釋門歸敬儀 2.56

2.56

Third, explaining making vows and dedication. A practitioner's power of good roots may be weak, but supported by vows, just as one walking without eyes would stumble on level ground, vows and practice must assist each other, like wheels traveling afar. One should speak thus: 'May the good roots cultivated in my past lives and in this present body be bestowed upon all sentient beings, dedicating them together toward the unsurpassed Buddha Path; may I be born before Maitreya, hear the pure Dharma, and awaken to the forbearance of non-arising; may my mind be free of hindrances and distress at the end of life, and in accordance with the power of good roots, may I be born before all Buddhas with sovereignty.' Thus the Mahāprajñāpāramitā-śāstra states: 'Some people cultivate minor meritorious karma, and hearing of a joyful place, constantly vow to be born there; when they reach the end of life, each is born within it.' Also the Alaṃkāra states: 'The Buddha lands are a great matter; cultivating merit alone cannot accomplish it; one must rely on the power of vows. Just as an ox, though strong enough to pull a cart, must have a driver to reach its destination, the purification of Buddha lands is guided and accomplished by vows. By the power of vows, merit increases, is not lost and not destroyed, and one constantly sees the Buddha.'