慈悲道場懺法 7.14

7.14

Today, members of the assembly sharing this karmic endeavor in the bodhimaṇḍa! Together we have already been able to generate firm faith and generate the bodhicitta, vowing never to backslide. This is an inconceivable strength of will; such a mind and such an aspiration are praised by all Buddhas. Today, we, [so-and-so] and the others, only feel deep sympathetic joy. We vow that in future lives we will encounter one another again, and upon casting off bodies and taking on new bodies, we vow never to be parted from one another, all the way to bodhi, remaining forever Dharma-relatives and a retinue of compassion and loving-kindness. We, [so-and-so] and the others, in establishing this Dharma assembly today, have acted presumptuously: in wisdom we lack understanding, and in our bodies we fall short of practice; to lightly give rise to this undertaking was truly enough to shock the eyes and ears. Yet we persons are lowly and the task is weighty; ice and coals conflict within our hearts. If we do not rely upon a powerful cause, we will have no means to attain a supreme and wondrous fruit. Truly knowing our mistaken unworthiness, yet with minds never forgetting what is good, we hope to receive the power of your mindfulness to join as compassionate kin, respectfully entreating the assembly to deign to grace the bodhimaṇḍa with your virtues. The seasons do not linger, and suddenly old age approaches; pulled along by the actions of our conditions, a supreme gathering is difficult to anticipate. We should encourage ourselves and likewise benefit others, standing out and surpassing the throng, never harboring later regrets. When the Dharma sound passes through the ear, the retributive reward fills kalpas; a single thought of goodness provides sustenance forever; with single-mindedness and a single resolve, there is no vow that is not attained. Together, let each and every person, with utmost sincerity, prostrate with the five limbs touching the ground, and take refuge in the Great Compassionate Father of the World: