reverently take refuge in the Three Treasures of Truth.
Leader and Sangha (in unison):
I TAKE REFUGE IN BUDDHA. May we all together absorb in to ourselves the principle of Your Way to Enlightenment and awaken in ourselves your Supreme Will.
I TAKE REFUGE IN DHARMA. May we all together be submerged in the depth of the Doctrine and gain wisdom as deep as the ocean.
I TAKE REFUGE IN SANGHA. May we all together become units in true accord in Your Life of Harmony, in a spirit of Universal Brotherhood, Freed from the bondage of selfishness.
Leader – Even through ages of myriads of kalpas hard it is to hear such an excellent, profound and wonderful doctrine. Now we are able to hear and receive it. Let us thoroughly understand the true meaning of Tathagata’s Teaching.
Vandana Ti-Sarana
(These are the Three Refuges given in the Pali Language to show the connection and unity of all forms of Buddhism)
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhassa
Buddham Saranam Gacchami (I go to the Buddha for guidance)
Dhammam Saranarn Gacchami (I go to the Dharma for guidance)
Sangham Saranam Gacchami (I go to the Sangha for guidance)
Pledge
Leader – To the Buddha…
Everyone – … who promised to be present in his teaching, we pledge our loyalty and devotion. We dedicate our lives to the way of life he laid down for us to walk. We resolve to follow his teachings and work earnestly for the welfare of all mankind.
Promise
We thank the Buddha for showing us the way of freedom. We will endeavor to walk in his Noble Path every day of our lives.
Kokun
Watakushi tachiwa mihotoke sama no kodomo de arimasu
We are all Buddha’s children.
Watakushi tachiwa mihotoke sama no oshie wo mamorimasu
We will all follow the Buddha’s teachings.
Watakushi tachiwa minna nakayoku itashimasu
We will all be friendly to everyone.
Noble Eightfold Path
Leader – The Buddha teaches us that we may become pure by following the teachings he laid down for us. Let us repeat them and remember them at all times: First- Right View.
Everyone – I shall seek the truth.
Leader – Second: Right Thought.
Everyone – I shall have pure thoughts.
Leader – Third: Right Speech.
Everyone – I shall speak truthfully.
Leader – Fourth: Right Conduct.
Everyone – I shall act truthfully.
Leader – Fifth: Right Livelihood.
Everyone – I shall live honestly.
Leader – Sixth: Right Effort.
Everyone – I shall follow the teachings of the Buddha.
Leader – Seventh: Right Mindfulness.
Everyone – I shall think of the Buddha.
Leader – Eighth: Right Meditation.
Everyone- I shall recite the Nembutsu.