Buddhist Hymns and Prayers Confession All the evil karma ever committed by me since of old, On account of greed,

anger, and folly, which have no beginning, Born of my body, mouth, and thought -I now make full open confession of it. The Threefold Refuge I take refuge in the Buddha; I take refuge in the Dharma; I take refuge in the Sangha. I take refuge in the Buddha, the incomparably honoured one; I take refuge in the Dharma, honourable for its purity; I take refuge in the Sangha, honourable for its harmonious life. I have finished taking refuge in the Buddha; I have finished taking refuge in the Dharma; I have finished taking refuge in the Sangha. On Opening the Sutra The Dharma incomparably profound and exquisite Is rarely met with, even in hundreds of thousands of millions of kalpas; We are now permitted to see it, to listen to it, to accept and hold it; May we truly understand the meaning of the Tathagatas words! The Four Great Vows However innumerable beings are, I vow to save them; However inexhaustible the passions are, I vow to extinguish them; However immeasurable the Dharmas are, I vow to master them; However incomparable the Buddha-truth is, I vow to attain it. The Teaching of the Seven Buddhas Not to commit evils, But to do all that is good, And to keep ones thought pure -This is the teaching of all the Buddhas The Gatha of Impermanence 1

All composite things are impermanent, They are subject to birth and death; Put an end to birth and death, And there is blissful tranquility. Mahamangala Sutta [Discourse of Supreme Happiness] Many deities and humans, yearning after good, have pondered on Blessings. Pray, tell me the Supreme Blessings. Not to follow or associate with the foolish, to associate with the wise, and honor those who are worthy of honor. This is the Supreme Blessing. To reside in a suitable locality, to have done meritorious actions in the past, and to have set oneself on the right course This is the Supreme Blessing. Vast-learning, perfect handicraft, a highly trained discipline and pleasant speech. This is the Supreme Blessing. The support of mother and father, the cherishing of spouse and children and peaceful occupations. This is the Supreme Blessings. Liberality, righteous conduct, the helping of relatives and blameless action. This is the Supreme Blessing. To cease and abstain from evil, forbearance with respect to intoxicants and steadfastness in virtue.

This is the Supreme Blessing. Patience, obedience, sight of the holy ones and religious discussions at due season. This is the Supreme Blessing. Self-control, pure life, perception of the Noble Truths and the realization of Nibbana. This is the Supreme Blessing. He whose mind does not flutter, by contact with worldly contingencies, sorrowless, stainless and secure. This is the Supreme Blessing. To them, fulfilling matters such as these, everywhere invincible, in every way moving happily. These are the Supreme Blessings.