(Taisho Tripitaka 0779)
Translated by Shramana Ngorn Sai Goe of the
Latter Horn Dynasty
Translated from Chinese into English by
Buddhist Text Translation Society
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Buddhist Disciples! At all times, day and
night, sincerely recite and bear in mind these eight truths that cause great
people to awaken.
The First Awakening: The world is
impermanent. Countries are perilous and fragile. The body is a source of pain,
ultimately empty. The five skandhas are not the true self. Life and Death is
nothing but a series of transformations, hallucinatory, unreal, uncontrollable.
The intellect is a wellspring of turpitude, the body a breeding ground of offenses.
Investigate and contemplate these truths. Gradually break free of death and
rebirth.
The Second Awakening: Too much desire
brings pain. Death and rebirth are wearisome ordeals, originating from our
thoughts of greed and lust. By lessening desires we can realize absolute truth
and enjoy peace, freedom, and health in body and mind.
The Third Awakening: Our minds are never
satisfied or content with just enough. The more we obtain, the more we want.
Thus we create offenses and perform evil deeds. Bodhisattvas don't wish to
make these mistakes. Instead, they choose to be content. They nurture the Way,
living a quiet life in humble surroundings their sole occupation, cultivating
wisdom.
The Fourth Awakening: Idleness and
self-indulgence are the downfall of people. With unflagging vigor, great people
break through their afflictions and baseness. They vanquish and defeat the four
kinds of demons, and escape from the prison of the five skandhas.
The Fifth Awakening: Stupidity and
ignorance are the cause of death and rebirth. Bodhisattvas apply themselves and
deeply appreciate study and erudition, constantly striving to expand their
wisdom and refine their eloquence. Nothing brings them greater joy than
teaching and transforming living beings.
The Sixth Awakening: Suffering in poverty
breeds deep resentment. Wealth unfairly distributed creates ill-will and
conflict among people. Thus, Bodhisattvas practice giving. They treat friend
and foe alike. They do not harbor grudges or despise amoral people.
The Seventh Awakening: The five desires are
a source of offenses and grief. Truly great people, laity included, are not
blighted by worldly pleasures. Instead, they aspire to don the three-piece
precept robe and the blessing bowl of monastic life. Their ultimate ambition is
to leave the home life and to cultivate the Path with impeccable purity. Their
virtuous qualities are lofty and sublime; their attitude towards all creatures,
kind and compassionate.
The Eighth Awakening: Like a blazing
inferno, birth and death are plagued with suffering and affliction. Therefore,
great people resolve to cultivate the Great Vehicle, to rescue all beings, to
endure hardship on behalf of others, and to lead everyone to ultimate
happiness.
These are the Eight Truths that all Buddhas,
Bodhisattvas and great people awaken to. Once awakened, they even more
energetically continue to cultivate the Path. Steeping themselves in kindness
and compassion, they grow in wisdom. They sail the Dharma ship across to
Nirvana's shore, and then return on the sea of birth and death to rescue
living beings. They use these Eight Truths to show the proper course for living
beings, causing them to recognize the anguish of birth and death. They inspire
all to forsake the five desires, and to cultivate their minds in the manner of
Sages.
If Buddhist disciples recite this Sutra on
the Eight Awakenings, and constantly ponder its meaning, they will certainly
eradicate boundless offenses, advance towards Bodhi, and will quickly realize
Proper Enlightenment. They will always be free of birth and death, and will
abide in eternal bliss.
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