✨Section 1: The Story
As the golden light of the Buddha’s presence radiated across the assembly, a new wave of Bodhisattvas stepped forward—sixteen noble beings whose virtues shimmered like stars in the clear night sky. They had come not merely to witness, but to embody the teaching itself.
Each one carried the spirit of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, their vows vast as the oceans, their wisdom profound as space. They reflected stillness, speech, strength, and supreme insight—living manifestations of the Bodhisattva path.
As they joined the gathering, it became clear: this was no ordinary presence. Their arrival marked the continuation of a sacred tradition—the unwavering vow to awaken not just for themselves, but for all sentient beings across the ten directions.
🌿Section 2: The Teaching
🕊️ The Sixteen Noble Bodhisattvas and Their Exemplary Practice
Among the assembly were sixteen great Bodhisattvas—protectors of the Dharma—each representing a unique strength on the path to enlightenment:
- Bodhisattva of Good Reflection (善思惟菩萨) – Known for deep contemplation.
- Bodhisattva of Wise Eloquence (慧辩才菩萨) – Master of profound and skillful speech.
- Bodhisattva of Non-Abiding Observation (观无住菩萨) – Skilled in observing without attachment.
- Bodhisattva of Divine Flower Power (神通华菩萨) – Radiating mystical abilities like blossoming flowers.
- Bodhisattva of Radiant Glory (光英菩萨) – Shining with divine brilliance.
- Bodhisattva of Jeweled Banner (宝幢菩萨) – Adorned with symbolic banners of enlightenment.
- Bodhisattva of Supreme Wisdom (智上菩萨) – Master of the highest wisdom.
- Bodhisattva of Tranquil Root (寂根菩萨) – Rooted in peace and stillness.
- Bodhisattva of Faithful Wisdom (信慧菩萨) – Unshakable faith and wisdom.
- Bodhisattva of Aspiring Wisdom (愿慧菩萨) – Strength in wisdom through deep aspiration.
- Bodhisattva of Fragrant Elephant (香象菩萨) – Symbolizing strength and noble fragrance.
- Bodhisattva of Precious Radiance (宝英菩萨) – Radiating with precious brilliance.
- Bodhisattva of Central Abode (中住菩萨) – Embodying balance and centeredness.
- Bodhisattva of Disciplined Practice (制行菩萨) – Master of disciplined conduct.
- Bodhisattva of Liberation (解脱菩萨) – Embodying ultimate freedom and release.
🌟 Their Great Vows and Practices
All of these Bodhisattvas followed the virtues of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (普贤菩萨), renowned for his boundless compassion and vast aspirations. Their cultivation included:
- Infinite Vows: Upholding countless noble intentions.
- Mastery in All Virtues: Fully immersed in every virtuous practice.
- Travel Across Ten Directions: Spreading teachings skillfully in every realm.
- Attaining Supreme Enlightenment: Determined to reach the ultimate state of Buddhahood across limitless worlds.
🙏 The Journey of Enlightenment
These great beings mirrored the Buddha’s own life journey:
- Descending from Tushita Heaven: Leaving the celestial realm to be born in a royal palace.
- Renouncing Royal Life: Giving up worldly privilege to pursue the path of awakening.
- Overcoming Mara (Demonic Obstacles): Defeating inner and outer hindrances through deep meditation and wisdom.
- Attaining Supreme Enlightenment: Realizing ultimate truths and awakening to boundless wisdom and compassion.
🎶 Guiding the World with Wisdom
- Turning the Dharma Wheel: Teaching the truth of reality to guide beings to awakening.
- Breaking the Walls of Delusion: Shattering desires and clearing mental defilements.
- Healing the Three Sufferings: Using the Dharma to ease pain caused by birth, aging, and death.
- Bestowing Prophecy: Giving spiritual confirmation to beings on the path of awakening.
🌿 Illusion and Compassion
Like master illusionists, these Bodhisattvas could manifest infinite forms to benefit others—yet they understood all appearances to be empty in essence. Their compassion was boundless:
- They saw the unique needs and karma of every being.
- They taught without discrimination.
- They blessed all beings through wisdom and love.
💡Section 3: The Reflection for Daily Practice
- Follow the Path of Infinite Vows: Serve others with intention, even in small acts.
- Embrace Compassion and Wisdom Together: Let understanding guide your kindness.
- Let Go of Attachments: Remember that all appearances are temporary.
- Practice Generosity in Spirit: Offer kindness freely, expecting nothing in return.
🌟 “The Bodhisattva walks the world not for personal gain, but to awaken the light in every heart.” 🙏
📜Section 4: Original Chinese Text | 德遵普贤第二
又贤护等十六正士，所谓善思惟菩萨、慧辩才菩萨、观无住菩萨、神通华菩萨、光英菩萨、宝幢菩萨、智上菩萨、寂根菩萨、信慧菩萨、愿慧菩萨、香象菩萨、宝英菩萨、中住菩萨、制行菩萨、解脱菩萨，而为上首。
咸共遵修普贤大士之德，具足无量行愿，安住一切功德法中。游步十方，行权方便。入佛法藏，究竟彼岸。愿于无量世界成等正觉。
舍兜率，降王宫，弃位出家，苦行学道，作斯示现，顺世间故。以定慧力，降伏魔怨。得微妙法，成最正觉。天人归仰，请转法轮。常以法音觉诸世间。破烦恼城，坏诸欲堑。洗濯垢污，显明清白。调众生，宣妙理，贮功德，示福田。以诸法药救疗三苦。升灌顶阶，授菩提记。为教菩萨，作阿阇黎，常习相应无边诸行。成熟菩萨无边善根。无量诸佛咸共护念。诸佛刹中，皆能示现。譬善幻师，现众异相。于彼相中，实无可得。此诸菩萨，亦复如是。通诸法性。达众生相。供养诸佛。开导群生。化现其身。犹如电光。裂魔见网，解诸缠缚。远超声闻辟支佛地。入空、无相、无愿法门。善立方便，显示三乘。于此中下，而现灭度。
得无生无灭诸三摩地，及得一切陀罗尼门。随时悟入华严三昧。具足总持百千三昧。住深禅定。悉睹无量诸佛。于一念顷，遍游一切佛土。得佛辩才，住普贤行。善能分别众生语言。开化显示真实之际。超过世间诸所有法。心常谛住度世之道。于一切万物，随意自在。为诸庶类作不请之友。受持如来甚深法藏。护佛种性常使不绝。兴大悲，愍有情。演慈辩，授法眼。杜恶趣，开善门。于诸众生，视若自己。拯济负荷，皆度彼岸。悉获诸佛无量功德。智慧圣明，不可思议。
如是等诸大菩萨，无量无边，一时来集。又有比丘尼五百人，清信士七千人，清信女五百人，欲界天、色界天、诸天梵众，悉共大会。
🙏Section 5: Nianfo & Dedication of Merit
Let us now gently chant together:
Amituofo, Amituofo, Amituofo... (repeat with mindfulness)
Dedication of Merit （回向）
May the merit from this reading benefit all beings.
May suffering be eased, faith awakened, and peace arise in every heart.
May all be reborn in Amitabha’s Pure Land.
Amituofo.