國清百錄 2.26

2.26

The Five Vows of Xu Ling of Chen, Presented to Dhyāna Master Zhizhe. Xu Ling bows with folded hands. This disciple longs to escape the cage, but has no way to feather into flight. Since my roots of goodness are weak, I hope to adorn them through the power of vows. First, I vow that at the end of life correct mindfulness will be accomplished; second, I vow not to pass again through hell and the three bad destinies; third, I vow to return immediately among humans, taking rebirth in a place neither high nor low; fourth, I vow to leave the household life in youth and virgin purity and observe the precepts in accordance with the Dharma; fifth, I vow not to fall into being a monk of worldly vulgarity. Relying on this resolve of vows to urge me on in the dusk of the west, I now write this sincere declaration, humbly praying for your confirmation. Xu Ling bows with folded hands.