Gathas

Gatha of Atonement (chant three times)
All evil karma ever committed by me since of old,
Because of my beginningless greed, anger, and ignorance,
Born of my body, mouth, and consciousness,
Now I atone for it all.

Four Great Vows (chant three times)
Creations are numberless; I vow to free them.
Delusions are inexhaustible; I vow to put an end to them.
Reality is boundless; I vow to perceive it.
The enlightened way is unsurpassable; I vow to embody it.

Gatha on Opening the Sutra (chant once)
The Dharma, incomparably profound and infinitely subtle,
Is rarely encountered, even in millions of ages.
Now we see it, hear it, receive and maintain it.
May we completely realize the Tathagatha’s true meaning.

Verse on the Kesa (chant three times)
Vast is the robe of liberation
A formless field of benefaction
I wear the Tathagatha’s teaching
Saving all sentient beings.

Tri Sharana: the Three Treasures (chant twice in Pali and once in English)
Buddham sharanam gacchami.
Dhammam sharanam gacchami.
Sangham sharanam gaccahmi.

I take refuge in the Buddha.
I take refuge in the Dharma.
I take refuge in the Sangha.

[artwork: Two Blind Men Crossing a Log Bridge by Hakuin Ekaku (1686–1769)]