Praise of the Buddha.

This translation of the gatha/hymn SANBUTSUGE comes from The Larger Sutra of Immeasurable Life. It is the praises voiced by Bodhisattva Dharmakara to the Buddha Lokeshararaja. In these praises, Dharmakara expresses his own desire to attain Buddhahood and his heartfelt determination to accomplish his goal for the sake of saving all sentient beings.

The light of your face is unsurpassed in majesty,
Your awesome greatness is beyond limit, A brightly shining flame with no equal.
Next to your brilliance, even the brightness of sun, moon, and Mani jewel
seem covered in black ink.

Tathagata's transcendent appearance has no comparison in all the world.
The whole universe vibrates with the great sound of your enlightenment.
Your rare and superior virtues of wisdom, understanding,
deep meditation and strength of endeavour are awesome, beyond comparison.

Your meditation to the innermost depths of all the Buddha Dharma oceans is without limit, bringing full understanding.
Ignorance, greed, and anger do not reside in the World-Honoured One, the Man of Lion.

Your noble virtues are immeasurable.
You meritorious service is vast and great, the depths of your wisdom profound.
Your majestic appearance of light illuminates the entire universe.

When I (Dharmakara Bodhisattva) become a Buddha equal to the Dharma King,
I vow to transcend life and death and free all beings.
Among the virtues of Dana, readiness, discipline, patience, and endeavour,
The highest shall be deep meditation and wisdom.

I will become a Buddha and completely fulfil my vow,
I will bring great peace to all who are in doubt or fear.
Even though there are a myriad Buddhas and sages as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, and I were to offer homage to them all, it is still better for me to be faithful and strong, in seeking the true Path, never returning.
The Buddha worlds, also as innumerable as the Ganges sands,
Will be completely illuminated by my shining light.

The strength of my effort in this endeavour is beyond measure.
When I become a Buddha, My land will be the finest.
All beings there will be exquisitely beautiful. My country will be like Nirvana,
A place of practice, transcendent beyond words, without equal.
In my compassion I will enlighten all.

Beings will come from the ten directions to be born in my country.
They will be pure, their minds filled with gladness.
Those in my pleasant country will be peaceful and at ease.
Please, dear teacher, accept this proof of my sincerity.

Here I establish my vow. Through strength and endeavour I shall fulfil this desire.
The wisdom of all the Buddhas of the ten directions is unimpeded.
May they always know my intent.
Even though my body may undergo many sufferings and much pain,
I shall never cease in my efforts.
Whatever I must bear, I shall have no regrets.