WISDOM OF THE EASTBUDDHISTPSALMSTRANSLATED FROM THEJAPANESEOFSHINRAN SHONINBY S. YAMABEAND L. ADAMSBECKLONDONJOHNMURRAY,ALBEMARLESTREET,W.19212!ALLRIGHTSRESERVED12.1452APR1 11986CONTENTSPAQBINTRODUCTION 7LAUDING THE INFINITE ONE . . .19OFPARADISE 26CONCERNING THE GREAT SUTRA . .28CONCERNINGTHESUTRAOFTHEMEDITATION 33CONCERNING THE LESSER SUTRA. . 35OF THE MANY SUTRAS CONCERNING THEINFINITE ONE. . . .36CONCERNINGTHEWELFAREOFTHEPRESENTWORLD. . . , .38OF THANKSGIVING FORNAGARJUNA,THEGREATTEACHER OF INDIA ...42OF THANKSGIVING FORVASUBANDH,THEGREAT TEACHER OF INDIA.. 4456CONTENTSPAQBOFTHANKSGIVINGFOEDONKAN,THEGREATTEACHER OF CHINA . . . .46CONCERNINGUNRIGHTEOUSDEEDS. .51CONCERNING DOSHAKU-ZENJI . . .53CONCERNING ZENDO-DAISHI. . .54CONCERNING GENSHIN-SOZU . . .60CONCERNING HONENSHONIN . . .62OFTHE THREE PERIODS . . . .66CONCERNING BELIEFANDDOUBT . . 78IN PRAISE OF PRINCE SHOTOKU . .83WHEREIN WITH LAMENTATION I MAKE MYCONFESSION 85ADDITIONAL PSALMS 89ERRATAErrorp.L.22. 19. Dower27. 26. thatis setfreeJ.t. 19.Loka-is-Vara-Raja47. 16. Dun48. 9. Dun61. 20.Concerning,etc.68. 14.ninety70. 24. thesoul71. 11.Fifty-sixthousandandseventyyears84. 26.CorrectPowerThese four words mustcomeaftertheword all(p.28,1.2)LokeSvara-RajaFunFun,FunseiandShinryoThese three words areneedless.ninety-fivetheoceansoulFifty-sixhundred andseventymillionyears325 mustcomesbeforethewordthrough.Thisnumberisneedless.85. 3. 32588. 17.Mahamonugalyayana Mahamoudgalyayana91. 8. shalltakepartwith shalltaketheplaceofCONTENTSINTRODUCTIONBYL. ADAMSBECKIT is asingularfact thatthough manyof theearlier BuddhistScriptureshave beentranslatedby competentscholars,comparativelylittleattention has beenpaidto later Buddhist devotionalwritings,and thisalthoughthedevelopmentsofBuddhisminChinaandJapangivethemthedeepestinterest asreflectingthespiritualmindofthosetwogreatcountries.Theycannot,however,beunderstoodwithoutsomeknowledgeof the faith whichpassedsoentirelyinto theirlifethatinitsgrowthitlostsomeofits owninfanttraits and took onothers, rooted,nodoubt,inthebeginningsinIndia,butexpanded and changedas the features of the childmaybeforgotteninthe face of themanandyet perpetuatethe unbroken succession ofheredity.It isespeciallytrue thatJapancannot be understood withoutsomeknowledgeof the Buddhismofthe GreaterVehicle(asthedevelopedform iscalled),for it78INTRODUCTIONwas the influence that moulded heryouthas anation,thatshapedheraspirations,andwastheinspirationof herart,notonlyin the writtenword,butineveryartandhigherhandicraftsman-shipthat makes her what she is. Whatevercenturiesmaypassorthefutureholdinstoreforher,JapancanneverlosethestampofBuddhisminherouterorherspirituallife.The world knows little asyetof the soul ofMahayanaBuddhism,thoughmuch of its outerobservance,andforthisreasonacrucialinjusticehasbeendoneinregardingitmerelyasadegradedformoftheearlierBuddhism arankoff-shootoftheteachingsof the GautamaBuddha,asystemofidolatryandpriestly powerfrom which theausterepurityoftheearlierfaithhaspassedaway.Thetruth is thatBuddhism,likeChristianity,ineverycountrywhere it hassowedits seedandreapeditsharvest,developed alongthe linesindicatedbythe mind of thatpeople.TheBuddhismofJapandiffers from that of Tibetasprofoundlyas theChristianityofAbyssiniafromthat of Scotlandyetbothhaveconservedthe essentialprinciple.Buddhism was not a deadabstraction,but alivingfaith,and it thereforegrewandchangedINTRODUCTION 9with thegrowthof the mind ofman,enlargingitsperceptionof truth. As in the othergreatfaiths,theascent oftheMountof Visionrevealsworldsundreamed andproclaimswhatmayseemto benewtruths,butareonlynewaspectsoftheEternal.JapaneseBuddhists still base theirbeliefontheutterancesoftheBuddhas,buttheyhaveenlargedtheirconceptionof the truths sotaught,andtheyhold that the new flower andfruitspringfromthe roots that wereplantedindimagesbefore the GautamaBuddhataughtinIndia,and have since rushed hundred-armed tothesun. Suchisthereligioushistoryofmankind,andBuddhismobeysitssequence.ThedevelopmentofMahayanaBuddhismfrom theteachingof the Gautama Buddha hasbeen oftencomparedwith that of the ChristianfaithfromtheJewish,but itmaybebettercomparedwiththegrowthofasacerdotalsystemfromthesimplicitiesof theGospelof St. Mark. Thatthedevelopmentshould have been on the samelines in all essential matters ofsymboland(inthe mostimportantrespects)ofdoctrine,modifiedonlybyEastern habits ofthoughtandenvironment, isamiracleofcoincidencewhichcannotbeparalleledhi the world unless it begrantedthat10INTRODUCTIONChristianity filtering alongthegreattraderoutesof anearlier worldjoinedhandswith Buddhisminmanyunsuspectedwaysandplaces.Evidenceisaccumulatingthat this isso,andinameasureatpresentalmost incredible. And if it be soif it be true that hispiteof racialdistinctions,differences ofthoughtandcircumstance,thereligious thoughtof EastandWesthas somanyandsogreatmeeting-points,thehopeoftheworldinthings spiritual maylie in therecognitionofthat fact and in a future union now shadowedforthonlyhisymbolandinagreat hope.This,however,is noessayonBuddhism,either earlierorlater,andwhatI havesaid isnecessarytotheintroduction of theseJodo-Wasan,or Psalms ofthe PureLand,whichareapartnotonlyof theliterature,butalsoofthedailyworshipandspiritual life ofJapan.Theirhistorymaybebrieflytold.BuddhismpassedintoJapanfrom China andKoreaabout1,320yearsago,hiorabouttheyearA.D. 552. Itadapteditself withperfectcomprehension to the ideals of theJapanese people,inculcating among themtheteachingsofmoralitycommontothegreatfaithswith,inaddition,thespiritualunction,the passion of love andsympathy,INTRODUCTION 11self-devotion, and compassion,in whichBuddhismandChristianityare alikepre-eminent.Thenegativeside ofBuddhism,with itspassionlesscalm and self-renunciation, is theonlyone thathasbeenrealisedintheWest,andtheteachingsofMahayanawhich have borne fruit andflower,visible to all theworld,ofhappiness, courtesy,kindliness in thespiritualattitude of a wholepeople,haveneverreceivedthehonourwhichwastheirdue.For with the Buddhist faith there came thegermof the belief that the GautamaBuddha inhis owngrandeurborewitness to OneGreatertheAmitabhaor Amida Buddha thatOnewhoin boundlessLightabideth,life of theUniverse,withoutcolour,withoutform,theLoverofman,his Protector andRefuge.Hemay,He mustbeworshipped,for in Himare all the essentialattributes ofDeity,andHe,the Saviour ofmankind,haspreparedapureland ofpeaceforhisservants,beyondthe storms of life anddeath. This beliefeventually crystallisedandbecameadogmain the faith of the PureLand,knowninJapanas JodoShinshu,afaith heldbythemajorityof theJapanese people.It is abelief which hasspreadalso in EasternSiberia,12INTRODUCTIONmanypartsofChina,Hawaii,and,infact,where-evertheJapaneseracehasspread.Andthemanwho stated this belief for all time was ShinranShonin,authorofthePsalmsherepresented.Hewas born in theyearA.D. 1175 nearCity-Royal Kyoto,the ancientcapitalofJapan.Hewas a son of one of the noblestfamilies,incloseconnection with theImperialHouse,andhad it notbeenforthepassionfortruthandthelifeofthespiritwhichconsumedhim.hishistorywouldhavebeenthatof themanyotherbrilliantyoungmen who sank into mere courtiers"DwellersabovetheClouds,"astheroyalties andcourtiersofthedaywerecalledamongthepeople.But the clear air above the clouds in which hisspiritspreaditswingswasnotthatofCity-Royal,andtheWayopenedbeforehimas it hasopenedbeforemanya saint of the ChristianChurch,forwhilestillachildhelostbothhisparents,andso,meditatingon theimpermanenceof mortallife,andseeinghowthe fashion of this worldpassesaway,heabandonedhis title andbecameamonkin one ofthenoblemonasterieswhosesuccessorsstill standglorious amongthepinewoodsaboveLakeBiwa.Thesewere notonlymonasteries,but seats ofINTRODUCTION 13learning,asinEuropeintheMiddleAges, andheretheDoctrinesweresubjectedto brilliantanalysisandlogicalsubtleties whichhadalmostsupersededthelivingfaith. Inthat coldatmospherethespiritofShiranShonincouldnotspreaditswings,thoughfortwenty yearshegavehisthoughtsto itsempty glitter.Therefore,at theageoftwenty-ninehecast it all behindhim,andindeephumilitycast himself at the feet of thegreatTeacherHonen,who,in the shades ofHigashi-yaina,wassettingforth thesavingpowerof theEternal Onewho abideth in theLightand inwhomis no darkness the Buddhaof BoundlessLight.And in thisplaceand from this manShinran receivedenlightenment.Lifenowlaybeforehimasaproblem.Unlikeasthetwomenare incharacterandmethods,hispositionresembled that of Martin Luther onquittingtheChurchofRome. FortheBuddhistmonasticrulerequiresits memberstobehomeless,celibate,vegetarian,andhere,likeLuther,Shinranjoinedissue with them. To his mindthe attainment of manlayin the harmoniousdevelopmentofbodyandspirit,and in the fulfilment,notthenegationof theordinaryhumanduties.Accordingly,inhisthirty-firstyear,after14 INTRODUCTIONdeepconsideration,he married thedaughterofPrinceKujoKanezane,Chief Minister of theEmperorandhead of one of thegreatesthousesinJapan,andinthathappyunionhetastedfouryearsofsimpledomesticjoy, duringwhichasonwasborntohim. Thenthestormbroke.Trouble was stirredup bythe orthodoxBuddhistChurchwithevilreportswhichreachedthe ears of theEmperor,and Shinran was sentinto banishment in thelonelyandprimitiveprovinceofEchigoa terrible alternative for amanofnoblebirthandrefinedculture. Hetookit, however,withperfect serenityasamissiontothoseuntaughtandneglected people,and intotheir darknesshebroughtthelightoftheFatherofLights,andthepeopleflocked to thewarmthand wonder of the newhope,and heard himgladly.Thestoryis toldbyacontemporary,whomI havethusrendered :"Inthespringof the thirdyearof the era ofKennin,theageof Shinran Shonin wastwenty-nine. Drivenbythe desire forseclusion,hedepartedto themonasteryof Yoshimizu. ForashisdaywassoremotefromtheeraoftheLordBuddha,andthe enduranceofmaninthepracticeofreligiousausterity was nowweakened,hewouldINTRODUCTION 15fain seek the onebroad,straight waythat isnow madeplainbeforeus,leavingbehind himthemoredeviousanddifficult roads hiwhichhehadalongtimewandered. Forso it wasthatHonenShonin,thegreatteacher ofthe Doctrine of theLand of PureLight,hadtaughthimplainlyofthe inmost heartof theFaith,raisingupinhimthe firm foundation ofthatteaching.Thereforehecertainlyreceivedatthattimethetruemeaningof the DivinePromiseof universalsalvation,andattaineduntotheimperishablefaithbywhichalonetheignorantcanenterintoNirvanawithoutconditionorprice."FromtheprovinceofEchigoShinranpassedonward to that ofHitachi,and entered intoseclusionatInada,that littlevillageoftheregionof Kasama.Very lonelywas hisdwelling, yetmanydisciples soughtafterhim,andthoughthehumbledoorofthemonasterywasclosedagainstthem,manynobles and lesserpersons throngedintothevillage.SohishopeofspreadingabroadtheHolyTeachingwasfulfilled andhis desiretobring joyto thepeoplewas satisfied. Thus hedeclared that the revelation vouchsafed to himintheTempleofRokkakubytheBodhisattwaofPitywas indeedmademanifest."16 INTRODUCTIONIt is that revelation whichspeaksin thesePsalms thelove,aspiration, passionforrighteousnessandhumilitywhichare the heart of allthegreatreligiousutterancesoftheworld."Alasforme, Shinran,theignorantexilewhosinksintothedeepsofthegreatoceanofhumanaffections,whotoils toclimbthehighmountainsofworldly prosperity,and is neithergladto bewith them who return no more toillusion,nortakesdelightinapproachingmorenearlytotrueenlightenment.thepityof it ! Otheshameof it !"Thiscryalternates with thejoyofperfectaspiration,andit isthatwhichkeepsthesepsalmsinwarmhumantouch with thespiritualitythatis neitherofracenortime,butforeternity.Hewassixty-twoyearsofagewhenhereturnedfromexile toCity-Royal,andthoughhemadeithiscentre,it was his homeno more. Hewanderedfromplacetoplace, teachingas hewent,afterthe manner of the Buddhas. At theageofninetyhisstrengthsuddenlyfailed,and thenextdayhepassedawayinperfectpeace.Suchwerethe outwardevents of his life;hisownwritingsmustgivethehistoryofhis soul.Histeachings to-dayarespreadfar andwide inINTRODUCTION17the land of hisbirth,and are aninspirationtomillions within and without its shores. In himwas the harmonisedspiritof Buddhism at itshighest.Thosewhocanenter into the heart ofShinran Sh5nin will havegained understandingof the heart ofamightypeoplewhich is said tobeimpossibleof Westernreading,andyetin itsessentials issimpleastheheartofachild.L. ADAMS BECK.EDITORIAL NOTETHEobjectof the Editors of this series is averydefinite one.Theydesire above allthingsthat,in their humbleway,these books shall betheambassadors ofgood-willandunderstandingbetween East and West the old world ofThoughtandthenewof Action. Inthis endeavour,and in their ownsphere, theyare butfollowers of thehighest examplein the land.Theyare confident that adeeper knowledgeofthegreatideals andloftyphilosophyof Orientalthought may helpto a revival of that truespiritofCharitywhichneitherdespisesnorfearsthenationsofanothercreedandcolour.L. CRANMER-BYNG.S. A. KAPADIA.NORTHBROOKSOCIETY,21 CROMWELLROAD,KENSINGTON,S.W.BUDDHISTPSALMSLAUDING THE INFINITE ONE1. SINCE Hewho is Infinite attained unto theWisdomSupreme,thelong, long agesof tenKalpashaverolledaway.TheLightof HisDharma-Kayais in thisworldeyestothe blind.2. Seekrefugein the True Illumination ! Forthelightof HisWisdomis infinite.In all the worlds there isnothing uponwhichHislightshines not.3. TakerefugeintheLightuniversal.As theLightof His deliverance isboundless,hewhois withinit is freedfromthelie ofaffirmationordenial.4. Seekrefugein Thatwhich isbeyondunderstanding,ForHisgloryisall-embracingas the air.Itshineth andpiercethallthings,and there isnothinghidfromthelightthereof.1920 BUDDHIST PSALMS5. Takerefugein the ultimateStrength,forHispureradiance is above allthings.HewhoperceiveththisLightis set free from the fettersofKarma.6. Seekrefugein the World-Honoured.SinceHisgloriousradiance is above all He iscalledtheBuddhaofDivineLight.AndbyHimis the darkness of the three worldsEnlightened.7. Excellent is theLightof His Wisdom.Thereforeishecalledthe BuddhaofClearShining.Hewhois withintheLight, beingwashedfromthe soil ofKarma,shall attain unto the finaldeliverance.8. TakerefugeintheMightyConsoler.Wheresoever Hismercyshineththroughoutall theworlds,menrejoicein itsgladdeninglight.9. The darknessofignoranceperishethbeforeHislight.Therefore isHehailed as theBuddhaof Radiant Wisdom.All the Buddhas and thethreefoldchoir ofsages praiseHim.10.Hisgloryshineth for ever and ever.Therefore is Hecalled theBuddhaofEverlastingLight.Most excellent is the virtue of thislight,forhewhoperceivethit is bornintoParadisewithoutdissolutionofbeing.THE INFINITE ONE 2111. Thegloryof the Infinite isboundless,therefore is Heknown as the Buddha ofLightPastComprehension.All the Buddhasglorifythemajestyof Hisholiness that leadeth all the earth into HisKingdom.12. His clearshiningtranscendeth all revelation,nor canhumanspeechutter it. Thereforeis Henamedthe Buddha ofLight Unspeakable.AlltheBuddhasglorifythegloryoftheInfiniteOne who is BuddhathroughHispromiseofLightimmeasurable.13. TakerefugeinHim whoisHoliestofHoly.Sunandmoonarelost intheoceanofHissplendour. Therefore is He named that Infinite inwhose radiance Sun and Moon are darkened.Before whose Divine Power even that Buddhamadeflesh in Indiahimself faltereth inascribingpraisetotheMajestyofHistrueglory.14. Farbeyondhumannumberingarethewisein thehigh assemblageof the Infinite One.Therefore let him who would be born into theLandofPurityseekrefugein the GreatCongregation.15. In Paradise are theMightyunnumbered,Bodhisattvas ranked in thathierarchynearest22BUDDHIST PSALMSto the PerfectEnlightenment.Thence aretheymade fleshuponearthaccordingto thewayofsalvationthat allhavinglifemightbesaved.16. Takerefugein theocean-deepSoul Universal.ForthesakeofalldwellingintheTenRegionshathHekeptthe fullness of all theTeachings,inHisdivineandmightypromises.17. Hewho is Infinite neverresteth,for togetherwiththe Bodhisattvas ofCompassionandPure Reason Helaboureth,that the souls ofthemthatdulyreceiveHimmayhavesalvation,enlighteningthemwiththelightofHismercy.18. Whenhewhois bornintothelandofPurePeacereturnethagainintothis sinfulworld,evenlike unto that Buddha made flesh inIndia,heweariethnotinseekingthewelfareofallmen.19. Seekrefugein the World-Honoured,forHisPivineDowerisAlmightyandbeyondmansmeasure,beingmadeperfectin inconceivableHoliness.20. TheSravakas,theBodhisattvas,theHeavenly Beingsand Souls inParadise,theyinwhomwisdom is madeequaluntobeauty,declaretheirattributesinorder,accordingtotheirformerbirth.THE INFINITE ONE 2321. SeekrefugeinHiminwhomallstrengthsareequal.Noughtis theretocomparewiththe excellentbeautyoftheSouls inParadise,fortheirbeingisinfiniteasspace,andfararetheyabovecelestialsandmortalman.22. Whosowould be born into Paradise shallin this life be made one with those men thatreturnnomoreuntobirthanddeath.In that Pure Landis none whohath stood amongdoubtingmen,and none also whohath trustedin his owndeeds for Salvation. To this do allthe Buddhaswitness.23. If allhavinglife in theTenRegionshearthis Holiest Name of Him that isInfinite,andattainunto the truefaith,theyshall obtainjoyandgladness.24. For when a man withjoy accepteththesacred vow of Him that is infinite whosaith,"I will not attain untoperfect Enlightenmentunless in Meshall all theworld bemadewhole,"atthatverytimehe shallassuredlybebornintoParadise.25. SeekrefugeintheAlmightySpirit.Bythe divinemightofHispromise,bytheInfinite One was Paradise created;yea,and the24 BUDDHIST PSALMSSouls of menthat dwell therein. And there isnoughtthatmaycomparewiththem.26. Seekrefugein the unutterable Wisdom.OfHisLandof Peacethehalf cannotbetold.Eventhewordof the Buddhahimself could notutter it.27.Myriadsofhappysoulswereborn,arebornandshall be born into that LandofPurity,notfromthisworldalone,butfromthehiddenworldsalso,andtheTenRegions.28. Sosoon asmanheareth theholynameoftheInfiniteOneandwithgreatgladnesspraisethhim,he shall attain to the reward of theholyTreasuryofMerit.29. Goforward,ValiantSouls,seekingtheLawthoughall the worlds fall into flame andruin,foryeshall havepassed beyondbirth anddeath!30. The innumerable Buddhaspraisethe triumphant divinityof theBringerofLight.ToHimdogatherthemyriadBodhisattvas,unnumberedastheSandsofGangesinworshipfromtheEasternworld.31. AsfromtheEast,sogatheralsototheInfiniteOnetheBodhisattvasfromtheNineRegionsofthe worlds.THE INFINITE ONE25With Sacred Psalms the Gautama Buddhahimself laudeth the boundlessgloryof theInfiniteOne.32. Seekrefugein theWorid- Honoured.To Him do themyriadBuddhas of the tenRegionsbringhomagewithsongs andpraises,thatthey maysowtheseedsofmerit.33.Bring homagetotheHallofGreatTeachingand to thelivingBo tree that is in Paradise !Yetthisland,gloriouswiththeHolyTree,radiantwiththeHallofGreatTeachingthatshinethwiththe SevenJewels,where innumerable soulshasteningfromall theendsoftheEarthshall beborn,is butthetemporalParadise.34. InawfulreverenceseekrefugeinthepurityofHimthatwelcometh. ForbyHisDivinePromisewas thisgloriousland,greatbeyondhumanmeasurement,madeto be.35. Seekrefugein the wisdom inconceivable.For theperfectionof His Virtue that Virtueavailingfor all theworld,and theperfect waybywhich He willeth that man shall takerefugeinHim,arepastall humanspeechorthought.36. Takerefugehi the wisdom that is mosttrulyinfinite. For Heisfaithful,havingpromised26 BUDDHISTPSALMSin His DivineMight,and on hisperfectclearpromisethat cannot be shaken is the mercifulwayofsalvationbuilded.OF PARADISE37. Seekrefugein theheavenlyharmony.Forthejewel grovesandgemtreesof Paradisegiveforth a sweet andmostexcellentmelodyinpureandorderedunison.38. Seekrefugehi the DivinePromise,theTreasuryofMerit,Forthesevenjeweltreesarefragranthi Paradise wheretheflowers,thefruits,the branchesandthe leaves thereofCastbacktheirradiancetheonetotheother.39.BringhomagetotheperfectRighteousness.Asthepurewindblowsoverthetreesgloriouswithjewels,It drawethfromthemanoblemusicwith fivefoldstrains ofharmony.40. In all the world is noplacehidden fromthegloryshedbyhundreds ofmyriadraysfromtheheartofeveryflowerofParadise.41. LikeuntoagoldenmountainreflectingtheOF PARADISE 27myriadraysoftheseheavenlyblossoms,so is theformoftheInfiniteOne.42. From His SacredBody,as from a well-spring,floweth thislightover the TenRegionsoftheworld.ByHisSacredteachingHeleadeth allhavinglife intothewayoflight.43. Seekrefugein theTreasuryofRighteousness.ForinParadiseisthatholylake,withitswatersofeightfold Virtue,all-gloriouswith the sevenjewels.Andall this is the inconceivable handiworkofPurity.44. SeekrefugeintheAll- Honoured.Forwhensorrowandsighingarefledaway,theHolyLand shallrejoicewithjoyandsinging.Therefore is it called Paradise.45. The Buddhas of the ThreeAgesand theTenRegions, theyinwhomtheDualWisdom isperfectandtheir illuminationentire,lead all theworldsmarvellouslyinto thewayofSalvation,theTruthbeingtheir Vehicle.46. Hethat seekethrefugein theKingdomofthe Infinite One is a citizen of theKingdomofeveryBuddha.Lethimthat is setfree,withsingleheartgive28 BUDDHIST PSALMSpraisesunto OneBuddha,for in sodoinghepraisethall.47. Thefaithful believeratthatmomentwhenherejoicethin the sound of the name of theInfiniteOnehathrevealeduntohisveryeyestheBuddhaofLight.48. LethimthathathfaithpraisetheVirtueoftheDivineWisdom.Lethimstrivetodeclareituntoallmenthathemayoffer his thankfulness for thegraceof theBuddha.CONCERNINGTHE GREAT SUTRA49. The VenerableAnanda,risingfrom hisseat,andlookingupwardstotheWorld-HonouredGautamaBuddha,hiseyes being opened,marvelledgreatly, seeingthegloryof his Lord sotransfigured.50. TheVenerableAnandaaskedthe Cause ofthatglory,fortheLord,shiningintheLightthatwashitherto unseen of theworld,taughtopenly,forthe firsttime,that TruthforwhichHecameintotheworld.51. In the meditation of the Great Calm theTHE GREAT SUTRA 29Buddha whose countenance isglorious,com-mendeth the most excellent wisdom of Anandaforthat heaskedthewayofknowledge,desiringtobeinstructed.52. ThatBuddhathatwasmadeflesh inIndiawasinthisworldmanifestedthathemightpreachtheDivinePromiseofHimwhois Infinite.Hard is it to see the hidden blossom of themyriad-century-bloomingLotus,so hard also isitfor a mansunderstandingtoreceivethemessageofthatBlessedOne.53. TenKalpasofAgeshaverolledawaysinceHewhoisInfiniteattaineduntotheWisdom,yetbefore themyriadsof theKalpasHewas.54. Hewho is of theLightIneffable,HoliestRefugeofmen,ordainingthat Hissaving graceshould be mademanifest,dulyconsidered alltheworldsofthe TenRegions,undertheguidanceoftheholyBuddhaofLoka-is-Vara-Raja.55.Purity, Rejoicing,Wisdom,thesethreearetheSupernalEssence of thelightof the InfiniteOnethatenlightenethallthings, communicatinggoodtoalltheworldsoftheTenRegions.56.Teachingall that have life in the TenRegions,thatthey might,withsincerity,faith,andhope,be bornagainintoParadise,Heset30BUDDHIST PSALMSforth thatpromiseinfinite and divine the trueseed of birth withintheKingdomof Truth.57. WhosoattainethuntotheTrueFaith is inunitywiththemthatreturnnomoretobirthanddeath,forhavingthusattained,theypassonwardintoNirvana,theirlivesbeingended.58. In Hisgreat compassionthe Blessed OneaccomplishedHis infinite wisdom in His divinepromise,ordaining that womanhoodshallberaisedinto manhood.59.Instructingall that have life in the TenRegions howtheyshouldthroughsincerity,effort,andhopebe born into theTemporalParadise,HefaithfullypromisethtomanifestHimselfuntotheeyesof thedying, openingwide thegateofallrighteousnessbeforethem.60.Bythe divinepromisetothedyingofHisconsolingpresenceourLordinstructethmenthattheyshall maketogrowallrighteousnessrevealedin the Sutra of Meditationuponthe Buddha ofInfinite Life.61. Allrighteousdeeds done of men in trueobedience to theholyDoctrine ofSincerityandright-doing,are but the seed of merit that shallbebornwithintheTemporalParadise.62.InstructingAll that have life in the TenTHE GREAT SUTRA 31Regionshow thatthey may through sincerity,merit,andhopebebornintotheTemporalParadise,Hepromiseth that no manshalllosesalvation,forHehathopenedtheGateofTruth.63.BytheDivinePromiseofthefinal salvationhath our Lord instructed the menof theSingleVehicle to recite HisHolyName that is theEssence of all the merit revealed in the LesserSutraoftheBuddhaofInfinite Life.64. HethatreciteththeHolynamebyhisowneffort and in the mind of meditation or of dispersing, beingledbythe virtue of the divinepromiseof finalsalvation,turnethnaturallyinattheGateofTruth.65. He that holds not the TrueFaith,eventhoughhedesiretobebornintothePureParadiseofJoy,must gountohis ownplace,andit shallbein the border of the OutermostPlaces,for thisis the fruit ofdoubtingthemysteryof theSupremeWisdom.66. Thata manshould bea Buddha, made manifest in thisworld,is a rarethinganddifficult.Sodifficult is it alsotoheartheexcellentdoctrineof all theBuddhasandBodhisattvas. Inall themyriadsofKalpassuchawaycomesseldom.67. Difficultis itfor men tofindawise Teacher;32 BUDDHIST PSALMSso is it alsoforthemtobeinstructedandtoheartheHolyLaw. Moredifficult still is it toreceivetheTrueFaith.68. More difficult is it for mento receive theDivinePromise madeunto men thantoreceiveallotherteachings.TheLord Buddhateacheth that this is of allhardthingsmost difficult andyet againmoredifficult.69. ThetrueDoctrineteachethmenthattheymaybecomeBuddhasinrecitingtheHolyName,and so therefore is it that all other faiths andmoralities are buttransitory doorwaysunto theTruth. MancomprehendethnotthatPureLandofPeaceunlessheholdethfastthetrueDoctrine,castingasidethatwhichistransitory.70. Seekrefugehi the Sole Vehicle of Hismercifulpromise.For thetransitory teachingshavelet andhindered men in theWayofEnlightenment so thattheymustneedspass throughthelongwearinessofbirthsanddeaths.THESUTRAOFTHEMEDITATION 33CONCERNINGTHE SUTRA OF THEMEDITATION71. ThatLordthatwas madeflesh inIndia,theLordofgreat pity, showinguntoVaidehi, QueenofMagadha,thegoldenmirror createdbyhismarvellouspower,commandedherto choosetheLand of PureJoyamongall the worlds thereinappearing.72.Binbisara,he who commanded that anascetic should be slain before hispre-ordainedtimewascome,byhisownsonwasimprisonedinaseven-walledprisonastheduerecompenseofhisviolence.73.Ajata-Satru, princeand heir ofMagadha,denouncinghis motheras atraitor,with drawnswordranfuriouslyuponher.74. ThensaidJlvakatheministerandanotherwith him:"Thisactisworthyonlyof anoutcast.For the fame of our raceunworthyart thou todwell in the Palace." Andearnestlydidtheycounselhimtochangehisevilpurpose.75.Layinghis handonhissword-hilt, Jlvaka,theminister,drewbackwardsafewsteps,steadfastly regardingtheprince,that hemightavert334 BUDDHIST PSALMSthisgreatsin. And so it was that theprincelaiddownhissword,andsecluded his motherinapalace.76. Certain is it that Ananda withVaidehi,Devadatta andyetothers,bearingtheirpartinthisgreatsorrowoftheroyalpalaceofMagadha,must needs so suffer thatthey mightknowtheinfinitepityoftheBlessedOne,thatLordwhointhisworldmademanifestthetrueteaching.77. Andall thesewiseoneshavingsoreceivedinstruction revealed untous,whoare of all evildoersworst,the trueway,therefugeof Hisdivinepromisethatabsolvethallthesinsofmen.78. Forwhenthe full timewascomethatbythe will ofourLordandofVaidehitheteachingofthePureLandshouldbemadeknownhereonEarth,Ajata-Satru,herson,sinned thissin,Varshakarahisministerbearing testimonyagainstit.79. It is needful that the heart of a manbeopeneduntotheFaithuniversalwhichHewhoisBlessed hathshownus,forsakingthe belief thathis ownworks shall savehim,for hieverymanthepowertoperformrighteousdeedsisdiffering,THE LESSER SUTRA 35CONCERNING THELESSERSUTRA80. TheEternalFatheriscalledtheBuddhaofInfiniteLight,becauseverymightilyHeholdethinsafetyallbeingsdwellingintheTenRegionsofthe worldwho,byHis mercifulenlightenment,reciteHisHolyName.81. ThemyriadBuddhas,unnumbered as thesands ofGanges,counsel allhavinglife totrust in theSupernalVirtue of theHolyName,declaringthatweighedagainstthisevenrighteousdeedsarethelessergood.82. TheinnumerableBuddhas,countlessasthesands ofGanges,are atestimonyand a shieldto all that have life in this sorrowful and sinfulworld,declaringunto them thatteachingmosthighanddifficult ofacceptance,whichisthetruefaith.83. Whoso attaineth unto a Soul clear andenduringasdiamondshalltestifyuntohisthankfulnessforthelimitlessgraceoftheBlessedOne,foreventhetestimonyandthesafeguardingthathehathofalltheBuddhasproceedonlyfromthefulfilment of Hismostmercifulpromise.84. TheinnumerableBuddhas,countlessasthe36 BUDDHIST PSALMSsands ofGanges, guideinto a sure trust in theHolyNamethosesinfulcreatures andevil-heartedthatwanderinthedarknessofthiswickedworldbearingthefivesignsofdegenerationuponit.OF THEMANYSUTRASCONCERNING THEINFINITE ONE85.Having great pity,our Eternal Fatherlighteneththe darknightofignorance,manifestingHimselfinthatLandofJoyasthe BuddhaofInfiniteLightwhichenlightenethalltheworldswith its immeasurableglory.86.ThatLord mostcompassionate,theBuddhaof immeasurableLight, He whohadattaineduntotheSupremeWisdomeven beforethemyriadsofKalpaswere,pityingthemthatknownot,madehimself manifest in the Palace ofKapilaas theLordSakya-muni.87. IfamanhadthedurationofallthemyriadKalpas,had he innumerabletonguesand eachof thesetonguesinnumerablevoices,yetshouldhevainlyessaythepraisesofthatBlessedOne.88. TheLordinstructeth usthat thewayintoParadise isstraightandeasy.Therefore whosoOF THEMANY SUTRAS 37receiveth not this Truthis,inverity,called amanthathathnoteyestoseenorearstohear.89. TheOne true freedom is theHighest,andthe Absolute isperfectfreedom. Andwhenweattain untothatfreedom,for us shall desireanddoubt vanishaway.90. Wheneverymanis beloved ofus,evenasthe son of ourownbody,there is the UniversalMind madeperfectin us. And this shall be inParadise.91. He whois in allthingssupreme,is HimselfNirvana,and Nirvana ia that truelightthatabidethintheLandthatistocome,butthisworldcannotknowit.92. Our Lord instructeth us that hewho re-joicethin his faithis,insodoing,inunitywiththeHighest.For true faith is the seed oflight,and the seed of truelightis in itself thepotentialityofthatwhichisDeity.93. WhosotrustethnotintheSupreme Wisdomof theEnlightenedOne,clingingunto his ownpurblindknowledge,must sufferbyfire forlongKalpasofages.38BUDDHISTPSALMSCONCERNING THE WELFARE OF THEPRESENT WORLD94. Hethathathunendingpity,theBuddhaofInfiniteLife,hathgivenunto us in the Sutra ofGoldenLightateaching concerning longlife,that thewayoflonglife andthe welfare of thepeoplemightbemadeknownuntothem.95.Dengyo-Daishi,hewhotaughttheTendai-shu in themountofHiye,hathcompassionatelyinstructed us thatweshouldrecite Namuamida-butsu,thatHoliestName,asasureshieldagainstthesevensorts ofcalamities.96. Whoso reciteth theHolyName,that ishigherthanallothervirtues,shallbesetfreefromthefettersofthepast,thepresent,andthefuture.97. Tohimthat reciteth theHolyNameshallbegoodunendingeven hi thisworld,for the sinof his former births isvanquishedandhisyouthsetfreefromdeath.98. Tohimthat reciteththeHolyName,shallBrahmaandChakrathegreatkingbringhomage,and abouthimshallheavenly beings and benignantdeitieskeepwatchthroughoutthedaysandnights.WELFAREOFTHEPRESENTWORLD 3999. That manthatreciteththeHoly NameshallthefourmightyRegentsinHeaven guard throughthedaysandnightsagainstthedisturbanceofallevilspirits.100. TohimthatreciteththeHoly NameshalltheDeityof the Earthbring homage, watchingover himthroughoutthedayandnight,as theshadowfollows its substance.101. To him who reciteththeHolyName, Nandaand UpanandatheNagaKings,together withtheirattendant deities shallbring homage, watchingoverhimthroughoutthedayandnight.102. Tohimwho reciteththeHolyName,theKingofDeath,togetherwith his ministersin the fiveworlds,shall doreverence,guardinghimthroughoutthedaysandnights.103.Mara,theTempter,he whoisRulerofthatheaven wherepleasuresarecollected,hathswornuntotheLordto shieldhimfromtemptationwhoreciteththeHolyName.104. Allgooddeities in Earth and Heavenshall begraciousuntohimwhoreciteththeHolyName,shieldinghimthroughoutthedaysandnights.105. Allevilspiritshiheavenandearthtremblebefore thatbeliever who standeth upon the Immut-40 BUDDHISTPSALMSablepromise.ForeveninthisworldhathhethemindofDivineIllumination.106. KwannonandSeishi,theBodhisattvasofincarnatePityandWisdom,togetherwith theircompanions,innumerableasthesandsofGanges,shallbebesidehimwhoreciteththeHolyName,evenastheshadowcleavestothesubstance.107. Within theLightof Buddha of InfiniteLightare unnumberedBuddhas,and ofthese,each andeveryone shall shield him who hathwithinhimthetrueFaith.108. Whoso reciteth theHolyName shall besurroundedhimselfbythoseBuddhaswhocannotbenumbered,who in the TenRegionswithjoyprotectandguidehim.Uponthe Sutra ofSuraigama-Samadhi,I,ShinranShonin,have uttered theseeightlaudspraisingthe virtue of Seishi the Bodhisattva ofWisdom.109.Seishi,he who is the Bodhisattva ofWisdom,having comprehendedthe fullness ofthe HoliestName,risingfrom hisseat,prostrated himself beneath the feet of ourLord,worshippingHim,heandhisfellowship,andthushespake:110."myLord,in the ancienttime,beforeWELFAREOFTHEPRESENTWORLD41theKalpasinnumerable asthesandsofGanges,there was manifest in this worldaBuddha,andHis Name was called TheBuddha of InfiniteLight.111. "In Hisfootstepstwelve Buddhas followed,andtwelvelongKalpashaverolledaway.And of these Buddhas the last was He that iscalled that Buddha in whoseglorythe SunandMoonareevenasdarkness.112."UntomehaththatBuddharevealedthePath of the meditation of theSupremethatmeditationwherein Heinstructethusthat all theBuddhas of all the TenRegions compassionateasevenasafatherpitiethhischild.113. Whoso seekethrefugeinBuddha,as achildin the bosom of his mother shallverilyperceiveHimnowor in the time that shall be.Andit shallbesoon.114."Asamanencompassedbythe cloud ofincense casteth sweet odours abouthim,so hethat trusteth in theHolyPromise isspirituallyenduedwiththeDivine Essence.115. "When I was initiate inright doing,Iattaineduntothehighwayofthatassurancethatfreed mefrombirthanddeath,throughtheteachingoftheNobleDoctrineoftheHolyName.42 BUDDHIST PSALMS"Therefore in thisworld,rejoicing,Iguidethefaithfulbeliever intothewayofPurity."116. Now with allpraiselet usgivethanksunto the mercifulgoodnessof the BodhisattvaofWisdom.OF THANKSGIVING FORNAGARJUNA,THEGREATTEACHEROFINDIA117.Nagarjuna,thegreatteacher,settingforth inmanyexcellentwritingsthepraiseoftheKingdomofPurity,hath instructed us torecitetheHolyName.118. For the Lord Buddha declared inprophecythatinIndia,intheSouthernParts,shouldarise agreatTeacher,trampling uponthe falseteachingsofaffirmationanddenial.119.Nagarjuna,the GreatTeacher,he whomightilyset forth the noble doctrine of thegreaterVehicle,and himself attained unto thatheightwhereonamanrejoiceth eternallyin theFaith,hathvery sweetly persuadedmen thattheyshould receive theteachingof theHolyName.120.Nagarjuna,thatgreatpriest,settingforthTHANKSGIVING FORNAGARJUNA43thetwowaysthewaythatisstraightandplain,andthewayofhighausterity,leadethverygentlyto the Ark of the Divine Promise such as aredriventhroughthewearinessofbirthsanddeaths.121. Hewhoreceiveth thisteachingofNagar-junatheGreatTeacher,shouldrecitealwaystheHolyName,believingtheDivinePromiseof theBuddhaofInfiniteLight.122. Whoso wouldquicklyattain unto thatresting-placewhere illusionceaseth,shouldrecitetheHolyNameholdinghis mind in steadfastpiety.123. One Arkonly,that Ark of the DivinePromiseofourmercifulFather,dothvoyageandbear usuntotheshoreoftheeternalpeaceevenus who solonghave drifted hither and thitherin the oceanofbirth anddeath.124. Thisgreat priesthathhioneutterancesetforththattheLordis Rulerindeedofthesacredteaching,andthathereinaretheholyBodhisatt-vas His ministers. Therefore should webringhomageuntoourLord.125. ThemightycompanyoftheBodhisattvasutter thesewords,"Whenwe became wise inholiness,yea,we who have striventhroughKalpasunnumbered,44 BUDDHIST PSALMS126."Yet could wenot root out ourearthlydesires whicharetheveryseedofbirthanddeath.Butthroughthatonlywayof the meditation oftheHighestdid weattain untothefinaldeliverancethathathdestroyedall our sin."OF THANKSGIVING FORVASUBANDH,THE GREAT TEACHER OF INDIA127.AmongthosedoctrinestaughtofourLordVasubandh,thegreat priesthathpersuadedus who are full of sinful desires toaccepttheDivinePromiseofourinfiniteFather.128.OnlytoHimwho is above allthingsisknownthegloryoftheLandofPeace. Wideastheskyandboundless is itspreadforth.129. Whosobelievethin thepowerofthe DivinePromise shallverilybe at one with theholyEssence,evenas the turbid stream is clear andpurewithin the oceandepthwhentheyhaveflowedtogether.130. Whentheassemblageof the believers intheholyfaith is bornwithinthatLandofPuritythat hathsprungfrom the lotus of the trueTHANKSGIVINGFOR VASUBANDH45enlightenment,soon shall their hearts desire befulfilledinthem.131. Theheavenlyspiritsandthosesoulsfreedfromillusion,theywho are born in the land ofpurityfromthewisdomdeepastheoceanoftheDivinePromise,differ nottheonefromthe otherintheirpowers.Purearetheyastheair ispure.132.Vasubandh,that exaltedmaster of excellingworks,whohimself hathfoundrefugein theBuddhaofInfiniteLight,hathdeclared that whosois borneintheVehicleoftheDivinePromiseshallwithoutdoubtattainuntothePromisedLand.133. Whoso takethrefugein the Buddha ofInfiniteLight,thatlightthat shinethuntoall theworldsoftheTenRegions,shallbecalled,accordingto theteachingof that master ofexcellingworks,amanwhose heart isgreat,and to himshalltheTrueLightbeshown.134. He whose heart isgreatand who shallattainuntothetrueenlightenmentis healsothatdesireththesalvationofallliving,andverilythetruefaithgivenofthatBlessedOneis salvation.135. Thesingleheartperceiveththetruefaith,andsodoingisstrongandclear asthediamond,and thisstrengthis the wisdom of thesupremethatstrengthenethus.46 BUDDHIST PSALMS136. Whenwe shall attain unto the PromisedLand, whichis that Nirvanapastallunderstanding,thereshallwelabourabundantlyforthesalvationof allliving things.Forso theSutrateachesusin these words : "A heart that inclineth to thesuccourofothers."OF THANKSGIVING FORDONRAN,THEGREATTEACHEROFCHINA137.Donran,thatgreatteacher ofChina,beinginstructedofBodhi-ruci,thepriestofIndia,sought refugein the Land ofPurity,and thusdoinghe burned with fire the books of theTaoistteachingwhich he had aforetime held inhonour.138.Havingthus cast from him thewritingsthat he had somany years diligentlystudied,hepreacheduntoall men thedoctrineof the DivinePromise,and,soteaching,he led men that arefastboundinthefettersofillusion,inattheGateoftheGreatPeace.139. Amighty Kingof this worldbroughthomageuntohiminhismonasteryandputuntohimthisquestion, saying:"If so it is that theTHANKSGIVING FOR DONRAN 47LandofPurityshouldbe in all theTenRegions,how thenis itdeclareduntousintheSutrathat itis in the WesternHeaven?"140. Andwithhumblepietyhereplied:"Ofthis mattercanI not tell thee. It is toohighfor me. Still am I in the lower rank ofwisdom,evenstill smallismyknowledge.Icannotfathomthisgreat mystery."141. All menin thepriesthoodor thepeople whoknownottherockoftheirtrust,didDonrantheGreat Priestguideunto the surerefugeof thedoctrine oftheLandof Bliss.142. He abodeintheTempleoftheGreatRock,being favourablybidden theretobytheKingoftheGiDynasty,andintheeveningofhisdayshe travelled into the district of Dun.143. And thisKingof theGiDynasty reverentlyoffered unto him theholytitle of Shinran(RanofDivinity)andthe honourablenameof"Rockof the Venerable Ran"that hisdwelling-placeshouldbecalledbyit.144. Great andmighty uponthepeoplewashisspiritual powerin thetempleof Genchuandin the fourthyearofKokwaof the GiDynastytheTempleofYosenbecamehisbeloveddwelling.145. Andwhen he had reachedsixty-seven48BUDDHIST PSALMSyears,hesoughthis finalrefugein the EternalKingdom.And at thatdepartingwere vouchsafedmanyholymarvelsuntowhichallmen,bothofthepriestsandpeople,cameanddidreverence.146. AndwhenDonranthe GreatHighPriesthaddepartedinto thePeace,theKingofthe GiDynasty byaroyalorder commanded thereshould be built for himaholymonumentin thelandsofDun.147. What man could knowthe unsearchablemysteryof the faith and deeds of the DivinePromisewere it notforthatmostexcellingcommentaryof Donran the wisePriest,which hewroteconcerningtheteachingofVasubandhthathadlivedaforetime.148. Hewho believeth that the Sole VehicleoftheDivinePromise, mostperfect, mostmighty,receiveth within itself the Greatest ofSinners,andthis because it is its chief will so todo,willreceive thedepthof this essentialteachingnamely,that before theeyesof theInstructed,illusionandwisdomareintheirEssenceOne.149.Amongthe FiveMysteriesthatare preachedinthisSutra,themysteryoftheDivinePoweroftheEnlightenedOne ishighest,and this is theholyvowofourBlessedOne,thisandthisonly.THANKSGIVING FOR DONRAN 49150. Untous hathourFathergiventhosetwospiritual gifts.Of these the first is the Virtuewherebywe attain unto HisKingdom,and thesecond is the Virtuewherebyhavingso attainedwereturnintothisworldfortheSalvationof men.Bythemeritofthesetwogiftsareweinitiates ofthetruefaithandofits deeds.151. When we shall have attained unto thefaith and the deeds of the Merciful Promisethroughour Father that is in allthingsable togivethem untous,birth and death are henceforward as Nirvana. And this is called theGift ofDeparture.152. And when weshallhaveattaineduntothatheightwhich is desire for theingatheringof allbeingsintoParadise,shall wereturnagainintothisworldthatwe maybeSavioursofMen. Andthisis calledtheGiftofReturning.153. That"SingleMind"expoundedunto usbyVasubandh,theMasterofWritingsthatexcel,isnothingother than the faith of us that arenowfast boundin illusion. SoteachethDonrantheGreatTeacherin hisCommentary.154. The Buddha of thatinexpressible Lightthat shineth into the worlds of theTenRegions,beingfor everenlightenedin the nightofignorance,450 BUDDHIST PSALMShath mostcertainly openedthewayof NirvanatoeverymanwhoevenforonemomentrejoicethinreceivingHisDivinePromise.155.Bythe merit of HisInfiniteLight,whenweattain untothat faith divineandomnipotent,the ice of illusion shall melt into the water ofperfectwisdom.156. Sinis madeonewithvirtue in itsessence,evenas ice is onewithwater. Themorethere isice,somuchthemorewater is there. Soalso isthebindingupofsinwithvirtue.157. IntheunboundedoceanoftheHoly Nameisnotseenevenonesingledeathofablasphemer.Forthemyriadstreamsofsinareonpuritywiththeoceanofrighteousness whentheyhaveflowedintotheimpuritythereof.158. Whenthestreamsof illusion haveflowedintotheGreatSeaoftheMercifulPromiseoftheEnlightenedOne,whoselightshinethinto all theworlds of theTenReligions,then shalltheytoobecomethepurewaterofthePerfectWisdom.159. Nootherwayis there ofattaininguntothe PerfectEnlightenmentsaveonly bybirthintotheLandofGladness,and thereforehavealltheEnlightenedOnesexhorted menthatthey shouldreceivetheDoctrineoftheKingdomPurity.THANKSGIVING FORDONRAN 51160. TheGreatPriesthathwelltaughtusthatinordertocleanseourdeeds,words,andthoughtsofdeceitfulness,our FatherhathperformedthethreeofHispureanduniversal.161. There is nowayunto theKingdomofGladness saveonly by attainingunto the truefaiththroughthatHolyName,theveryJewelofWonder.162. WhenthenewbirththroughtheclearnessoftheDivinePromise is attained in the EternalKingdom,it is not like unto the birth of thisworld;thenis therenoinferiorityeven in thosethat in this world weresinners,fortheyhaveentered into Paradise.163. TheHolyNameof the Buddha of thatBoundlessLightthat shineth into all the worldsofthe TenRegions,andthegloryofHisWisdom,destroythe darknessofignorancein theEternalNight,thusfulfillingall thedesiresofmen.CONCERNING UNRIGHTEOUS DEEDS164. These threethingsareexpoundeduntousbyDonran Daishi.First,that faith is notholiness,forfaith is notabiding.Atonetime itabideth,atanother it isgone.52 BUDDHIST PSALMS165. And second : This faith is notSingleMinded,for it hathnotresolution.And third : It continuethnot,for the otherthoughtsoftheheart divide itagainstitself.166. Thethreewaysof this faith lead the oneto the other one. Onthis must the believer fixhiseyes.Ifhisfaithis notinholiness, then hathhenotthefaithofresolution.167. Andhavingnot thefaiththat isresolute,thatfaithcannotendure,andbecauseit endurethnot,howcan he attain unto the faith of determination? Andattainingnot unto the faith ofdetermination,thefaith isnotsanctifiedinhim.168. For the attainment ofRightPracticeexpounded bythe Master of the Written Wordisaccordinguntothetruefaithandthis alone.169. IfamanreturnintotheGreatWayoftheDivinePromise,eschewingthe narrowwaysofdeeds andworks,in him shall the truelightofNirvanabemademanifest.170. Themighty kingSo,he of theRyoline,worshippedthe Great Teacher DonranDaishi,naminghimtheBodhisattva ofRan,turninghisface inworshipunto thedwelling-placeof hisTeacher.DOSHAKU-ZENJI63CONCERNINGDOSHAKU-ZENJI171.Havingcastawayfrom him all trust intherighteousdeeds of thesages, Doshaku-Zenji,theGreatTeacher,hathtaughtus toenter in attheonlygatethat is theGospelofthePureLand.172.Havingthus castawayfrom him thelaboriousstudyoftheDoctrineofNirvana,Dosh-aku,the GreatTeacher,himselftrustedonlyinthepowerof the DivinePromise,and hepersuadedmentofollow after him.173. Inthisworldofsinthat is sofarremovedfromtheblesseddayofourLord,is thereno manwho attaineth unto the wisdomSupreme, yea,notthoughheshouldcompassallrighteousdoing.SoteachethourLordofGreatTeaching.174. Hewho succeeded unto theteachingofDonran-Daishi,Doshaku-zenji,the GreatPriest,thusdeclareth : "To toil and labour afterrighteousdeeds in this life is theunavailingtoilof self-effort."175. In thisworld,thedoingof evil and thesinthat iswroughtofmenis violentandfuriousas the storm wind and rain. Therefore have54 BUDDHIST PSALMSthecompassionateBuddhasexhortedmentoseektheirrefugewithintheLandofPurity.176. From himthatsinneth,throughouthislifeshall the fetters of illusion fallaway,if he shallrecitetheHolyNamewithloveandadoration.177. Thathemightleadmeninto the EternalKingdomthose men who are in this life fastbounduntotheevilthing,our Father teachethus,saying,"Recitemyname,"and hathpromisedfurther,"Doingthis,iftheybe not bornagain,Imyselfwill notattain unto Wisdom."CONCERNING ZENDO-DAISHI178.Risinglike unto an incarnation of theMightyOcean, Zendo,thegreatteacher,cameintotheworld.Andforthesakeofmankindhithissinfulplace,he called unto all the Buddhas of the TenRegionstobehistestimonyuntohiscommentaryontheSutra.179. Twointerpretersof Zendo-Daishi werethere intheagethatfollowed hisown,andthesewere Hosho and Shoko.They,itis,who haveopenedtheTreasuryofteachingthattheinwardZENDO-DAISHI 65purposeoftheBlessed One should bewholly madeknown.180. Howshouldwomenturntheirheartsuntowisdomtheywhoare fast boundwith the fivefetters?No,notthroughtheagesofmyriadsofKalpas,untiltheyseekrefugein the DivinePromiseofHimwhoismighty.181.Havingthrownopenthe Gate ofRighteousness,our Lord hath instructed mankind ineverysortofrighteousdeed. Hehathset beforeus how thefiverightdeedsdiffer fromtheconfuseddeedsthatareoutsidetheFive,sothatmankindmayenterthewayoftheSolePractice.182. Tomingletherightactionwiththeactionthat is notakinto it is calledtheconfusedpractice. The man that erreth therein hath notattained unto thesingleheart. He knowethnotthankfulnessforthegraceof theEnlightenedOne.183. If he entreat inprayerthegood thingsof thisworld,eventhoughhe reciteonlytheBlessedName,he is condemnedtherein,beingalso a man of the confusedpractice.He shallnotbebornintotheLandofPurity.184. Notone, indeed,but not far asunderarethe confused deed and the confusedpractice.56 BUDDHIST PSALMSTheteachingsthat are not theteachingsof theLandofPurityare tobecondemnedas confuseddeeds.185.Havinginvoked thetestimonyof all theBuddhas,Zendo-Daishi hath set before us thestoryofthetworivers,theone,theriver offire,the other the river ofwater,that hemightincline the heart torighteousdeeds,andguardthetruefaithoftheDivinePromise.186.Verilyasimplemanmayattain untothetrueIllumination,if he believetheHolyPromisethat is thespiritof theteachingof Shinshu.BecauseforthisonlywastheLordmademanifestin thisworld,and notaccordingto those otherteachingswhich shallpass awayand be nomore.187. BeforetheAlmightyPoweroftheDivineteachingdoallthefetters ofevildeedsfallaway.Therefore is the Divine Promise of our Fatherinvoked as thatHoly Thingwhichgivethuntousomnipotentstrength.188.Yet,to whomsoever would enter thePromised Land, created in thepowerof HisDivine Vow,is beliefinhis ownstrengthimpotent.And becausetheyareneedless,therefore thewise who have received the Great and LesserZENDO-DAISHI57Vehicles must trust unto thepromiseof theAlmightyOne.189. Whoso hath known himself the slave ofillusion shallyet, relyingon the Power of theHolyPromise,enterinto theimmortaljoyoftheTruth,and all hisearthly bodyshall fall fromhim.190. Merciful andcompassionate parentsuntous are the Blessed One and the Lord Buddha.Fortheyhaveopenedbeforeusthewaysofgood,havingsopurposedthatthegreatFaithshall be.191. Hewho is one with the True Soulhathattaineduntoaheartclearandhardasdiamond.Therefore is he at onewith that manwhohaththe three excellent forms of Penitence.ThishaththeGreatTeachershownus.192.Bythat faithalone,like unto ajewelofprice,we who in this sinful world have ourbeing, mayenter into the EternalKingdom,beingeternallyfreedfromtheyokeof birthanddeath.193. At that moment when faith in the EnlightenedOne isperfected, pureandlastingasthediamond,then shall theSpiritual Lightshineuponus andguardus,thelightwhichforeverguidethusfromrebirthanddeath.58BUDDHIST PSALMS194. WhosoattainethnotuntotheTrue Faithhath notinhimoneoftheTrinityofVirtues,thatareSincerity,Faith,andHope,and the manthat hath notoneof thesethree holdethnottheperfectfaith.195. Whoso attaineth unto the True FaithgivenofHimis freedfrom all let andhindrance,for his heart is at onewiththe DivinePromise,and he is obedient unto the trueteachingthatistheVeryWordoftheBuddha.196. Whoso hathcomprehendedthe truth oftheHoly Nameisatthatvery momentfreedfromdoubt. He hathpossessedtheRight thought,and he is commended as excellent and rare inhisattainment.197. Heshall be let and hindered that is notat one with the DivinePromise,and thereforehewhosefaith is not full of Peace is amanwhoholdethnottheDivineThought.198. The attainment of the Divine Wisdomshall comeuntohimwhoreciteththeHolyName,for his faith comethfromthe Divine Promise ofHimthat leadeth him into the Promised Land.HeshallnotfailtoattainuntotheGreatNirvana.199. At this time whenthe fiveSignsof Degenerationaremanifest,manymenaretherewhoZENDO-DAISHI59doubt andblasphemetheHolyDoctrine.Yea,even thePriests,togetherwith thepeople,areenemiesuntohimwhowalkethintheright way.200. Hewhoblasphemeththe DivinePromiseisamanbornblind. Heshallsinkintothreeevilworldsforage-longmyriadsofKalpas.201.Thoughthewayinto the Landthat is intheWesthathbeenmadeplainbeforeus,yettheage-longKalpashave rolledawaywithoutgoodfruitthereof,forwehavehindered ourselvesandourbrethrenthatwemightnotentertherein.202. Without theAlmighty Strengthof theDivine Promise howshouldwe leave this sinfulworld? Wherefore we should live inheartythanksgivingfor theGraceofour Father,thinkingeverupontheoceandeepsofhislove.203. For it isbythe marvellousmercyof ourLordthatwemaycastasidetheanguishofbirthanddeath,in theshining hopeof our EternalKingdom.Therefore should we return unto the Lordrighteousdeeds inthanksgivingfor Hisgraceandmercy.60 BUDDHIST PSALMSCONCERNING GENSHIN-SOZU204. Genshinthe GreatTeacherdeclareth :"Inthis worldhaveI,evenI,appearedasanincarnationoftheBuddha,andnow,myworkofSalvationbeing accomplished,I return untotheEternalKingdomthat ismyhome.205. FromtheteachingofourLordhathGen-shin,theGreatTeacher,tenderlyopeneduntousthegateofthe Doctrine oftheHolyName,andhath sotaughtmankind in this evil world thatis farremovedfromtheGoldenDayofourLord.206.Genshin-Sozu,hewhosat intheAssemblageonthe Peakof Vultures in the time of ourLord,hathtaughtusthatthereare twoParadises,thatwhich is eternalandthatwhich istemporal,andthussettethforththemeritandthedefect oftheRightPracticeandoftheMingledDeed.207.AcharyaGenshin,theGreatTeacher,consideringone of the Sutra with thecommentaryofEkanzenji,hath madeplainthe attributesoftheLandofOutermostPlaces.208. For he said :"Not oneman is there ofthousandswhomaynotbebornintotheLandofGENSHIN-SOZU01Purity."Andthussaying,he oommendeththefollowersoftheRightPractice.Andagain:"Thereisnoteven one amongtensofthousandswho mayenterit." And sosaying,he condemneththedoersofthemingleddeed.209. Further he setteth forthhowfeware themenwhocanenterintotheTrueLandofPurity.Andvery solemnlyhe warneth us that morearetheythat are born into theTemporalParadise.210. Wheresoever men orwomen,betheynobleorlowlyborn,recitetheHolyNameofourFather,there isnopre-eminenceofplaceortime.Freely maythey dothis,whetherwalking,resting,sitting,orlying.211.Thoughoureyesaresoblindedbyillusionthat we discern not thelight wherebyHeembracethus,yetthatgreat mercyfor evershinethuponusandis notweary.212. Whatsoevermaybe his VisibleDeedthatwouldbe born into the PromisedLand,he shallnotforgetdayornighttoholdfastuntothe nameoftheDivinePromise.213. Tous that hi this worldare sinners mostsinful,there is noneotherwayof Salvation save62 BUDDHIST PSALMSthat we should enter into the Land ofPurity,by recitingtheholyname of Himwho is ourFather.CONCERNING HONEN SHONIN214. Since thedaywhen Honen Shoninappearedintheworld,andset forththesingleArkof theDivinePromise,haththeDoctrine of thePure Landgloriouslyshoneuponthe hearts ofallmeninthelandofNihon.215. For from thestrengthof the wisdom oflight,Honen,theGreatTeacher,came into theworldandhathtaughtthechosendoctrineoftheDivinePromise,andhe hath built Jodo-Shinshuupontherock.216.ThoughZendo andGenshin,thosegreatteachers,havewellinstructedus,yethadHonenShoninkeptsilence,wherewith should weknowtheholy teachingofShin-Shu,wewhodwell inremotecountryandhianevilday?217.Throughoutthelong, long Kalpasofmylives that areoverpastcould I never find thewayof Deliverance, andif HonenSh5nin,the GreatTeacher,hadnotarisen inthisworld, vainlyhadIspenttheprecioushoursofmylife.HONEN SHONIN63218. When hisyearswere butfifteen,HonenSh5ninenteredintotheWayofIllumination,forindepartingfromworldlylife he fulfilled hisheartsdesire,andbyhim wasclearlyunder-standedthedoctrineofthetransienceoflife.219. The excellentrighteousnessof HonenShSnin,his deeds and the wisdom that was inhim,drew unto him forrefuge manyeven ofchiefpriestsof the heretics that seekNirvanathroughthewayofthesages.Yea,theysoughthimevenastheirappointedteacher,radiantandstrayofsoulasthediamond.220. Even while Honcn Shoninyetwalkedinthisworld,there issued from hisbodyraysof agoldenshining,andthis,so it issaid,hathKane-zaneFujiwarabeheldwithhisowneyes.221. ThepeoplepasseditfrommouthtomouththatthisHonenShoninwasthelivingincarnationofDoshakuZenji,oryetagainofZendoDaishi.222. Before theeyesof men Honen Shoninstood as the Boddhisattva ofWisdom, or,yetmore,astheBlessedOneagainmadeflesh.TheEmperorandall his ministersdidhomageuntohim,yea,andthemenofthechiefcityandofthe far countries.223.Hewhohad beenEmperor,in thetime64 BUDDHIST PSALMSofJokyu, brought homageto Honen Shonin.All thepriestsandscholars of the word ofConfuciushadunderstandingof the doctrine ofShinShu.224. Achosen vessel of the Blessed One thatmenmightbesaved,H5nen Shonin was manifested intheworld,andheopenedwidethegateofperfectwisdom,havinginstructed mankindintheHolyFaith.225. Of all rarethingsit is the rarest thatweshould ourselves meet with the TrueTeacher,yetverilythechainofdoubtintheDivineMercyis thetruecauseofunendingbirthanddeath.226. Honen Shonin issued forth from themysterious Lightand hisdisciplesbeheld it.Inhiseyeswastherenoughtofdisparitybetweenthe wise andthem that knownot,between thenobleandthelowlyborn.227. Andnow,histimebeingathand,HonenShoninspake:"Thrice have I taken birth in the Land ofPurity,andofthesethree times thelasthathgivenuntomethefullnessofpeace."228. Oncedid HonenShoninspeak, saying:"InthegloriousdayofourLordwasIamongtheholy Assemblageon the Peak ofVultures,HONEN SHONIN 65andmySpiritwasraptin self-instructionandinthedoctrineof salvation."229.Havingtaken birth in that small andremoteisland,Honn ShoninspreadabroadthedoctrineoftheHoly Nameforthe sakeofall menssalvation. Andthushadhedonenotonlythen,butmanytimes inagesgoneby.230. ThatBuddha,whoselightisinfinite,wasmade flesh in this world as HonenShonin,andwhen his merciful work wasaccomplished,hereturnedintotheLandofPurity.231. When his life wasdrawingto aclose,lightwas manifested about him as a cloud ofglory, yea,and music of theheavenly places,sweet andexcellinginharmony,and sweetodoursscatteredabouthim.232.Following steadfastlyafter theensampleoftheNirvanaoftheLord,helaid himselfuponhisrightside,his head inclined unto thenorth,hisfaceturneduntothewest. Andthecrowdingpeopleattendeduponhim,even thepriestsandmenandwomenof the nobles and of thelowlyborn.233. Now the time whenHonenShonindepartedfrom this life was thetwenty-fifth dayof theyoungspring.InthesecondyearofKenriyaku566BUDDHIST PSALMShe returned inpeaceunto the Land of theFather.Onthe ninthdayofFebruaryandthe secondofKo-Yen,therevelationthatherefollowethwassentuntomeinadreamofmorning.234. It isnecessarythat men should believethedivinepromiseofHimwhois Infinite.Whoso believeth shall attain unto PerfectWisdom,bythe virtue of thatLightwhichembracethhimandshall neverforsake him.OF THE THREE PERIODS235. Two thousandyearsandyetmore aredepartedsince thedaywhen our Lord enteredinto Nirvana. Ended are the twogloriousperiodsthe orthodox and therepresentative.Lament,ye disciples,who in thisclosing agewouldfollowaftertheLord.236. Theteachingsof our Lord have enteredinto theDragonPalace,for in thisclosing agetheyare toohighfor men. Men areimpotentto follow after theirpracticeor to attain untothem.237.Throughoutthe threeperiodshath theTHE THREEPERIODS 67Divine Promiseof theBuddhaof InfiniteLightprosperedandgrown.But in thisperiodof theclosing ageallrighteousdeeds are hiddenwithintheDragonPalace.238. InacertainSutraarewethusinstructed,since theagethat now is apartof the fifth inthisclosing agewherein menare fast bound inwarfare,allrighteousdeeds havedisappearedfromtheworld.239. Sincethe ancientdays thelifeofmen,whoseagecounted as80,000years,hath declined andlessened.Andwhentheycould live but20,000years,theyweremenlivingin anevilworld,andwiththe fivesignsofdegenerationuponthem.240. And since time itself hathdecayed,thebodilyframe of man hath waxed smaller andfeebler,andtheyare as furiousserpentsor aswickeddragons,for thedecayof time workethwithinthem.241. The illusion that is bred ofignoranceincreaseth,andis drivenovertheworldlikedust.Hatredgreatand unbreakable as thehighmountainsis inthesteadoflove.242. Theperversityof man is asstrongandpiercingas the thorn of thejungle.Witheyesofsuspicionandvenomousangerdotheyaccuse68BUDDHISTPSALMSandpersecutethemwho believeupontheHolyName.243. It is a mark of thedegenerationof timethat mans life is brief and death comethuponhimearlyand with iron hands breakethuphisbodyandthat whichsurrounds him wherein hedwelleth. Andtheywholeaving justiceturntowickedness dodestroyone anotherbytheir evildeeds.244. Nohopeis therethatthemennowlivingintheselastdaysshallescapethefetters of birthanddeath iftheyrefuse the mercifulpromiseoftheBlessedOne.245. Of heretics in the faith are thereninetysortsthat defiletheworld andonlytheteachingof theEnlightenedOne cleanseth it.Byhimalone that attaineth unto wisdom shall truejoyto man be fulfilledaccordingto nature and inpeace.246. In these last times ofdecaythepriests,togetherwith thepeople,doevil unto himthattrusteth in the doctrine oftheHolyname.247. Whoso attaineth not unto wisdom iseagerto harm that manwho,withsingleheart,acceptedthe exaltedpromise.There is no endtotheinfinityoftheoceanof birthanddeathforTHE THREE PERIODS 69those men who raven todestroythe doctrinethat ismightyto savethemiftheywould haveit so.248.Thoughthedaysof ourpresenttime arethose that are calledorthodox, we,in whomignoranceisfulfilled,havenotwithinustheheartthat ispureandtrue.How,then,canweofourownhelpattain unto the deeds that shallgainthewisdomthat is madeperfect.249. Thestrongheartthatisabletoattainuntowisdombyself-helpisbeyondhumanknowledgeandspeech.Howis itpossiblethatmenfull ofignorance,fettered unto birth anddeath,shouldpossesssuchaheart.250.Thoughweweremastersofthestrongwillofself-effort,even should we have seen face tofacetheBuddhas,myriadasthesandsofGangestheywho in this world were manifested theone after theother,yetwere we drifted on thetorrent of birth anddeath,in self-effort werenorescuefor us.251. In these sinfuldaysthat are called therepresentativeandlast times all theteachingsoftheLordBuddha,theSakiya-Munihavevanishedaway,but the Divine Promiseof the BuddhaofInfiniteLight, shining greatlyover theworld,70BUDDHIST PSALMSprosperouslyleads mankind unto the EternalKingdom.252. After choice that ispeerlessandbeyondthe worldsunderstanding,after fiveKalpasofmusing,the BlessedOne buildedupthe DivinePromiseoftheLight andLifeInfinite. Andthisis theEssenceofHisMercyshoweduponus.253. The noble mind that shall attain untowisdom in the doctrine of the PureLand is themindthat fainwouldbecomeBuddha,and it isnamed:"The mind that shall save men whosuffer."254. Themindthatshallsave menisthatmindgiven bythehigh promiseof the Blessed One.Whosoattaineth unto the faith HegivethshallbelordofthegreatNirvana.255. WhosoattainethuntothemindthatwouldfainbecomeBuddha,havingsoughtrefugeinthegiftoftheBlessedOne,hathnotermin hisowngiftof welfare tomankind,havingfor everlaiddownallself-righteousness.256.Accordingto theall-seeing promiseofthe BlessedOnewhenthewater of the faith Hegivethentereththesoul,illusionpassethstraightwayintowisdomthroughthevirtue ofthattruelandoftheDivinePromise.THE THREE PERIODS 71257. That manwho trusteth in the twogiftsgrantedbytheBuddhaofInfiniteLight,israisedupinto thesphereof the LesserEnlightenment,andthencehathhetheheartthatdwellethalwaysontheperfectionoftheBlessedOne.258. Hethat attaineth unto the faith that istruegiftof thepromiseof wisdom fromtheBlessedOne,cometh unto thesphereof the LesserEnlightenment,forheisembracedinthearmsofthespiritual lightthat is oftheFatherEternal.259.Fifty-sixthousand andseventyyearsshallpassbeforetheBodhisattvathat isMaitreyashallattain unto the Perfected Wisdom. But whosoembraceth the true faith shall at thisverytimebelordofthegreatEnlightenment.260. Hethathathascendeduntotheheightofthe LesserEnlightenment, acceptingthe DivinePromise of theHolyName,shall enter intothe GreatNirvana,beingmadeequalunto theBodhisattvaMaitreya.261. He that receiveth the trueFaith,and isonewiththemthat returnnomoreto birthanddeath,shall receive the PerfectedWisdom,evenas that BodhisattvaMaitreyathat iscalled,"Hethatshallcome."262. And the wise in theagewhich is called72BUDDHIST PSALMSRepresentative,having utterlyrenounced all thedoctrine ofself-dependence,have entered in atthegateoftheHolyName. Forthis is thewaychosenforthatAge.263. Hewho reciteth theHolyName,havingattained unto the truefaith,shallunceasinglyadore the EternalFather,that hemaymake areturnuntoHimforHisGrace.264.Inexplicableand unutterable merit shallbegivenunto himwho,livingin this sinfulworld,believeth the Divine Promise thatpro-ceedethfromHiswill.265. Forthetruewelfare ofmenthat shall bethe Buddha of the GreatLighthathgiventheholyname of Wisdom unto the Bodhisattva ofWisdom.266. Andwithgreatcompassionfor mankindinthis evil world the Bodhisattva of Wisdomper-suadeth them to believeupontheHolyName,andsweetlywelcomeththe believer that hemayleadhimintotheLandofPurity.267.Bythemercyof our Lord and of theBlessed One we are able to attain unto theheart that desireth Buddhahood. Atthat timealone,when we enter into the wisdom of thefaith,shall webeourselves like untothem thatTHE THREE PERIODS73would returngoodunto the Buddha forHisGrace.268. ItisbythestrengthoftheDivinePromisethatwecanreachuntotheholy nameofWisdom.Wit houtthewisdomofthefaith,howis itpossiblethatweshouldattainuntotheNirvana?269. The DivineLightshineth over theDeepNightofignorance,thereforesorrownotthatthewisdom ofyour eyesis darkened. TheholyArkisathandthatvoyagethoverthegreatoceanof birth and death;therefore fear not becauseyoursin isheavy.270. GreatasisthenightoftheDivinePromiseof ourSalvation,solightis the heaviest of oursins. Immeasurable is the wisdomofourFather,andthereforetheythat arestrong,as alsotheythatweary,shall neverbeforgotten.271. OurFatherhathperfectedHismercybyutteringthe Divine Promise thatgivethall Hismerit untoman,that Hemightsave them thatarefastbounduntobirthanddeath.272.Yea,the recitation of HisHolyName isgivenoftheBlessedOne. Therefore wemustnotofferthisuntoHimfortheacquirementof merit.Forthis willHomostsurelydisdain.273.Yea,verily,whenthewaterofthemindof74BUDDHIST PSALMSmanfloweth into thegreatOcean of the DivinePromise of the Perfect Wisdom it ischangedandbecomeththemindof infinitecompassion.274. Andthe Lordsaith,speaking throughacertainSutra :"My disciplesthat shallbe,theythat aresinners because of the lostwayandlove of evilthings,it istheythat shalldestroy my holydoctrine."275. Whosoblasphemeththe doctrine of theHolyNameshallsuffer withoutceasing,for heshallfall into thedepthof the Hell of Avichi foreightythousandsofKalpas.276. He to whom isgiventhe true entranceinto the True and PromisedLand,bythegraceof ourLordandof theBlessedOne,shall beonewiththosemenwho return no more unto birthanddeath,and after thistransitorylife attainuntotheGreatPeace.277. Wellmayweunderstandfromtheteachingof themyriadBuddhas inthe TenRegionsthey thatprotectmankind thatthestrongmindthat seekethenlightenment byself-effort is vainandimpotent.278. The Buddhasin the TenRegions,innumerableasthesandsofGanges,bearwitnessthatveryTHE THREE PERIODS75fewarethereof meninthissinful world and decayingtimethatattainuntothetruefaith.279. Ifweacceptnotthetwodivinegifts,thegiftofenteringthe PromisedKingdom,andthegiftof return into this evilworld,then shall thewheel of birth and death turnwithusforever.Andhow shall we enduretosink intotheseaofBuffering?280. Whosobelieveththemarvellous wisdomofthatBlessedOne,shall bejoineduntothemthatreturnnomoreuntobirthanddeath. Andwhen,possessedofexcellingknowledge,such a man isborn intoParadise,soon shall he attain untothePerfectedWisdom.281. It is thesolewayuntothePromisedLandthat manshouldbelievethe wisdomthatisbeyondhumanknowledge,oftheEnlightenedOne. Yetit is of all hardthingshardesttoattainuntotheFaith,thetruewaythatleadethtoParadise.282.Castingaside thesorrowofbirth anddeath,that sorrow which is timeless in itsbeginning,IhopenowsolelyfortheGreatNirvana. Thereis noendtomythankfulnessforthetwomightygiftsofourEternalFather.283. Feware the believers that shall be borninto the Land that ispromised,butmanyare76 BUDDHIST PSALMStheythat shall beborninto theTemporalParadise. Because thehopethat we shall seeLightbyour ownstrengthisvain,having nofoundation,we have therefore drifted on the ocean of birthanddeathformanymyriadsofKalpas.284. Because in thegiftof theHolyName isagrace greatandwonderful,if manattain untothegiftofdeparting,that of itself shallguidehimuntothegiftofreturning.285.Throughthegreat mercyof thegiftofdepartingshallweattainuntothecompassionofthegiftofreturning.If it werenotthefreegiftof the BlessedOne,howshould we attain untowisdomintheLandofPurity.286. TheBuddhaoftheInfiniteLight,togetherwiththeBodhisattvasofCompassion andWisdom,havingtakentheArkoftheDivinePromise,thatisvoyagingon the ocean of birth anddeath,havegatheredand saved mankind therewith.287. Whoso in heart and soul believeth theDivine Promise of the Buddhaof InfiniteLightmustdiligentlyrecitetheHolyNamebothsleepingandwaking.288. Thosemenin thehierarchyofSagesthathave trusted unto self-effort for the means ofattainingwisdom,onenteringinto theheritageTHE THREE PERIODS 77ofthe DivinePromisebelieveinit asinthe Reasonthattranscendeth all reason.289.Thoughtheteachingsof the Lord standforever,yetunto noneis itpossibletofollowtheminexactness,andthereforeistherenonethatmayattain untosupreme enlightenmentin these lastdaysofthefallingaway.290. InIndia,inChina,andthelandofJapan,maythemanyteachers of the doctrine of theLand ofPurity,withcompassionand tenderacceptance, persuademankindto strive untothetruefaiththatthey maybejoineduntothosethatreturnnomoreunto birthanddeath.291. EvenasHisfriendstheLordcommendeththose menthat,havingattaineduntothetruefaithtaughtof the Blessed One untous,dwell withinthejoyof holiness.292. It isverymeet that our soulsrejoiceexceedinglyin thegraceofthegreat compassionof the Buddha.Yea,even to the extinction ofthebody.And for thegracious givingof ourspiritualteacherswemusthi likemannerrejoice,yea,thoughourverybonesbebroken.78 BUDDHIST PSALMSCONCERNINGBELIEFANDDOUBT293. WhosocomprehendethnotthewisdomoftheEnlightenedOne,and doubtethconcerningHisillumination,shall rise nohigherthan theOutermostPlaces,for he hath trusted in thepowerofReward,andhathreliedupontheprincipleofmorality.294. Whoso doubteth the wisdom of the EnlightenedOne that wisdombeyondall humanunderstandingand reciteth theHoly Name,trustingin the merit ofhimself,shall not risebeyondthe outermost bounds of the PureLandthatistheTemporalParadise,forhehathnotthegraceofrightthankfulnessforHisCompassion.295. Whososhallacceptthedoctrineof rewardsanddoubteththewisdomof HimthathathLightthatsurpassethallknowledgeofman,shall bemadecaptiveinDoubtingCastle,and the threejewelsofthefaithshallnomorebehis.296. For hissin,hi that he hath doubted thewisdomof theEnlightenedOne,shall lie remainin the Outermost Places of the Land ofPurity.Andfor as muchas we aretaughtthat the sinBELIEF AND DOUBT79of doubt isgrievous,weare also instructed thathemusttheredwellformanyKalpas.297. If theprincecommittetha sinagainsthisFather,even theChakravarti,theKing,he isfettered as aprisoner, thoughthe chain be ofgold.298. Whoso reciteth theHolyName,and sodoeth as awork ofself-merit,shall be boundintheprisonofthesevenfoldgems,forhebelievethnotrightbythedivinepromiseofthatHolyOne,andheavyisthesinofhisdoubting.299. Yet he even that hath adoubtingsoulandsinneththesinofself-merit,mustneedsstriveto comprehend themercifulgoodnessof theBlessedOne,andheshallrecitetheHoly Nameifhewouldatallbeequalledunto himthatholdeththetruefaith.300. It is the Law that he who soweth shallreapwhat hesoweth,therefore the manthat isfull ofrighteousdeeds for the sake of self-meritshall enter intotheprisonofthesevenfoldgems,for ho doubteth the marvellous wisdom of HimthathaththeLight.301. Whoso doubteth of the wisdom of Himthat hathLight beyondtheimaginingofman,andtrustethtotherootofgoodnessandvirtue80 BUDDHIST PSALMSheshallnot attainuntothe SoulofGreatMercy,forhe is bornintotheOutermostPlaces ofParadise,andslowanddullofheart is he.302.Amongthose men that doubt theHolyWord,someareimprisonedintheshutbudoftheLotus. Andtheyshall bedespisedastheythatin illusion are born into the outermost Paradiseorareheldcaptivewithinthenarrowwallsofthewomb.303. Whoso doubteth the omniscience of thewisdom of theLight-Bearer,but holdeth to hisbelief inReward,excellent ofttimes inmakingtherootofgoodnesstogrow,304. Because he doubteth the wisdom of theEternalWisdom,and is heldcaptiveas in thestraitprisonofthe womb,hathneitherknowledgenorwisdom,andiscompareduntoamanstraitlyboundincaptivity.305. Hethat is borninto theoutermostplace,allgloriouswith the sevenfoldjewels,shall notin five hundredyearsbehold that three-foldjewel,theTri-ratna,for there is in him nospiritual well-doing,that he shouldgiveit untohis fellow-men.306. To him who is born into thePalace,gloriouswith thesevenjewels,for fivehundredBELIEF AND DOUBT81yearsthereshallbefallmanysortsofsorrowsfromhisownevildoing.307. Whosohopethreward and maketh toflourish the root ofgoodness,shall remain inthetransitoryParadise,forthoughhebeagoodman,yethathheadoubtingheart.308. Because heacceptethnot the DivinePromiseof Him whoistheLightunspeakable, andcarrieth his doubtwithhimuntoParadise,therefore the shut flower of his heartopenethnot,therefore is heunshapenasachild inthewomb.307. Whenheperceiveththe Land ofPurity,the BodhisattvaMaitreyathusquestioneththeHolyOne,saying,"Whatis thecauseandwhatthe circumstance of that manwho,havingbeenborn,yetremaineth as it were straitened in thewomb?310. Andthusspakethe Lord unto the BodhisattvaMaitreyasaying,"Whosotrusteth in the root ofgoodnessthathe himself makethtogrowandhath adoubtingsoul,he it is that is in the outermostplicesoftlirParadise,he it is that is saidto be straitenedstill in the wombofignorance."311. HewhodoubteththewisdomofHimthatis allLight,shallforhissinbemadecaptiveuntil682 BUDDHIST PSALMSfivehundredyearsbegone,andthis is calledtheconceptionwithinthewombofignorance.312. Whoso doubteth the wisdom that isbeyondmansunderstanding,and hath believedthedoctrineofreward,shallofacertaintybebornwithinDoubting Castle,and this is called conceptionwithinthewombofignorance.313. Whoso trustethupon self-righteousnessratherthanuponthewisdomof theEnlightenedOnethatisbeyond mansknowledge,shallbeconceivedwithinthewombofignorance,andtohimshallthemercyoftheThreeJewelsbeunknown.314. Whoso doubteth the wisdom of theEnlightenedOnethatsurpassethallknowledgeofman andtrustethinthehopeof reward, and wouldattainuntobirth in Paradisebymakingtherootofgoodnesstogrow,shall be straitened hi thewombofignorance.315.Heavyisthesinofdoubtingthe wisdomoftheBuddha. Hewhois instructedtakethrefugeinthewonderfulwisdomoftheEnlightenedOne,beingin contrition for his foolishness.Thesetwenty-three psalmsabove-written aremadeby methatmenshouldknowtheheavinessoftheirsinindoubtingtheDivinePromiseoftheBuddhaofInfiniteLight.PRINCE SHOTOKU83IN PRAISE OFPRINCE SHOTOKU316.Throughthecompassionof Shotoku thegreatprincewe,havingacceptedtheDivinePromisesprungfromtheunsearchablewisdomoftheIlluminatedOne,aremadeequaluntoMaitreya.Bodhisattva the Buddhathat shall behavingbeenunited untothosemenwhoreturnnomoretobirthanddeath.317. ThemightyBodhisattva ofCompassion,hewhois theSaviour,wasmademanifest inthisworldas ShotokuthePrince,who,like afather,hath not forsakenus,and like a mother is everamongstus.318. From thatpastwhere was nobeginninguntilthedaythatnowis,hathShotokuthegreatprince,theCompassionate,dweltamongus likeuntoafatherandamother.319. ShotokuthePrince,fromhisCompassion,hath persuadedusto enterin atthe Divine Promiseof the wondrous wisdom of theLight-Bearer.Andthroughthis are wejoineduntothosemenwhoreturnnomoreuntobirthanddeath.320. Whoso attainethuntotheholyfaiththatis84 BUDDHIST PSALMSthepowerofdivinity,must,inthe TenRegionsoftheworld,findthetwofoldgiftoftheEnlightenedOne,that hemaylive hi thankfulness for Hisgrace.321.Shotoku,he who ismercysself,theCompassionate,he who is like unto afather,and the Bodhisattva ofMercy,the divinetenderness,his succour is merciful as thepityof a mother.322.Testimonyis there that Shotoku theprincehathmercyuponus,fromthemyriadsofKalpasevenuntothisday,becausethewondrouswisdom of Himwho isLightbeareth the loadofhisdebtforthebeliever.ThereforebeforetheeyesofHiswisdom is theevilasthegood,thepureastheunclean.323.Shotoku,thePrince,he that is inJapancalledtheLordofTeaching,hewhosegreatmercyovertopsallspokenwords ofgratitude,mustwethereforepraiseforevermore,havingwithsingleheartsoughtrefugeinhim.324. Hewho hathpitiedthe dwellers in thelands ofJapan,the Prince ofJogu,he whosewaysaremerciful,hathspreadabroadtheDivinePromise of theEnlightenedOne. Thereforelet uspraisehimwithgreat rejoicing. Through-85out themany myriadsofKalpas,birth afterbirth fell hithertouponus.325. Weto whomheshowedforth hiscompassionmustbeswifttopraisehim,havingcontinuallysoughtrefugeinhim,andwithasinglemind.326. ThehighPrinceShotoku,he who hathguardedusandwithgreatcarefulness led usupwards from remotesttimes,hathlovinglyentreated us to seek ourrefugein the two-foldgiftoftheEnlightenedOne.86 BUDDHIST PSALMSWHEREINWITHLAMENTATION I MAKEMYCONFESSION327.ThoughIseekmyrefugeinthetruefaithofthePureLand,Yethathnotmineheart beentrulysincere.Deceitanduntruthare inmyflesh,Andinmysoulisnoclearshining.328. In their outwardseemingare all mendiligentandtruthspeaking,Butintheirsoulsaregreed andeager andunjustdeceitfulness,Andintheirfleshdolying andcunningtriumph.329. Toostrongfor me is the evil ofmyheart. Icannotovercomeit.Therefore ismysoul like unto thepoisonofserpents,Evenmyrighteousdeeds,being mingledwiththispoison,mustbenamedthedeedsofdeceitful-ness.330. ShamelessthoughI be andhavingnotruth inmysoul,I MAKEMY CONFESSION 87Yet the virtue of theHolyName,thegiftofHimthat isenlightened,Isspread throughoutthe worldthrough mywordsbeingasIam.331. There is nomercyinmysoul.Thegoodofmyfellow-manis notdear in mineeyes.If it werenotfortheArkofMercy,thedivinepromiseoftheInfiniteWisdom,HowshouldI crosstheOceanofMisery?332.I,whosemind is filled withcunninganddeceit as thepoisonofreptiles,amimpotenttopractise righteousdeeds.If IsoughtnotrefugeinthegiftofourFather,Ishoulddiethedeathoftheshameless.333. It is atoken of this evilagethat in thisworldthepriests, togetherwiththepeople,Insecretservestrangegods,Whilebearing theappearanceofthe devoutsonsofBuddha.334. Sadandcorruptis it thatthepriestsandpeople, followingafter thesuperstitionsof auspicioustimes anddays,seeksooth-sayingandfestivalsAndworshipthegodsofheavenandearth.335.ThoughI have heard that the names ofpriestandmonkarehonourable,88 BUDDHIST PSALMSYet now aretheyheld aslightas the fiveshamelesspreceptsofDevadatta.336.Beingof one accord with themanymindsoftheheathen,Theybowinworshipbeforedevils,WhileyetwearingtherobeoftheBuddha.337. Sadandsorrowfulis it thatallthepriestsandpeoplenow in the land of Yamato shouldworshipthe devils of heaven andearth,in thenameoftheholymysteriesoftheBuddha.338. It is amarkofthedownwardwayofthisevilagethat mendespisethe name ofpriestormonk as a meanthing, consideringthem likeuntoslaves.339.Maytheyyetbringofferingswithhomageuntothepriests,evenasyoudountoSaliputraorMahamonugalyayana,those twogreatservantsoftheLord;thoughtheyarepriestsbuthinameand withoutdiscipline,for this is the time ofdegenerationandofthelastdays.340.Thoughsinhath nosubstanceinitself,andis but the shadow of ourillusion,and soul isin itselfpure, yetin all this world is there nosincereman.341. Greatsorrowis itthat,inthewickedworldof thisagenowso near itsend,thehigh priestsADDITIONAL PSALMS 89whoareborninthepalankin,andthe monkswhobearitnowinNaraandMountHiyei,desirehighsecularrankasthegreatesthonour.342. Thattheyconsider themonkandnunastheirslaves,andmockat the honourable title ofpriestandminister,even as at the meannameofslave,gives testimonythatthey despisetheteachingoftheBuddha.Thesesixteenpsalmswrittenabovearewrittenbyme, Gutoku,withlamentation,tobearecord.Tomeeventhehonourablepriestsandmonksofthe CentralTemplesseemnowto bedespised.ADDITIONAL PSALMS343.Havingfulfilledfortyandeightof theDivinePromise,Heattained unto thesupreme enlightenment,and was manifest as the Buddha of InfiniteLight.Whososeekethrefugewith Him shall be certainlybornintotheLandofPurity.344. Into the Promised Land the ParadiseoftheGreatCalm.90BUDDHISTPSALMSHewhopractiseththerighteousdeeds of themingledmotivehathnoclaimofbirth,Therefore He that is Infinite would have usfollow the deeds of thesingle practicethat ischosen of Him asteachingthat is at theroot.345. ThemeritofHisholyausteritiesthroughoutthemyriadsofKalpasisfullydeclaredin hisnameofAmida(theInfinite).AndtheHolyName,aftertheconsiderationoffiveKalpas,Willbeaccordeduntouswhoare alive in thisdegeneratedage.346. Becauseaction,speech,andmind of theInfiniteLife and thebelieverintheHoly Namearewelded as into adiamond,therefore shall hecertainlybe one with the men that return nomoreuntobirthanddeath.347. Hethathath muchknowledge and keepeththePureLandisnotchosen,AndwhosobreakeththeHolyLawandsinnethis notdisdained.Onlyhe that seekethrefugein the EternalFather shall enter into Buddhahoodasapebbleistransmutedintogold.348. Our faith that endureth as the diamondADDITIONAL PSALMS 91comethfromthemindoftheBuddhathateternallyendureth.Lackingtheaidof the Divine Power, how shouldweattainuntotheunchangingmind?349. Inthegreatoceanofthe DivinePromiseIstherenorippleof illusion.Ifweenter into thearkoftheHolyVow,Thespiritofmercyshall takepartwith ourself-endeavour.350. Since we havebelieved the DivinePromise,Howis itpossibleweshouldbeinthepoweroflifeordeath?Unchangedmaybeour sinfulbody,Butourheart is intheParadiseforever.PrintedbyUazell,Watson JeVinty,Ld.,LondonandAyletbury,England.THEWISDOMOFTHEEASTSERIESEditedbyL. CRANMFP-RYNfland Dr. S. A. KAPADIATHESERIESAND ITSPURPOSETHISSerieshas a definiteobject.Itis,bymeansof the bestOrientalliteratureitswisdom,philosophy, poetry,andidealstobringtogetherWestand East in aspiritofmutualsympathy,goodwill,andunderstanding.FromIndia, China,Japan,Persia,Arabia,Fakstin",andFgyptthese words of wisdom havebeengathered.NEWVOLUMES.BUDDHISTPSALMS. Translatedfrom theJapaneseofShinranShoninbyS.YAMA BEandL.ADAMBECK.3/6net.THE SECRETROSE GARDEN OF SAD UD DINMAHMUDSHABISTARI. Rendered from thePersian,with anIntroduction, byFLORENCELEDERER.3/6net.THERHYTHM OF LIFE. Based on thePhilosophyofLaoTEC.ByHENRI BOREL. TranslatedbyM.E.REYNOLDS.3/6netINDIANTHERELIGIONOFTHESIKHS.ByDOROTHY FIELD.3/6net.BUDDHISTSCRIPTURES. ASelection Translated from thePali with IntroductionbyE.J. THOMAS,M.A.3/6net.THE HEART OF INDIA. Sketches in theHistoryof HinduReligionand Morals.ByL. I).BARNETT, M.A.,Lirr.U..Professor ofSanskritatUniversityCollege,London.3/6net.BRAHMAKNOWLEDGE:AnOutlineofthePhilosophyofthe Vedanta. Asset forthbytheUpanishadsandbySankara.ByL. 1).BARNETT, M.A., Lirr.D.,ProfessorofSanskritatUniversityCollege,London.3/6net.ConttnuiU overTHEBUDDHAS "WAY OF VIRTUE." A Translation oftheDhammapada. ByW.C D. WAGISWARA and K.J. SAUNDIRS,Membersof theRoyalAsiaticSociety,Ceylonbranch.3/6net.THE PATH OF LIGHT. Rendered for the first time intoEnglishfiom theBodhi-charySvataraof SSnli-Deva. A Manual ofMaha-YinaBuddhism.ByL. D.BARNETT,M.A.,Lirr.D.3/6net.LEGENDS OF INDIAN BUDDHISM. Translated from"LIntroductiona 1 Histoiredu BuddhismeIndien"ofEugeneBurnouf,withanIntroductionbyWINIFREDSTEPHENS.3/6net.THEWAYOFTHEBUDDHA. Selectionsfromthe Buddhisttexts, togetherwith theoriginal Pali,with IntroductionbyHERBERTBAYNES,M.R.A.S.3/6net.IRANIAN(Persian,Pehlvl, Zend,etc.)THEDIWANOFZEB-UN-NISSA. TheFirstFiftyGhazalsRenderedfromthePersianbyMAC.AN LALandJESSIEDUNCAN WEST-BROOK. Withan IntroductionandNotes.3/6net.THE RUBAIYATOF HAFIZ. Translated with IntroductionbySVED ABDULMAJID,LL.D. Rendered intoEnglishVersebyL.CRANMER-BYNG.a/6net.THESPLENDOUROFGOD.BeingExtractsfromthe SacredWritingsof theBahais. WithIntroductionbyERICHAMMOND.3/6net.THETEACHINGSOFZOROASTER,and thePhilosophyof the ParsiReligion.Translated with IntroductionbyDr.S. A. KAFADIA, Lecturer, University College,London, andEdition,3/6net.THE PERSIAN MYSTICS.I.Jalalud-din Rurm.ByF. HADLAND DAVIS.3/6net.II.Jami. ByK. HADLAND DAVIS.3/6net.THE BUSTAN OF SADI. From the Persian. Translatedwith IntroductionbyA.HARTEDWARDS.3/6net.SADIS SCROLL OFWISDOM.BySHAIKH SADI. WiihIntroductionbySirARTHUR N.WOI.LASTON,K.CM.E.2/6net.With PersianScriptadded.3/6net.THE ROSE GARDEN OF SADI. Selected and RenderedfromthePersian with IntroductionbyL.CRANMKR-BYNG.a/6net.ARABICTHE POEMS OF MUTAMID,KING OF SEVILLE.Rendered intoEnglishVersebyDULCIE LAWRENCESMITH. With anIntroduction.2/6net.ABULALA,THESYRIAN.ByHENRYBAERLKIN.3/6netTHE ALCHEMY OF HAPPINESS.ByAL GHAZZALI.RenderedintoEnglishbyCLAUDFIELD.3/6net.THEAWAKENINGOF THE SOUL. Fromthe Arabic ofIIIN I UFAIL. Translated with IntroductionbyPAULBRO.INLI,Ph.I).a/6net.THE RELIGION OFTHE KORAN. With IntroductionbySir ARTHUR N.WOLLASTON,K.C.l.K.2/6net.ARABIAN WISDOM. Selections and Translations from theArabicbyJOHNWORTAIJET,M.D.3/6net.THESINGING CARAVAN. Some Echoesof ArabianPoetryByHENRYHAERLEIN.3/6net.THE DIWAN OF ABUL-ALA.ByHUNRY BABRI.BIN.a/6net.HEBREWANCIENTJEWISHPROVERBS.Compiledand ClassifiedbyA.COHEN,lute Scholarof EmmanuelCollege,Cambridge. 3/6net.THE WISDOM OF THE APOCRYPHA. With an IntroductionbyC. E.LAWRENCE,Authorof"Pilgrimage,"etc.3/6net.CHINESEAFEASTOFLANTERNS. RenderedwithanIntroductionbyL.CRANMER-BYNG,Authorof "A Lute ofJade,""The Odes of Confucius,"etc.3/6net.YANG CHITS GARDEN OF PLEASURE.TranslatedfromtheChinesebyProfessorANTONFORKE. Withan IntroductionbyH.CRANMER-HYNG.a/6net.TAOISTTEACHINGS. From theMystical Philosophyof LiehTiu. TranslatedbyLIONELGILES,M.A.3/6net.ALUTEOFJADE. BeingSelectionsfrom the Classical PoetsofChina. Rendered with anIntroductionbyI.. CRANMER-BYNG. andEdition.3/6net.THECLASSICSOFCONFUCIUS.I. The Book of Odes(Shi-King).ByL ORANMrR-Bv.NG.2/6net.II. The Book ofHistory (Shu-King).ByW. (,ORN OLD.a/6net.THESAYINGSOFCONFUCIUS. AnewTranslationof thegreater partof theConfucianAnalects,with Introductionand NotesbyLIONELGILES,M.A.(Oxon.),Assistant in theDepartmentofOrientalBooksandManuscriptsofthe BritishMuseum.3/6net.THE CONDUCT OFLIFE; or,The Universal Order ofConfucius. Atranslation ofone of the four ConfucianBooks,hithertoknownastheDoctrineoftheMean.ByKuHUNGMING,M.A.(Edin.). 2/6net.THEBOOKOFFILIALDUTY. TranslatedfromtheChineseof the HsiaoChing byIVANCHEN,FirstSecretaryto the ChineseLegation, a/6net.THE SAYINGS OF LAO TZO. Fromthe Chinese. Translated with IntroductionbyLIONELGILES,of the British Museum.2/6net.MUSINGSOFA CHINESE MYSTIC. Selections from thePhilosophyofChuanpIzu. With IntroductionbyLIONELGILES,M.A.(Oxon.),Assistantatthe British Museum.3/6net.THEFLIGHTOFTHEDRAGON. AnEssayontheTheoryand Practice ofArtin ChinaandJapan,basedonOriginalSource*.HyLAURENCE BINYON.3/6net.JAPANESETHE SPIRIT OFJAPANESEART.ByYONENOGUCHI.3/6net.THESPIRITOF JAPANESEPOETRY.ByYONK NOGUCHI.3/6net.THE WAY OF CONTENTMENT. Translated from theJapaneseofKaibara EkkenbyKEN HOSHINO.3/6net.THEMASTER-SINGERSOFJAPAN. Bein^VerseTranslationsfromtheJapanesePoets.ByCLARA A. WALSH.3/6net.WOMEN AND WISDOM OFJAPAN.With IntroductionbyS. TAKAISIII.2/6net.EGYPTIANANCIENTEGYPTIAN LEGENDS.ByMARGARET A.MUKRAY.3/6net.THE BURDEN OF ISIS.Beingthe Laments of Isis andNephthys.TranslatedfromtheEgyptianwithan IntroductionbyJAMESTEACKI.E DF.NNIS. 2/6net.THE INSTRUCTION OF PTAHHOTEP AND THEINSTRUCTION OF KEGEMNI. The Oldest Books inthe World. Translated from theEgyptianwith Introduction andAppendixbyBATTISCOMBBGUNN. 2/6net.LdiloiialCommunicationsshouldbeaddriss*dtoTHE EDITORS OFTHBWISDOM OFTHE EAST SERIES.50A,ALBHMARLKSTREET, LONDON,W.iLONDON:JOHNMURRAY,ALBEMARLESTRKET,W.BQSHINRANBUDDHISTPSALMS1921121,52