The English translation of SANBUTSUGE from the BCA "Dharma School Service Book," 1981, and "Tan Butsu Ge," by Gyomay M. Kubose, 1976. SOURCE: Shin Buddhist Service Book, BCA, 1994, San Francisco.

Sanbutsuge ...

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 endeavor 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-Honored One, the Man of Lion. Your noble virtues are immeasureable.

Your meritorious service is vast and great, the depths of your wisdom profound. Your majestic appearance of light illumines 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 endeavor, the highest shall be deep meditation and wisdom.

I will become a Buddha and completely fulfill 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 retreating.

The Buddha worlds, also innumerable as the Ganges sands, will be completely illuminated by my shining light. The strength of my effort in this endeavor is beyond measure.

When I become a Buddha, my Land will be the finest. All the 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 endeavor I shall fulfill 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 my efforts. Whatever I must bear, I shall have no regrets.