虛堂和尚語錄 10.43

10.43

The Monthly Buddha-Mindfulness Chart was compiled by Chan Master Jie, beginning on the first day with Dīpaṃkara Buddha as the head, up to the thirtieth day with Śākyamuni World-Honoured One, ending and starting anew, just like stringing flowers; newly continuous without stopping, thought after thought without ceasing. Chanted by mouth and reflected in mind, bright light manifests, serving as blessings for humans and gods; this is the efficacious verification of sincere devotion in mindfulness of the Buddha. However, when there is a short month, the yellow-faced old fellow has no place to be recited; if shifted to the first day, then Dīpaṃkara Buddha in turn has no place to be recited. Following this thoroughly through, within the immediate thought the Supreme Dharma King stands majestically unmoved, displaying auspicious signs and manifesting good omens, causing Dīpaṃkara not to be prior and Śākyamuni not to be subsequent. In the twelve periods of the day, tossing three to make two, calling away and summoning back, universally responding to the great chiliocosm, unifying and governing the Dharma realm, entirely without obstruction, freely circulating—truly what is called 'merit accomplished and practice fulfilled!'