1Opening Bell (Wake Bell, Bell x2, Bell) [(Bell)(Bow)]x3

(Inking) Inviting the Bell

Body, speech, and mind in perfect oneness, I send my heart along with the sound of the bell. May the hearers awaken from forgetfulness And transcend all anxiety and sorrow.

Listen, listen. This wonderful sound Brings me back to my true home. (BELL)

Incense Offering In gratitude, we offer this incense to all Buddhas and bodhisattvas throughout space and time.

May it be fragrant as Earth herself, reflecting our careful efforts, our wholehearted mindfulness, and the fruit of understanding, slowly ripening.

May we and all beings be companions of Buddhas and bodhisattvas.

May we awaken from forgetfulness and realize our true home. (BELL)

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Opening Verse

The incense in the censer now is burning; all the dharma realm, in every place auspicious clouds appearing, our sincere intention thus fulfilling, as all Buddhas now show their perfect body. Homage to the Incense Cloud Canopy Bodhistattva and Great Bodhisattvas. (BELL)

Verses for Bowing

Homage to the eternally abiding Buddhas, the Supreme Dharma, and Sagely Sangha throughout the dharma realm and the realm of empty space, and three periods of time. (BELL) (BOW)

Homage to the Fundamental Teacher Shakyamuni Buddha, Maitreya Honored Future Buddha, Manjushri Great Wisdom Bodhisattva, Universal Great Conduct Bodhisattva, all Dharma Guarding Deva Bodhisattvas, and the Magic Mountain Assembly of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. (BELL) (BOW)

Homage to Amitabha Buddha in the land of Ultimate Bliss, Avalokitestvara Great Compassion Bodhisattva, Great Strength Bodhisattva, Earth Store Great Vow Bodhisattva, and the assembly of Great Pure Sea-Like Bodhisattvas. (BELL x2) (BOW) (SIT)

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(Bell-Motak)

Great Compassion Mantra The great compassion mantra with a thousand hands and a thousand eyes Dharani runs like this:

1. Namo Ratnatrayaya 2. Namo Arya 3. Avalokiteshavaraya 4. Bodhisattvaya 5. Mahasattvaya 6. Mahakarunikaya 7. Om 8. Savalavati 9. Sudhanatasya 10. Namaskrittva Naman Arya 11. Avalokiteshavara Lantabha 12. Namo Nilakantha 13. Srimahapatashami 14. Sarvadvatashubham 15. Ashiyum 16. Sarvasattva Namo Pasattva Namo Bhaga 17. Ma-Bhate-Tu 18. Tadyatha 19. Om! Avaloka 20. Lokate 21. Kalati 22. Ishiri 23. Mahabodhisattva 24. Sabho Sabho 25. Mara Mara 26. Mashi Mashi Ridhayu 27. Guru Guru Ghamain 28. Dhuru Dhuru Bhashiyati (continue on next page)

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29. Maha Bhashiyati 30. Dhara Dhara 31. Dhirini 32. Shvaraya 33. Jala Jala 34. Mahabhamara 35. Mudhill 36. E-Hy-Ehi 37. Shina Shina 38. Alashinbalashari 39. Basha Bhasnin 40. Bharashaya 41. Huluhulu Pra 42. Hulu Hulu Shri 43. Sara Sara 44. Siri Siri 45. Suru Suru 46. Buddhaya Buddhaya 47. Bodhaya Bodhaya 48. Maitriye 49. Nilakansta 50. Trisa Rana 51. Bhaya Mane 52. Svaha 53. Sitaya 54. Svaha 55. Maha Sitaya 56. Svaha 57. Sitayaye 58. Svaraya 59. Svaha 60. Nilakanthi 61. Svaha (continue on next page)

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62. Pranila 63. Svaha 64. Shrisimhamukhaya 65. Svaha 66. Sarvamahasastaya 67. Svaha 68. Chakra Astaya 69. Svaha 70. Padmakesshaya 71. Svaha 72. Nilakantepantalaya 73. Svaha 74. Mopholishankaraya 75. Svaha 76. Namo Ratnatrayaya 77. Namo Arya 78. Avalokite 79. Shavaraya 80. Svaha 81. Om! Siddhyantu 82. Mantra 83. Pataya 84. Svaha (BELLx2)

(Only for AnActofBuddhaworship&GeneralRepentance[SamHoi]turntopage14;continueonthispageforregularceremony)

The Dharma body is bringing morning light. In concentration, my heart is at peace, a half-smile is born on my lips. This is a new day, and I vow to go through it in mindfulness. The sun of wisdom has risen, shining in every direction. Noble Sangha, diligently bring your mind into meditation. Namo Shakyamunaye Buddhaya. Namo Shakyamunaye Buddhaya. Namo Shakyamunaye Buddhaya. (BELLx2)

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Touching the Earth

The one who bows and the one who is bowed to are both, by nature, empty. Therefore the communication between them is inexpressibly perfect. Our practice center is the Net of Indra reflecting all Buddhas everywhere. As my own person reflects in all Buddhas to whom with my whole life I go for refuge. (BELL) Offering light in the Ten Directions, the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha to whom we bow in gratitude. (BELL) Teaching and living the way of awareness in the very midst of suffering and confusion, Shakyamuni Buddha, the Awakened One, to whom we bow in gratitude. (BELL) Cutting through ignorance, awakening our hearts and our minds, Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Great Understanding, to whom we bow in gratitude. (BELL)

(continue on next page)

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Working mindfully, working joyfully for the sake of all beings, Samantabhadra, the Bodhisattva of Great Action, to whom we bow in gratitude. (BELL) Responding to suffering, serving beings in countless ways, Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion, to whom we bow in gratitude. (BELL) Seed of awakening and loving kindness in children, sprouts, and all beings, Maitreya, the Buddha to-be-born, to whom we bow in gratitude. (BELL) Showing the way fearlessly and compassionately, the stream of all our Ancestral Teachers, to whom we bow in gratitude. (BELL) The Dharma is deep and lovely. We now have a chance to see it, and practice it. We vow to realize its true meaning. (BELLx2)

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Heart of the Prajnaparamita

The Bodhisattva Avalokita, while moving in the deep course of perfect understanding, shed light on the Five Skandhas and found them equally empty. After this penetration, he overcame ill-being. (BELL)

Listen Shariputra, form is emptiness, emptiness is form. Form is not other than emptiness, emptiness is not other than form. The same is true with feelings, perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness. (BELL)

Listen Shariputra, all dharmas are marked with emptiness. They are neither produced nor destroyed, neither defiled nor immaculate, neither increasing nor decreasing. Therefore in emptiness there is neither form, nor feelings, nor perceptions, nor mental formations, nor consciousness. No eye, or ear, or nose, or tongue, or body, or mind. No form, no sound, no smell, no taste, no touch, no object of mind. No realms of elements (from eyes to mind consciousness), no interdependent origins and no extinction of them (from ignorance to death and decay), No ill-being, no cause of ill-being, no end of ill-being, and no path. No understanding, no attainment. (BELL) (continue on next page)

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Because there is no attainment, the bodhisattvas, grounded in perfect understanding, find no obstacles for their minds. Having no obstacles, they overcome fear, liberating themselves forever from illusion and realizing perfect nirvana. All Buddhas in the past, present, and future, Arrive at full, right, and universal enlightenment. (BELL) Therefore one should know that perfect understanding is the highest mantra, the unequalled mantra, the destroyer of ill-being, the incorruptible truth. A mantra of prajnaparamita should therefore be proclaimed: Gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha Gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha Gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha (BELL) x2

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Invoking the Bodhisattvas’ Names We invoke your name, Avalokiteshvara. We aspire to learn your way of listening in order to help relieve the suffering in the world. You know how to listen in order to understand. We invoke your name in order to practice listening with all our attention and open-heartedness. We will sit and listen without any prejudice. We will sit and listen without judging or reacting. We will sit and listen in order to understand. We will sit and listen so attentively that we will be able to hear what the other person is saying and also what is being left unsaid. We know that just by listening deeply we already alleviate a great deal of pain and suffering in the other person. (BELL) We invoke your name, Manjushri. We aspire to learn your way, which is to be still and to look deeply into the heart of things and into the hearts of people. We will look with all our attention and open-heartedness. We will look with unprejudiced eyes. We will look without judging or reacting. We will look deeply so that we will be able to see and understand the roots of suffering, through the impermanent and selfless nature of all that is. We will practice your way of using the sword of understanding to cut through the bonds of suffering, thus freeing ourselves and other species. (BELL)

(continue on next page)

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We invoke your name, Samantabhadra. We aspire to practice your vow to act with the eyes and heart of compassion, to bring joy to one person in the morning and to ease the pain of one person in the afternoon. We know that the happiness of others is our own happiness, and we aspire to practice joy on the path of service. We know that every word, every look, every action, and every smile can bring happiness to others. We know that if we practice wholeheartedly, we ourselves may become an inexhaustible source of peace and joy for our loved ones and for all species. (BELL)

We invoke your name, Kshitigarbha. We aspire to learn your way of being present where there is darkness, suffering, oppression, and despair, so we can bring light, hope, relief, and liberation to those places. We are determined not to forget about or abandon those in desperate situations. We will do our best to establish contact with those who cannot find a way out of their suffering, those whose cries for help, justice, equality and human rights are not being heard. We know that hell can be found in many places on earth. We will do our best not to contribute to creating more hells on earth, and to help transform the hells that already exist. We will practice in order to realize the qualities of perseverance and stability, so that, like the earth, we can always be supportive and faithful to those in need. (BELLx2)

[Rise] - Small Bell (Inking)

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The Three Refuges

I take refuge in the Buddha, the one who shows me the way in this life. I take refuge in the Dharma, the way of understanding and of love. I take refuge in the Sangha, the community that lives in harmony and awareness. (BELL) (BOW) Dwelling in the refuge of Buddha, I clearly see the path of light and beauty in the world. Dwelling in the refuge of Dharma, I learn to open many doors on the path of transformation. Dwelling in the refuge of Sangha. Shining light that supports me, keeping my practice free of obstruction. (BELL) (BOW) Taking refuge in the Buddha in myself, I aspire to help all people recognize their own awakened nature, realizing the mind of love. Taking refuge in the Dharma in myself, I aspire to help all people fully master the ways of practice and walk together on the path of liberation. Taking refuge in the Sangha in myself, I aspire to help all people build fourfold communities, To embrace all beings and support their transformation. (BELLx2) (BOW)

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Sharing the Merit Reciting the sutras, practicing the way of awareness, Gives rise to benefits without limits. We vow to share the fruits with all beings. We vow to offer tribute to parents, teachers, friends, and numerous beings Who give guidance and support along the path. (BELLx3)

(Sit for Dharma talk)

Dismissal (BELL) (BOW)

(BELL) (BOW)

(BELLx2) (BOW)

(BELLx3)

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An Act of Buddha worship And General Repentance

O, Most Merciful and Compassionate One, pity all beings. With great joy and abandonment, succor those with Vijnana. To the one with noble features and radiance for self-adornment, we the congregation, wholeheartedly take refuge and pay homage. We take refuge in all Buddhas everywhere throughout all space. We take refuge in all Dharmas everywhere throughout all space. We take refuge in all the holy sanghas everywhere throughout all space. Vidyacarana sampanna Sugata Lokavid Annutara Purusadamya-sarathi Sasta deva-manusyanam Buddha Lokanatha

Blesses be Samantaprabha Buddha.

Blessed be Samantaprabhasa Buddha.

Blessed be Samantavimala Buddha.

Blessed be Tamalapattracandanagandha Buddha.

Blessed be Candanaprabha Buddha.

Blessed be Manipataka Buddha.

Blessed be Nandagarbha Maniratnakuta Buddha.

Blessed be All-in-the-World-Glad-to-See Supreme- Zeal Buddha.

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Blessed be Manipataka Dipaprabha Buddha.

Blessed be Wisdom-Torch-Shines Buddha.

Blessed be Sea-Virtue-Bright Buddha.

Blessed be Diamond-Strong Universally-Dispense- Gold Light Buddha.

Blessed be Great-Strong-Zealous-Bold-Fierce Buddha.

Blessed be Great-Compassionate-Light Buddha.

Blessed be Mercy-Power-King Buddha.

Blessed be Mercy-Storage Buddha.

Blessed be Candana-Cave-Adornment-Excels Buddha.

Blessed be Sage-Virtue-Top Buddha.

Blessed be Good-Will Buddha.

Blessed be Extensively-Adorned-King Buddha.

Blessed be Gold-Blossom-Light Buddha.

Blessed be Precious-Canopy-Shine -Space Sovereign Power Buddha.

Blessed be Void-Space Precious-Blossom-Light Buddha.

Blessed be Crystal-Adornment-King Buddha.

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Blessed be Universal-Manifest-Form-Entity-Light Buddha.

Blessed be Non-Moving-Wisdom-Light Buddha.

Blessed be Subdue-All-the-Devils Buddha.

Blessed be Talent-Light-Bright Buddha.

Blessed be Wisdom-Excels Buddha.

Blessed be Maitreya-Immortal-Light Buddha.

Blessed be Virtuous-Calm-Moon-Sound-Wonder- Wizard Buddha.

Blessed be World-Pure-Light Buddha.

Blessed be Dragon-Seed-Upward Honored-King Buddha.

Blessed be Sun-Moon-Light Buddha.

Blessed be Sun-Moon-Pearl-Light Buddha.

Blessed be Wisdom-Pennant-Victory-King Buddha.

Blessed be Lion-Roars-Sovereign-Power-King Buddha.

Blessed be Wonderful-Voice-Excels Buddha.

Blessed be Permanent Light-Pennant Buddha.

Blessed be Perceive-World-Lamp Buddha.

Blessed be Wisdom-Majesty-Lamp-King Buddha.

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Blessed be Dharma-Victory-King Buddha.

Blessed be Sumeru-Light Buddha.

Blessed be Sumana-Blossom-Light Buddha.

Blessed be Udumbara-Blossom-Extra-Excellence- King Buddha.

Blessed be Great-Wisdom-Power-King Buddha.

Blessed be Aksobhya-Delight-in- Light Buddha.

Blessed be Countless-Voices-King Buddha.

Blessed be Talent-Light Buddha.

Blessed be Gold-Sea-Light Buddha.

Blessed be Mountain-Sea-Wisdom-Sovereign-Magic- King Buddha.

Blessed be Great-Magic-Light Buddha.

Blessed be All-Dharmas-Always-Fulfilled-King Buddha.

Blessed be Sakyamuni Buddha.

Blessed be Diamond-Indestructible Buddha.

Blessed be Precious-Light Buddha.

Blessed be Dragon-Honor-King Buddha.

Blessed be Zealous-Army Buddha.

Blessed be Zealous-Army Buddha.

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Blessed be Zeal-Delight Buddha.

Blessed be Precious-Fire Buddha.

Blessed be Precious-Moon-Light Buddha.

Blessed be Manifest-No-Fool Buddha.

Blessed be Precious-Moon Buddha.

Blessed be No-Filth Buddha.

Blessed be Rid-of-Filth Buddha.

Blessed be Courage-Donate Buddha.

Blessed be Pure-Clean Buddha.

Blessed be Pure-Clean-Donate Buddha.

Blessed be So-Liu-Na Buddha.

Blessed be Water-Sky Buddha.

Blessed be Firm-Virtue Buddha.

Blessed be Candana-Merit-Virtue Buddha.

Blessed be Immeasurable-Scooped-Light Buddha.

Blessed be Light-Virtue Buddha.

Blessed be No-Worry-Virtue Buddha.

Blessed be Narayana Buddha.

Blessed be Merit-Virtue-Blossom Buddha.

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Blessed be Lotus-Blossom-Light-Play-Magic Buddha.

Blessed be Wealth-Merit-Virtue Buddha.

Blessed be Virtue-Comtemplation Buddha.

Blessed be Good-Fame-Named-Merit-Virtue Buddha.

Blessed be Red-Flame-Imperial-Banner-King Buddha.

Blessed be Virtuous-Wander-Step-Merit-Virtue Buddha.

Blessed be Fight-War-Victory Buddha.

Blessed be Virtuous-Wander-Step Buddha.

Blessed be Full-Lap-Adornment-Merit-Virtue Buddha.

Blessed be Precious-Blossom-Wander-Step Buddha.

Blessed be Precious-Lotus-Well-Dwelt-in-Sala-Tree- King Buddha. Blessed be Entity-in-Dharmadhatu Amita Buddha and all those Buddhas in all worlds, the World Honored Ones, ever dwelling; May all those World Honored Ones have merciful consideration for me. For, in this existence of mine or in my previous existence, In Samsara since time without beginning,

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for all sins, whether committed by myself or by others whom I ordered or viewed with connivance, for articles belonging to Stupas or to Sanghas everywhere stolen by myself or by others whom I ordered or viewed with connivance, for the five unpardonable offences whether committed by myself or by others whom I ordered or viewed with connivance, for all of the ten evil deeds whether committed by myself or by others whom I ordered or viewed with connivance, for all those sins, whether covered and hidden or open and obvious, which deserved transmigration into hells, hungry ghosts, animals, and such evil paths of existence as well as into mean borderlands and such places like Mleccha (barbarian, heathen frontiers) for all those sins committed I now remorsefully repent. Now may all Buddhas, the World Honored Ones, witness and remember me. And, before all Buddhas, the World Honored Ones, I say these words: If, in this life if mine, or in the rest of my existence, I did some almsgiving and offering, or kept the holy precepts, or even as much as gave to an animal only a morsel of food, or practiced pure cultivation-all these virtuous roots, and those for developing all beings and for cultivating Bodhi, and those good roots generated from unexcelled wisdom, combined altogether,

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reckoned and measured, are all offered up as Parinamana (transference) towards Anuttara Samyak Sambodhi. As all Buddhas in the past, at present and in the future did the Parinamana, I, likewise, am doing the same. May the repentance of all sins, the sharing of all blessings and the merit of pleading to Buddhas all contribute to the achievement of unexcelled wisdom. In all Buddhas past, present, and future, the best among beings, with unfathomable merits and virtues, I now take refuge. To all who were, are and will be in all worlds everywhere, The Lions-among-Men in the past, at present and in the future, by my pure and clean physical, oral and mental actions, I now pay homage, all embracing and none missing. With the help of the supernatural power of Samantabhadra's vows, I manifest myself simultaneously before all the Tathagatas. This single body of mine, in turn, manifests in innumerable bodies each and every one of which pays homage to innumerable Buddhas. In one grain of dust there exist as many Buddhas as all dust grains, and in places where there are congregations of Bodhisattvas, as well as in the dust grains in the endless Dharmadhatus, it is firmly believed that all are filled with Buddhas. I vow to praise each of them with all kinds of voices and sounds, invariably uttering

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endless and wonderful words and speeches, and, throughout all the future kalpas yet to come, to praise Buddhas' very deep sea of merits and virtues. The most exquisite and wonderful garlands of flowers, performance, music, ointment, incense, umbrellas and canopies, as such the most exquisite ornament and adornment with all of these, I now make offerings to all Tathagatas. The most exquisite clothes and the most exquisite incenses, powdered incense, burning incense, lights and candles, each of which heaps as high as the Sumeru Mountains with all of these, I now make offerings to all Tathagatas. I, with a broad, deep, extraordinary, understanding mind, firmly believe in all Buddhas in the past, present and future, and, with all the power of Samantabhadra's practices and vows, now make general all-embracing offerings to all Tathagatas. All the evil Karmas which I created in bygone days resulted from avarice, hatred and ignorance since time without beginning, and manifested physically, orally or mentally; thus, for all these karmas I now remorsefully repent. All sentient beings in all places Svarakas and Pratyeka-buddhas, Saiksas and Asaiksas, as well as all the Buddhas and all the Bodhisattvas, together with all their merits and virtues-I rejoice in and follow. To all torch-bearers in

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the worlds in all directions, who were the first to achieve Bodhi, I now extend an all-embracing plea and ask all of them to turn the unexcelled, wonderful wheels of Dharma. Whenever the Buddhas set their minds on attainment of Nirvana, I will, with the utmost sincerity, beg and entreat them to stay, for I firmly wish them to stay for as many kalpas as dust grains, for the benefit and rejoicing of all sentient beings. All this worship and these praises and offerings to the Buddhas, and the plea to the Buddhas asking them to turn the Dharma wheels and all the good roots of rejoicing in others and of repentance all are offered up in Parinamana for sentient beings and for Bodhi I wish to have these extraordinary merits and virtues offered up in Parinamana for the unexcelled genuine Dharmadhatu Nature, its phenomenal expression, Buddhas, Dharma and Sangha, Mundane and Buddhist doctrines blended harmoniously, Samadhi seal and all such unfathomable seas of merits and virtues. I now offer all of them up in Parinamana without reservation. May all sentient beings' physical, oral and mental karmas, their incorrect views doubts, sneers and slanders of our Dharma, and all karmic obstructions such as the above be completely eliminated without even a trace. Instant by instant wisdom shall prevail

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in the Dharmadhatu to enlighten all beings so that they will never suffer retrogression even if the vast emptiness of space be exhausted, and sentient beings and their karma and klesas be exhausted, as immense and limitless as the four things mentioned above, may the present Parinamana never be exhausted. Blessed be the Greatest-Achievement Boddhisattva Samantabhadra.

The Dharma body is bringing morning light.

In concentration, my heart is at peace, a half-smile is born on my lips.

This is a new day, and I vow to go through it in mindfulness.

The sun of wisdom has risen, shining in every direction. Noble Sangha, diligently bring your mind into meditation.

Namo Shakyamunaye Buddhaya Namo Shakyamunaye Buddhaya Namo Shakyamunaye Buddhaya

Return to page 6 (Touching the Earth)

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Footnotes

Repentance: Purifying negative karma. Admission of wrongdoing and determination not to act that way again, atonement is understood as an opportunity to wipe the karmic slate clean and return to the primordial purity of your original nature.

All the evil karma ever committed by me since of old, Because of my beginningless greed, anger, and ignorance, born of my body, mouth, and thought, now I atone for it all.

Regret: Feeling remorse for the harm you've done; recognizing and admitting your mistakes. Don't confuse this open and honest declaration or admission of your mistakes with guilt, which is counterproductive. Guilt traps you in the past, solidifying your identity as a "bad" person and making it more difficult to move on to more constructive behaviors.

Regret involves acknowledging that you've made a mistake, which is the first step to undoing it. Instead of trapping you in the past, sincere regret motivates you to take care of yourself and others by changing your behaviors-both now and in the future.

Resolve: Determining not to repeat that destructive action again. Admitting you've made a mistake isn't enough; you need to exert effort to keep from repeating it. The best thing would be to vow never to commit that particular harmful action again for the rest of your life. But you have to be realistic. If you think that keeping a lifelong vow would be impossible, you can try your best not to act that way again for a specific amount of time (several months, perhaps, or even the next few days). By training yourself in this way, you eventually build enough strength and confidence to stop the activity entirely.

Reliance: Depending upon your refuge in the Three Jewels and your dedication to others to eliminate negativity. Whenever you commit a non-virtuous action, you direct it against another being or against the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. By relying on the very same objects, you can help purify whatever negativity you engaged in.

If your action is directed against the Three Jewels, such as by showing them disrespect (treating dharma texts carelessly, for example), you can begin to

26rectify your mistake by reminding yourself of their excellent qualities and reasserting the refuge you take in them. And, if you've harmed other beings, remind yourself of your compassionate intention to win enlightenment for their sake.

I go for refuge, until I'm enlightened, to Buddha, the dharma, and the highest assembly. By the virtuous merit that I collect. By practicing giving and other perfections, May I attain the state of a Buddha in order to benefit all sentient beings.

Remember: Taking specific positive actions to counterbalance whatever negativity you created. Specific virtuous actions directly oppose the ten non-virtuous actions (see page 39 & 40). For example, saving and protecting the lives of others is the opposite of the first harmful action killing. A powerful way to neutralize harm you may have committed is to do something completely contrary to the negativity you want to purify-acting out of love rather than hate, generosity rather than miserliness, compassion rather than ill will, and so on.

Some of the generally recommended activities to counterbalance negativity include • Serving the poor and needy • Visiting people in the hospital • Saving the lives of animals (even bait worms) about to be killed • Making offerings to monasteries and other religious organizations • Reciting passages from traditional dharma texts (and, better still,

meditating on their meaning and putting them into practice) • Drawing holy images

By following Buddha's advice, you can save yourself from experiencing some of the most serious consequences of your negative actions-for the time being at least. But, to rid yourself of these consequences entirely, you must go deeper with breaking free of the cycle of dissatisfaction altogether.

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Glossary

Anger- (N.) the strong feeling that comes when one has been wronged or insulted, or when one sees cruelty or injustice; the feeling that makes people want to quarrel or fight.

Akshayamati Bodhisattva- Bodhisattva of Infinite Thought.

Arahant- the enlightened disciples of the Buddha, their minds are free from hatred, craving delusion and all kinds of defilements, (Adj.) (N.)

Asalha Month- The eight Lunar month, it is about the second or third week of July each year. The time when monks observe Rains Retreat. (N.)

Ascetic- Self-discipline, leading a life of severe self discipline. (Adj.) Person who leads a severely simple life without ordinary pleasures. (N.) Ascetically (Adv.), Asceticism (n.). Hermit.

Asura- A god or spirit who is fond of fighting and subject to frequent outbursts of anger.

Auspicious- (Adj.) Favorable time, Prosperous, favorable occasion, good time.

Avalokiteshvara- Bodhisattva of Compassion and Deep Listening.

Bell of mindfulness- The sound of a bell or a clock, an electronic beeper, or even the ring of a telephone that is used to call an individual or the community back to their breathing and the practice of mindfulness.

Bhikkhu (Pali), bhikshu (Sanskrit)- Buddhist monks, ascetic, hermit. One who seeks alms, referring to monks who have received full ordination (as opposed to novice ordination). Buddhadasa Bhikkhu & Achahn Chah are examples of Thai Buddhist monks.

Bhumi (Sanskrit: bhumi): Stages of Bodhisattva's realization accompanied by direct experience of emptiness, starting from the Mahayana path of seeing. There are ten Bhumis.

Bodhicitta- (Sanskrit: bodhicitta): The mind of Enlightenment "Bodhi" means enlightenment and "Chitta" means Mind; the awakening mind. Sometimes translated as the mind of love, because it is our awakened nature

28that impels us to love beings unconditionally and our understanding that enables us to this.

Bodhisattva- (Sanskrit: bodhisattva; “Bodhisattvebhyah" is the dative plural meaning "to the bodhsittvas.") Literally "enlightened being" one committed to enlightening oneself and others so that all may be liberated from suffering. One who is under the influence of the altruistic attitude and fully devoted to work for the welfare of other beings without holding any sense of personal gain and showing any sense of tiredness.

Bodhi Tree- the tree under which the Buddha realized the Truth, the enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Magadh city, Vihar State, North Eastern India.

Brahma- A Hindu God, who created all creatures in the universe. The Buddha explained Brahma as a person who possesses the four Sublime Dhamma namely; Loving Kindness, Universal compassion, sympathetic joy and Tranquility. Great one, Noble one.

Brahmin- The highest class in Hindu caste system. The person who is born in High class Hindu family. A member of the highest Hindu priestly caste.

Buddha- (Sanksrit: Buddha; "Buddhaya" is the dative singular meaning "to the Buddha.") The Founder of Buddhism. The Enlightened One, the Perfect One, The Exalted one, Awakened One. He found Buddhism 588 B.C. in India. Enlightened one or fully blossomed one. Refers also to the capacity within every being to be "awake" or "enlightened."

Buddhanussati- P., N., recollection of the Buddha's Virtues.

Buddhism- N. The teaching of the Buddha. Started in India by Gautama Buddha, the Enlightened One. Self understanding through meditation.

Cakravartin- World ruler, universal monarch.

29Chakra (Sanskrit: cakra [c is pronounced ch as in English church]: Energy channels or psychic nerve centers, which have the shape of a wheel. There are six main Chakras within our body, where intense energy resides which has a special potential to accelerate spiritual realization.

1. Forehead Chakra (located between the eyebrows) 2. Crown Chakra 3. Throat Chakra 4. Heart Chakra 5. Navel Chakra 6. Secret Chakra

Charity- N. Principles taught by the Buddha. Kindness in giving help to the poor, willingness to treat other persons with kindness. Religious society or organization for helping the poor.

Chiliocosm- Inconceivably vast space. Thousand-world universe, each world having a Mount Sumeru, sun, moon, and four continents surrounded by oceans.

Circumambulation- N. The Way Buddhist march in procession around the Uposatha Hall, the main chapel, keeping their right side towards the hall as a sign of respect and make three rounds around the hall.

Compassion- N. Feeling for the sufferings of others; Pity; prompting one to give help.

Compassionate Mind, Compassionate- (Adj.) see compassion.

Complete enjoyment body: Buddha's most subtle physical body that can only be perceived by the Bodhisattvas who have reached the Mahayana (Sanskrit: Mahayana) Path of Seeing.

Contentment- N. The state of being satisfied with what one has or is. He is content with very little; Satisfaction; Opposite of greed.

Concentration Meditation- N., Samatha Bhavana P., The way to focus one's mind, the way to tranquilize one's mind.

Craving- N. Strong desire, strong sensual desire. Becoming a slave of one’s own sensual feeling. Passionate yearning.

30Cundi- A form of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, depicted with 1,000 arms.

Cyclic existence (Sanskrit: samsara): The confused and frustrated cycle of birth and death characterized by impermanence, dissatisfaction or pain, and ceaselessness.

Delusion- N. False opinion or belief. Unclear mind, or unclear thoughts.

Desire- V. Strong sexual attraction, earnest wish, craving.

Deva- Celestial being, angel.

Dhammanussati- N.P., Recollection of virtues of Buddha's teaching.

Dharma- ("Dharmaya" is the dative singular meaning "to the Dharma.") The Law of Nature; the teaching of the Buddha; the truth of what is. The true teachings of the Awakened One, the path of understanding and love. Lord Buddha's Teaching based on two principles: 1. The principle of non-violence or non-harming; 2. The principle of view of the interdependent nature of reality.

Dharma- Phenomenon, things, objects of mind.

Dharmadhatu- The entire cosmos of dharma elements. The underlying indestructible togetherness of the ultimate and historical dimension.

Dharmakaya- The body of the Dharma; what remains when the historical Buddha is no longer with us. The true and ultimate reality.

Discourse- A teaching given by the Buddha or one of his enlightened disciples (sutra in Sanskrit, sutta in Pali).

Dissatisfaction- N. Not being satisfied with what one has. Feeling unhappy with what one has or what one gets.

Doctrine- N. Body of teaching; teachings of a church or a Temple. Basic tenets of a philosophy or religion. Here it means the teaching of Buddhist temples or monasteries.

31Eight Misfortunes- Obstacles to one's capacity to receive and practice the true teachings. To be (1) in the hell realms, (2) a hungry ghost, (3) an animal, (4) lazy when having excessive comforts, (5) ignorant without favorable conditions for awareness, (6) without hearing, sight, or speech (Considered a limitation at the time of the Buddha), (7) caught in arrogant speculation, and (8) born before or after a Buddha's lifetime.

Eight Virtues- Eight virtues of water: clear, cool, sweet in taste, light in texture, sparkling bright, calm, eliminates hunger and thirst, and nourishes the practice.

Eight Worldly Conditions- (Loka-Dhamma-P.) The eight worldly conditions of Buddhism: gain, loss, fame, dishonor, praise, blame, happiness and suffering. The four pairs are:

gain-loss fame-dishonour praise-blame happiness-suffering

Emanation body: Buddha's grosser form of physical body originated from the enjoyment body for the benefit of every ordinary sentient being. For instance, the historical Buddha Shakyamuni (Sanskrit: Buddha Sakyamuni), who appeared on the earth 2600 years ago.

Embodiment- N. That which is embodied. As in, he is the embodiment of kindness. To give form to ideas or feelings and views.

Enlightenment- N. The state of perfect mind; Work for the enlightenment of mankind. Lord Buddha realized Enlightenment - the state of perfect mind. Also the period (18th century) when men believed that reason and science would advance human progress.

First Sermon- N. First Lecture, First Teaching of the Buddha, or first Formal speech given by the Benares or Varanasi city, Northeastern India. The first discourse is also known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (P).

Five Actions of Immediate Retribution: 1. Killing one's mother 2. Killing an Arhat or superior being 3. Killing one's father 4. Causing a schism within the Sangha or spiritual community 5. Intending to draw blood from the Buddha's body

32Five Eyes- Physical eyes, deva eyes, Dharma eyes, wisdom eyes, Buddha eyes.

Five Faculties- Faith, energy, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom.

Five Powers- Same as the Five Faculties, except that as powers they cannot be shaken by their opposites (e.g., energy cannot be swayed by laziness).

Five Skandhas- The five aspects of a person: form, feelings, perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness. Sometimes called Five Aggregates.

Five Tastes- Sweet, sour, salty, pungent, and bitter.

Four immeasurable attitudes: 1. Love (Sanskrit: maitra); 2. Compassion (Sanskrit: karuna); 3. Joy (Sympathetic or Appreciative; Sanskrit: mudita); 4. Equanimity (Sanskrit: upeksa)

Four Kayas (Sanskrit: kaya): 1. Svabhava-kaya (Sanskrit: svabhava-kaya): Natural truth body 2. Jnana-dharma-kaya (Sanskrit: jnana-dharma-kaya): Wisdom body 3. Sambhoga-kaya (Sanskrit: sambhoga-kaya): Complete enjoyment

body 4. Nirmana-kaya (Sanskrit: nirmana-kaya): Emanation body

Four Pairs and Eight Kinds of Holy People- Arhat, Non Returner, Once-Returner, Stream-Enterer. The one who has attained the path heading towards the fruit and the one who has attained the fruit are considered one pair. Individually they are considered the Eight Types of Noble Ones.

Four Quarters- North, South, East, and West.

Four ways of birth- From eggs, from a womb, by metamorphosis, and by division.

Four Wisdoms- Great Mirror Wisdom, Wisdom of Equanimity, Wisdom of Deep Looking, and Wisdom of Perfect Realization.

33Foe-destroyer: Refers to Buddha, one who has won the battle against the inner enemies of disturbing emotions and delusions. "Foe" refers to disturbing emotions such as anger, attachment, desire, jealousy, and ignorance.

Fourfold Assembly: N. Four events happened in the assembly at Veruvan (P.) Bamboo Grove concerning Buddhism and Buddha. An assembly consists of 1. All 1250 Monks were Arahans. 2. They had been ordained by the Buddha himself. 3. They assembled by themselves without any prior call. 4. It was the full moon day of Magha month (March. Or late February)

Fourfold Sangha- A practicing community of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen, See also Sangha.

"Gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhisvaha"- The mantra from the Heart of the Prajnaparamita, uttered by Avalokiteshvara, meaning: "Gone, gone, gone all the way over, gone with all beings to the other shore, enlightenment, rejoice!"

gatha- A short poem or verse that we can recite during our daily activities to help us dwell in mindfulness.

Generosity- (Sanskrit: dana): The practice of giving either materials gifts, protection, or Dharma teaching with a sincere motivation in which there is a strong sense of joy or delight to give or to share with others.

Grateful- adj. beloved, pleasing, thankful

Gratitude- N. Thankfulness; being grateful; feeling of thankfulness for benefits received or kindness rendered.

Greed- N. Excessive desire to acquire and possess, strong desire for more food, wealth, over and above what is right or reasonable.

Guru (Sanskrit: guru): Spiritual teacher from whom you have received Dharma teachings that lead you to obtain Buddhahood.

34Hatred- N. Violent dislike: He looked at me with Hatred. Strong dislike.

Hindu- N. A person whose religion is Hinduism mainly in India.

Hinayana- N. Theravada- Small vehicle, A sect of Buddhism spread in Southern and Southeast Asian countries, Southern school of Buddhism.

Homage- N. Fealty, allegiance, loyalty. We pay homage to the Buddha. Formal and public acknowledgement of loyalty to the Lord Buddha.

Humility- N. Humble state of mind. She is very humble towards her superiors.

Hungry ghost- Preta, a being without faith or belief who ceaselessly craves without satisfaction.

Ignorance- N. To have no knowledge of, Lack of education, knowledge, cultivation, lack of insight of law of nature.

Impermanence- N. Changing, moving declining or declination, decay-constant change.

Indra's Net- A limitless net stretching infinitely in all directions, with a jewel in each eye of the net. These jewels are infinite in number, each reflecting in itself all other jewels. This image is taken from the Avatamsaka Sutra and is generally used to illustrate the teachings of interbeing and interpenetration.

Insight Meditation- N. (Vipassana Bhavana P.) Insight; Comprehension; power of understanding. To cultivate high level of understanding of the nature of things. Understanding the nature of things. Understanding of the Laws of nature as they really are. The endeavor to achieve complete insight into the real nature of all phenomena.

Kathin, Kathina-N. Special yellow Robes offering to Buddhist monks after Rains Retreat. Rains Retreat is a period of mid-July to mid-October. Kathina can be done only during the period from the end of the Retreat to the first day of the Waning moon of the following Lunar month.

Kalpa- An inconceivably long time, an eon.

35Karma (Sanskrit: karma): An action produced by the movement of mind motivated by conceptual thoughts and which produces unhappy results or tainted mundane pleasure or happiness.

Karmic obscuration: A negative energy left by a negative action within the mind-stream, which disturbs the positive quality, preventing it from growing, and which produces undesirable results.

Kshitigarbha- Earth Store Bodhisattva who vows to save beings in the realms of greatest suffering.

Lay Disciples- N. It refers to Buddha's disciples who sincerely observed Five Precepts and Buddhist doctrine. Not monk, novice or nuns.

Lay People- N. General People who may not be Buddhist and not monk, novice or nuns.

Liberality- N. Nobleness of free mind, the mind freed from all kinds of mental defilements, enlightenment of mind, generosity.

Lotus Throne- Seat of a Buddha.

Mahasattva- ("Mahasattvebhyah" is the dative plural meaning "to the Great Beings.") Great Being, one who has realized the highest truths.

Mahayana- N. Northern school of Buddhism, Great Vhicle. This school was formed a hundred years after the Buddha's lifetime.

Main Chapel- N. In Buddhism, it means the sacred place, where Buddhist Sangha Acts would be done. It is different from main chapel in Christian sense. It was called Uposatha in Pali.

Mandarava- Flowers that fall from the sky in the Pure Land (Sukhavati).

Manjushri- Bodhisattva of Understanding.

Manasarowara Lake- Also known as Anavatapta Lake, meaning cool, where there exists no heat of the afflictions.

Mara- The tempter, the Evil One, the killer, the opposite of the Buddha nature in each person; sometimes personalized as a deity. The obstacles to our practice, which arise in our own minds.

36Meditation- N. To focus one's mind. How to control one's mind; to meditate; self control. How to clear one's mind. How to purify the mind of impurities. Meditation means to make the mind peaceful in order to let wisdom arise.

Meritorious Deeds- N. Good action, noble action to do good, such as offering funds to students or monks, who are in need, for their study. Donate funds to set up hospitals and schools or meditation centers.

Middle Way- N. Eightfold Path or Noble Eightfold Path starting from Right understanding and ending with Right concentration. The way leading to enlightenment, Nibbana.

Mindfulness trainings (formerly "precepts")- Guidelines offered by the Buddha to protect us and help us live in mindfulness, in the form of precepts prescribing a particular course of conduct.

Monastery- N. Temples where Buddhist monks stay.

Monks- N. Buddhist Priests who observe 227 Precepts of Discipline, member of a community of men living together under religious vows in a monastery.

Morality- N. (Sanskrit: sila [s is pronounced sh as in English shoes]): Good behavior, practice moral teaching, the principles of right and wrong conduct or habits considered by a standard of right and wrong such as Five precepts in Buddhism. Willingness, with a strong conscious effort, to guard one's body, speech, and mind from indulging in negative actions.

Mudra of Peace- Also known as Seal of Peace, the sign made with the right hand when blessing water. The thumb joins the tip of the bent fourth finger while the second, third, and fifth fingers are held straight.

Naga King- A water deity governing springs, rain, rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Nagapushpa Assembly- The assembly that gathers around the Dragon Flower Tree to hear the teachings of Maitreya, the Buddha-to-be.

Namo- A phrase uttered when paying homage or respect to someone or something.

37Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhassa- "Homage to him, the World-Honored One, who is worthy of offerings, the One endowed with Perfect Understanding,"

Natural truth body: It refers to the emptiness of Buddha's omniscient mind, and the cessation of both obscurations (the obscuration to Liberation and the obscuration to Enlightenment) that exist within the omniscient Mind.

The gross manifest disturbing emotions, negative thoughts, and the karmic obscurations are said to be the "obscuration to Liberation." The subtle imprints of the dualism and the tendencies of seeing the two truths as a separate distinct entity are said to be the "obscuration to Enlightenment."

Nirvana- The extinction of all views and concepts and the suffering based on them, to have no attachments to the realm of birth and death. Refers to the ultimate reality.

Pancasila- P., Five Precepts in Buddhism, not to kill, not to steal, to obstain from sexual misconduct, not to lie and not to take intoxicating drinks.

Panna- (Pan-yaa, -P.) Wisdom, quality of clear mind, insight, intelligence, ability of problem solving.

Prajnaparamita- Perfection of Wisdom, crossing to the other shore with understanding.

Pure Land- Sukhavati, the land of great happiness where the Buddha Amitabha dwells. An ideal place to practice the path of liberation.

Realm: There are three realms: 1. Desire or gross material world

(Sanskrit: kama-dhatu or raga-dhatu) 2. Form or subtle material world (Sanskrit: rupa-dhatu) 3. Formless or immaterial world (Sanskrit: arupa-dhatu)

Beings in the desire or gross material world experience an intense attachment to the gross material things and sensual pleasure-especially sexual pleasure, the pleasure that arises as a direct result of the two sexual organs coming into contact.

Beings in the form or subtle material world experience a stronger attachment

38to the subtle material things as well as subtle sensory pleasure. For example, sexual pleasure can be fully experienced through merely looking, smiling, and laughing at each other rather than going through the gross physical process of sexual intercourse.

Beings in the formless or immaterial world experience attachment to the inner mental joy or equanimity. They do not experience any attachment to gross and subtle materials and sensory pleasure at all.

Roseapple Island- Jambudvipa; an ancient name for India, the continent where humans live. From jamby, meaning roseapple tree.

Samadhi- P. Concentration tranquility, the practice of centering the mind on a single sensation with right Samadhi, no matter what level of calm is reached, there is awareness. There is full mindfulness and clear comprehension. This is the Samadhi which can give rise to wisdom.

Samantabhadra- Bodhisattva of Great Action, who made the ten great vows of practice.

Samsara- (Sanskrit: samsara): Cycle of birth and death. Also see Cyclic existence.

Sangha- ("Sanghaya" is the dative singular meaning "to the Sangha.") The Community that endeavors to practice the true teaching in harmony. The spiritual community consisting of monks or nuns or lay practitioners.

Sanghakaya- The collective body of the Sangha.

Shakyamuni- ("Shakyamunaye" is the dative singular meaning "to Shakyamuni.") Literally, "sage of the Shakya clan." Refers to the historical Buddha whose awakening and teachings laid the foundation for the practice of Buddhism.

Shamatha (Sanskrit: samatha): Shamatha meditation is calm-abiding or single-pointed meditation. The purpose of Shamatha meditation is to help one overcome inner problems caused by one's negative emotions and help to bring inner peace. Because our mental problems are due to the mind itself, we can never find a cure in the physical world and must work to change ourselves. The ultimate goal of Shamatha meditation is to go beyond the experiences of the ordinary material world and to destroy our fundamental

39mental confusion that arises from our inability to see things as they truly exist, as they really are. Right now, in our confusion, we see things the way they appear to our mind. Because the appearance of things does not hold the truth and is not the way they are in reality, an incongruity exists - the appearance of things and the reality of things do not match - and we are led to confusion, anger, disappointment, unrealistic expectations, etc. There are two essential ingredients of Shamatha: mental clarity and stability. Clarity is when the mind is free from haziness, heaviness, dullness, numbness, and sleepiness. Stability is when the mind is completely free from mental distractions and wandering, agitation, and excitement. While we are in meditation, we must cultivate these qualities with our full power and maintain this state for as long as one can. If we are just sitting in the physical posture of meditation without working on strengthening our clarity and stability with single-pointed focus, we are not really meditating - we are like a hen sitting on her eggs!

Six Dark Paths- Gods, humans, asuras, hells, hungry ghosts, animals.

Six Miracles- (1) To see a great distance, (2) to hear all sounds, (3) to know one's past lives, (4) to perceive others' thoughts, (5) to travel anywhere at will, (6) to manifest in any way at will.

Stupa (Sanskrit: stupa): A monument containing Buddha's or other holy beings' relics and represents the Buddha's enlightened mind.

Sugata- Well-Gone One, one who has lived and practiced skillfully, another name for the Buddha.

Tathagata-(Sanskrit: Tathagata): One who comes from nowhere and goes nowhere, an epithet the Buddha used when referring to himself. One who has gone beyond the ordinary world.

Ten Directions- Eight compass directions plus above and below. Refers to the entire universe.

Ten Non-Virtuous Actions: Three of body: 1. Killing 2. Stealing 3. Sexual abuse or sexual misconduct

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Four of speech: 1. Lying 2. Divisiveness or slander 3. Harsh words 4. Idle gossip

Three of mind: 1. Covetousness 2. Malicious thought or ill-will 3. Wrong view

Ten Stages- Bhumi, the stages through which a bodhisattva passes on the path of awakening.

Ten Unwholesome Deeds- Killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, deceiving, exaggerating, contradicting, coveting, being angry, having wrong views.

Thirty Five Purification Buddhas: Enlightened beings who have special powers and obligations to purify negativities and karmic imprints in those who recite their names with great respect and pure faith.

Three Baskets- Tripitaka; discourses (sutras), precepts (vinaya), and commentataries on the Buddha's teachings (abhidharma).

Three Bodies of Buddha- Dharmakaya (body of true nature), Sambhogakaya (body of bliss or enjoyment), Nirmanakaya (transformation body).

Three Jewels, Three Gems, triple Gem- Buddha, Dharma, Sangha.

Three kindnesses: 1. Kindness of bestowing vows; 2. Kindness of giving teachings; 3. Kindness of passing an oral transmission.

Three Paths of Suffering- Hells, hungry ghosts, animals.

Three Qualities (of food)- Sattva (pure), rajas (fiery), and tamas (heavy).

Three Realms- Form, formlessness, desire.

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Three Times- Past, present, future.

Three Virtuous Positions of the Bodhisattva Path- Dwelling firmly in the practice (ten abodes), manifesting right actions (ten actions), and transferring all merit to the liberation of all beings (ten offerings).

Two Truths- The absolute truth and the relative truth. The absolute truth cannot be expressed directly in words and concepts, while the relative truth can. According to the absolute truth, there is no self. However, the absolute and relative truths inter-are; there cannot be one without the other.

Two ultimate bodies: Rupakaya (Sanskrit: rupakaya), the Form body of Buddha, and Dharnakaya (Sanskrit: dharmakaya), the Truth body of Buddha.

Upasaka (m.), upasika (f.)- Layman or laywoman practitioner. Literally, "one who is close" (i.e., practices closely with monks and nuns).

Vajra (Sanskrit: vajra): Symbol of indestructibility and symbolizes the method aspect of spiritual path.

Vulture Peak- Gridhakuta. The mountain near the town of Raj agriha where the Buddha sometimes stayed and taught.

Wisdom body: Buddha's enlightened mind that perceives the two truths simultaneously and is fully capable of interacting with the physical world without making a separation between the meditation periods and the post-meditation periods.

Yaksha- A ghost or demon, usually harmful but sometimes a protector of the Dharma.

Dedication of Merit May the merit and virtue Accrued from this work

Bring peace and bliss For everybody.

Namo Amitabha