釋門歸敬儀 2.16

2.16

First, as for "namo": In the sūtras, forms such as namo or po-nan are corrupt transmissions of Sanskrit; the correct sound is vanda, which in Chinese means "I bow." Some say "taking refuge and bowing"; "taking refuge" is also my original sentiment, and "bowing" is the fundamental expression of reverence. Some say "taking refuge with one's life," which is an equivalent established in meaning for "namo." Phenomena and principle coincide, and the expression of sentiment is fully realized.