釋門歸敬儀 2.50

2.50

First, explaining that through bowing one attains the vision of the Buddha. If a practitioner, with an utmost sincere mind, a straightforward mind, a concentrated mind, a reverent mind, a deep mind, and a faithful mind, just as in revering one's parents, bows to Maitreya and the other Buddhas of the ten directions, they can eradicate heavy hindrances and be born before those Buddhas. Therefore, the Sūtra on the Ascents [to Tuṣita] states: 'If someone reverently bows to Maitreya Buddha, they eliminate the sins of birth-and-death of one billion kalpas, and even in a future life beneath the Dragon Flower tree they will also get to see the Buddha.' It also states: 'After my parinirvāṇa, if the fourfold assembly and the eight classes [of beings] hear his name and bow, at the end of life they will be reborn in the Tuṣita Heaven. If there are men or women who have broken the prohibitive precepts and committed various evil karmas, upon hearing the name of this Bodhisattva of Great Compassion, if they cast their five limbs to the ground and repent with a sincere mind, all evil karmas will quickly become pure. If anyone takes refuge in Maitreya Bodhisattva, know that this person will attain non-retrogression. When Maitreya becomes a Buddha, upon seeing the Buddha's radiance, they will immediately receive a prophecy [of enlightenment].' The Ekottara-āgama states: 'Bowing to the Buddha has five merits: first, being handsome and dignified (because by seeing the marks and signs, one generates veneration); second, obtaining a fine voice (because upon seeing the Buddha, one proclaims three times, "Namo to the Tathāgata, the True and Fully Enlightened One"); third, possessing abundant wealth (because one offers flowers, incense, and lamps according to one's ability); fourth, being born in a high and noble station (because when seeing the Buddha, the mind is free of defiled attachment, and one can place the right knee on the ground, kneel, and bow with crossed hands); fifth, being born in heaven (because of recollecting the Buddha's merit, by nature of the Dharma).'