✨Section 1: The Story
Long ago, in a time beyond counting, a powerful king ruled with wisdom and compassion. But when he encountered the teachings of a Buddha named King of Free Dominion over the World, something awakened deep within him.
Overwhelmed by the truth of the Dharma and the suffering of all beings, the king gave up his throne. He left behind worldly power and privilege, choosing instead the humble life of a monk. From that day, he became Bhikshu Dharmakara (法藏比丘), beginning what would become known as the Dharmakara Aspiration for Enlightenment.
With a heart full of courage and compassion, he made a vow — to walk the path to Buddhahood not for himself alone, but to create a Pure Land where all beings could be liberated.
That vow was the beginning of everything to come.
🌿Section 2: The Teaching
🪷 The Aspiration of a Bodhisattva: A Journey Toward Supreme Enlightenment
The Buddha said to Ananda:
In countless, unimaginable ages long ago, there appeared a Buddha named King of Free Dominion over the World Tathagata (世间自在王如来)—the Supreme Enlightened One, perfect in wisdom and conduct, fully awakened, unsurpassed, the greatest teacher of gods and humans, the enlightened sage of the world.
This Buddha taught the Dharma for forty-two kalpas (aeons), sharing his wisdom with gods, celestial beings, and all living beings. Among his listeners was a great king named King Sejhao (世饶王). Upon hearing the Buddha’s profound teachings, the king experienced immense joy and understanding. A desire for supreme enlightenment awakened within his heart.
Moved by this revelation, the king renounced his throne and royal status. He left behind his kingdom, adopted the life of a humble monk, and took the name Dharmakara (法藏).
🙏 The Path of Bodhisattva Practice: Dharmakara’s Noble Resolve
As a Bodhisattva, Dharmakara possessed remarkable wisdom, courage, and intellect—qualities that made him stand apart from ordinary beings. His deep faith and understanding were unparalleled. With extraordinary aspirations and supreme resolve, his mind became steadfast and unshakable, committed entirely to his spiritual path.
He practiced diligently, surpassing all others in effort and focus. Seeking guidance, he approached the King of Free Dominion over the World Tathagata with utmost reverence, knelt in devotion, and praised the Buddha with heartfelt sincerity.
He made vast and profound vows, proclaiming his aspirations through the following verses:
✨ Dharmakara’s Vows of Supreme Aspiration
“The Tathagata’s radiant form is wondrous beyond compare;
No being in all worlds can match its grace.
Your infinite light illuminates every direction,
Outshining the brilliance of the sun, moon, and all celestial lights.
Your compassionate voice reaches all beings,
Each understanding your teaching in their own way.
You manifest countless wondrous forms,
So all beings may see and find inspiration.”
🌍 The Wish for Universal Liberation
“May I attain the pure voice of the Buddha,
Spreading Dharma’s sound across limitless realms.
Proclaiming precepts, concentration, diligence, and wisdom,
Understanding the profound and wondrous teachings deeply.
May my wisdom be vast as the ocean,
With a mind pure and free from all defilements.”
🌊 Transcending Suffering: A Promise of Liberation
“May I surpass the endless gates of suffering,
Swiftly reaching the ultimate shore of enlightenment.
May ignorance, greed, and anger be forever extinguished,
All doubts cleared by the power of meditation.
Like the countless Buddhas of the past,
I vow to guide all sentient beings as a great teacher.
May I relieve all beings from suffering,
Freeing them from the pain of birth, aging, sickness, and death.”
💡 Practicing the Six Perfections (Paramitas)
“I shall practice generosity, moral discipline, patience,
Diligence, meditation, and wisdom—the Six Perfections.
For those yet to cross to liberation, I shall guide them,
And for those already free, I shall help them attain Buddhahood.”
🌠 The Courage to Seek Enlightenment
“Even if I were to offer endless treasures to countless Buddhas,
Such offerings would not surpass the courage of seeking true enlightenment.
May I dwell in deep concentration,
Radiating light that illuminates all beings.
May I establish a vast and pure land,
Magnificent beyond all comparison.
May beings from every realm be reborn there swiftly,
Experiencing peace and happiness.”
🌈 A Heart of Boundless Compassion
“May my heart overflow with compassion,
Relieving the suffering of boundless beings.
May I cultivate unwavering determination,
And remain steadfast in my vow to liberate all life.”
🌿 The Unshakable Vow of a Bodhisattva
“With firm determination, I shall walk this path,
A vow that only the enlightened Buddhas can truly know.
Even if I endure all forms of suffering,
My vow will never waver or retreat.”
💡Section 3: The Reflection - The Great Vow of Dharmakara
This sacred chapter reveals the great vow of Dharmakara Bodhisattva, who would eventually become Amitabha Buddha. His unwavering compassion and supreme aspirations serve as a profound reminder that true enlightenment arises from a heart devoted to the liberation of all beings.
Dharmakara’s journey is not just a story—it’s a call to action for those seeking peace, wisdom, and the courage to help others. Through his example, we learn that with compassion, perseverance, and unshakable resolve, anyone can walk the path toward enlightenment.
📜Section 4: Original Chinese Text | 法藏因地第四
佛告阿难：过去无量不可思议无央数劫，有佛出世，名世间自在王如来、应供、等正觉、明行足、善逝、世间解、无上士、调御丈夫、天人师、佛世尊。在世教授四十二劫。时为诸天及世人民说经讲道。
有大国主名世饶王。闻佛说法，欢喜开解，寻发无上真正道意。弃国捐王，行作沙门。号曰法藏。修菩萨道。高才勇哲，与世超异，信解明记，悉皆第一。又有殊胜行愿，及念慧力。增上其心，坚固不动。修行精进，无能逾者。往诣佛所，顶礼长跪，向佛合掌，即以伽他赞佛，发广大愿。颂曰：
如来微妙色端严 一切世间无有等
光明无量照十方 日月火珠皆匿曜
世尊能演一音声 有情各各随类解
又能现一妙色身 普使众生随类见
愿我得佛清净声 法音普及无边界
宣扬戒定精进门 通达甚深微妙法
智慧广大深如海 内心清净绝尘劳
超过无边恶趣门 速到菩提究竟岸
无明贪嗔皆永无 惑尽过亡三昧力
亦如过去无量佛 为彼群生大导师
能救一切诸世间 生老病死众苦恼
常行布施及戒忍 精进定慧六波罗
未度有情令得度 已度之者使成佛
假令供养恒沙圣 不如坚勇求正觉
愿当安住三摩地 恒放光明照一切
感得广大清净居 殊胜庄严无等伦
轮回诸趣众生类 速生我刹受安乐
常运慈心拔有情 度尽无边苦众生
我行决定坚固力 唯佛圣智能证知
纵使身止诸苦中 如是愿心永不退
🙏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.