THE BUDDHA’S ENLIGHTENMENT CEREMONY

Composed by Bhikṣuṇī TN Giới Hương

THE FIRST WORDS

Every day Nuns and Buddhists at Hương Sen Buddhist Temple, California, USA, have practiced and recited following the Vietnamese scripture, “Nghi Lễ Hàng Ngày – 50 Kinh Tụng và các Lễ Vía trong Năm” (Daily Chanting – Fifty Discourses and Annual Festivals) of the Pureland Sect, which was composed in 2021 by Bhikkhunī Thích Nữ Giới Hương. It is based on the original ritual of her late Master, the Venerable Elder Hải Triều Âm at Liên Hoa Temple and Dược Sư Temple.1

Since many Vietnamese-Americans, Hispanic, native Americans, and English speakers have come to Huong Sen Temple in search of practice and ritual, Bhikkhunī Giới Hương composed an English version of DAILY MONASTIC CHANTING. It encompasses

16 popular rituals to serve the spiritual needs of any Buddhist sect, including the Pure Land and Meditation Traditions as below:

1. Practice Meditation
2. The Ceremony for Peace
3. The Rice Offering to Buddhas
4. The Lunch Offering at the Dining Hall
5. The Ritual Offering Food To Hungry Ghosts
6. The Pureland Course of Amitabha Sutra
7. The Medicine Buddha Sutra
8. The New Year Ceremony

1 Please read: http://www.huongsentemple.com/index.php/vn/ phat-phap/kinh-ta-ng-ca-a-cha-a-hs/6256-nghi-le-hang-ngay-20.

9. The Great Parinirvana Ceremony
10. The Buddha’s Birthday Ceremony
11. The Ullambana Festival (Parents’ Day)
12. The Marriage Ceremony
13. The Blessing Ceremony for The Deceased
14. The Ancestral Ceremony
15. The Enlightened Buddha Ceremony
16. The Uposatha Ceremony (Reciting Precepts)

With regard to mindful chanting, we take sources from the sacred book, Chanting from the Heart: Buddhist Ceremonies and Daily Practices of Thích Nhất Hạnh. In the field of the Pureland School, we have taken material from the above Vietnamese scripture, “Nghi Lễ Hàng Ngày,” and translated it into English.

We should chant at least once a week, any place and any time, or more often if we have more time. The chant will help to avoid negative thoughts, defilements, distractions -any of the myriad things that intrude into the one-pointed mind. We definitely feel the connectedness with Dharma (the Buddha’s teaching), we feel the spirit being lifted up, the awakening and the settling of the mind to enter meditation. We will become bright, enduring, detached, diligent, generous, loving, understanding and so on . . . because we practice following the chanting and the role model of Buddhas.

Chanting out loud or silently listening to chanting can also be very relaxing as we go about our day. It can be used to calm our mind before work or sleeping.

For the sake of all the general practitioners, there are some changes, combinations, additions, reductions, and creations made in this English version. This is the first time that both traditions have been combined in an English version for the necessary needs at Huong Sen Buddhist Temple.

We would like to gratefully acknowledge with special thanks the Buddhas, Boddhisattvas, Sanghas, the English translators, Master Thích Nhất Hạnh, our Late Respectful Teacher - Venerable Elder Bhikkhunī Hải Triều Âm and others. You all provided us the awakening words to remind and guide us in the right way of practice. We will keep chanting, learning and practicing it until we and all beings get the enlightenment as well as realize our Buddha nature.

If there is any merit in compiling this book, may it be shared with all sentient beings. May they diligently practice and soon gain the way of love and understanding.

Reciting the sutras, practicing the way of awareness

gives rise to benefits without limit.

We vow to share the fruits with all beings.

We vow to offer tribute to parents, teachers, friends,

and numerous beings who

give guidance and support along the path.

(Thích Nhất Hạnh)

Hương Sen Temple, Riverside, California

March 15, 2023

Bhikkhunī TN Giới Hương

THE ENLIGHTENED BUDDHA CEREMONY

At the 8th day of the 12nd month in lunar year, after 49 days of meditation under the Bodhi tree, the Buddha realized the truth of Dependent Origination and became the Buddha - the Enlightened One.

Buddhist disciples perform this ritual do memorial or honor the great enlightened life of Sakyamuni Buddha who save all beings from his awakened experience.

1. Introduction
2. The incense offering
3. Salutation
   • Gratitude the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas

• Gratitude the Buddhas in the past
• Gratitude the Arahats
• Gratitude the Ancestors

4. The Repentance Gatha
5. Opening verse
6. Chanting the Enlightened Search Sutta and the Greater Discourse to Saccaka

7. The insight that brings us to the other shore
8. Read the Names of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
9. May the day and the night be well
10. The four collections
11. Prayer
12. Salutation thousands of Buddhas in three times
13. Taking refuge at three jewels
14. Sharing the merit & verse for closing
15. The divine

***

1. INTRODUCTORY

Leader: Today is the 8th day of the 12nd month in lunar year, we are (the leading Bhikkhuni...) and the sangha gathered at the main hall of... to present the flowers, incense, cake, fruit and conduct the ritual to celebrate the Enlightened Buddha Day.

We remembered two thousand six hundred years ago, after six years of asceticism at Pragbodhi Cave and forty-nine days of meditation under the Bodhi tree, Gotama Boddhisatta became the Shakyamuni Buddha. He was a human being just as we are, but His understanding and love were developed to a very high degree, and he became a fully awakened being. He shared his knowledge from his enlightened experience in order that people can live mindfully, awakenly and liberatedly.

Ten Titles of Buddha represent the characteristics of Buddha are following,

1. Tathāgata - the Thus Come Ones
2. Arhat - worthy of offerings
3. Samyak-sambuddha - of proper and universal knowledge
4. Vidyacarana-sampanna - perfect in understanding and conduct
5. Sugata - skilful in leaving the world

through liberation

6. Lokavid - perfect and complete understanding of all worldly Dharma
7. Anuttara - unsurpassed knights
8. Purusa-damya-sarathi - taming heroes

9. Sasta devamanuṣyanam - teachers of gods and people
10. Buddha-lokanatha or Bhagavan - Buddha, the World Honored Ones

As the Buddha’s disciples, we are happy to have the great master in the world and promise to follow him to return our Precept-meditation-wisdom and Buddha nature. We will spread Dharma - the global message of the happiness and liberation for the sake of many.

May the Buddha-Dharma-Sangha be presented everywhere in order that people can nurture the Buddha-seeds and transform the greed, anger, and delusion to be the love, understand and toleration.

May all sentient and non-sentient beings soon attain the Buddhahood as the Shakyamuni Buddha did.

May all beings are always the bodhi awaken friends and protect the Three Jewels in the world forever.

Namo Shakyamuni Buddha.

(3 times) (ooo)

 

2.                     THE INCENSE OFFERING

Leader: In gratitude, we offer this incense to all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas throughout space and time.

May it be fragrant as Earth herself, reflecting our careful efforts, our wholehearted mindfulness, and the fruit of understanding, slowly ripening.

May we and all beings be companions of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

May we awaken from forgetfulness and realize our true home. (o)

Namo Offering the Incense Bodhisattva Mahasattvas. (3 times) (ooo)

3.                SALUTATION IN GRATITUDE

(All Sangha members read)

3. 1. GRATITUDE THE BUDDHAS AND BODHISATTVAS
4. Offering light in the Ten Directions, the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, to whom we bow in gratitude.

(o) (1 prostration)

2. Teaching and living the way of awareness in the very midst of suffering and confusion, Shakyamuni Buddha, the  Fully  Enlightened One, to whom we bow in
   • (1 prostration)
3. Cutting through ignorance, awakening our hearts and our minds, Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Great Understanding, to whom  we  bow  in
   • (1 prostration)
4. Working mindfully, working joyfully for the sake of all beings, Samantabhadra, the Bodhisattva  of  Great  Action, to  whom  we  bow  in
   • (1 prostration)
5. Seed of awakening and loving kindness in children and all beings, Maitreya, the Buddha to-be-born, to whom we bow in gratitude. (o) (1 prostration)
6. Seeing the Buddha in everyone, Sadaparibhuta, the Bodhisattva of Constant Respect, to whom we bow in gratitude. (o) (1 prostration)
7. Showing the way fearlessly and compassionately, the stream of all our

Ancestral Teachers, to whom we bow in gratitude. (ooo) (1 prostration)

• GRATITUDE THE BUDDHAS IN THE PAST

1. The Buddha Vipashyin, to whom we bow in gratitude. (o) (1 prostration)
2. The Buddha Shikhin, to whom we bow in gratitude. (o) (1 prostration)
3. The Buddha Vishvabhu, to whom we bow in gratitude. (o) (1 prostration)
4. The Buddha Krakkucchandha, to whom we bow in gratitude. (o) (1 prostration)
5. The Buddha Konagamana, to whom we

bow in gratitude. (o) (1 prostration)

6. The Buddha Kashyapa, to whom we bow in gratitude. (o) (1 prostration)
7. The Buddha Shakyamuni, to whom we bow in gratitude. (o) (1 prostration)
8. TheBodhisattvaofGreatUnderstanding, Manjushri, to whom we bow in

(o) (1 prostration)

9. The Bodhisattva of Great Action, Samantabhadra, to whom we bow in gratitude. (o) (1 prostration)

10. The Bodhisattva of Great Compassion, Avalokiteshvara, to whom we bow in (ooo) (1 prostration)
11. The Bodhisattva of the Great Vow, Kshitigarbha, to whom we bow in gratitude. (ooo) (1 prostration)

• GRATITUDE THE ARAHATS

1. The Venerable Kashyapa, to whom we bow in gratitude. (o) (1 prostration)
2. The Venerable Shariputra, to whom we bow in gratitude. (o) (1 prostration)
3. The Venerable Maudgalyayana, to whom we bow in gratitude. (o) (1 prostration)
4. The Venerable Upali, to whom we bow in gratitude. (o) (1 prostration)
5. The Venerable Ananda, to whom we bow in gratitude. (ooo) (1 prostration)
6. 4. GRATITUDE THE ANCESTORS
7. Mother of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and all beings, nourishing, holding, and healing all, Bodhisattva Gaia, Great Mother Earth, precious jewel of the cosmos, to whom we bow in gratitude.

(o) (1 prostration)

2. Radiating light in all directions, source of life on Earth, Mahavairocana Tathagata, Great Father Sun, Buddha of infinite light and life, to whom we bow in gratitude. (o) (1 prostration)
3. Seed of awakening and loving kindness in children and all beings, Maitreya, the  Buddha to-be-born, to  whom  we  bow  in

(o) (1 prostration)

4. Showing the way fearlessly and compassionately, the stream of all our Ancestral Teachers, to whom we bow in gratitude. (ooo) (1 prostration)

4.  THE REPENTANCE GATHA

All wrongdoing arises from the mind. When the mind is purified, what trace of wrong is left?

After repentance, my heart is light like the white clouds

that have always floated over the ancient forest in freedom. (o)

Namo the Repentance Bodhisattva Mahasattvas. (3 times) (ooo)

5.  OPENING VERSE

The Dharma is deep and lovely.

We now have a chance to see, study, and practice it.

We vow to realize its true meaning.

Namo Shakyamunaye Buddhaya.

(3 times) (ooo)

6.  CHANTING

• THE ENLIGHTENED SEARCH

Bhikkhus, before my enlightenment, while I was still only an unenlightened Bodhisatta, I too, being myself subject to birth, ageing, sickness, death, sorrow, and defilement.

Suppose that, being myself subject to birth, ageing, sickness, death, sorrow, and defilement, having understood the danger in what is subject to ageing, sickness, death, sorrow, and defilement, I seek the unageing, unailing, deathless, sorrowless, and undefiled supreme security from bondage, Nibbāna.

Then,   bhikkhus,   being   myself   subject

to birth, having understood the danger in what is subject to birth, seeking the UNBORN supreme security from bondage, Nibbāna, I attained the unborn supreme security from bondage, Nibbāna;

Being myself subject to ageing, having understood the danger in what is subject to ageing, seeking the UNAGEING supreme security from bondage, Nibbāna, I attained the unageing supreme security from bondage, Nibbāna.

Being myself subject to sickness, having understood the danger in what is subject to sickness, seeking the UNAILING supreme security from bondage, Nibbāna, I attained the unailing supreme security from bondage, Nibbāna.

Being myself subject to death, having understood the danger in what is subject to death, seeking the DEATHLESS supreme security from bondage, Nibbāna, I attained the deathless supreme security from bondage, Nibbāna.

Being myself subject to sorrow, having understood the danger in what is subject to sorrow, seeking the SORROWLESS supreme security from bondage, Nibbāna, I attained the sorrowless supreme security from bondage, Nibbāna.

Being myself subject to defilement, having understood the danger in what is subject to defilement, seeking the UNDEFILED supreme security from bondage, Nibbāna, I attained the undefiled supreme security from bondage, Nibbāna.

THE KNOWLEDGE AND VISION arose in

me: ‘My deliverance is unshakeable; this is my last birth; now there is no renewal of being.’

(26. The Noble Search, Majjhima Nikāya,

English translator by Ajahn Thanissaro)

• THE SHAKYAMUNI BUDDHA ATTAINED THE MEDITATIVE STATES AND THREE KNOWLEDGES

Now when I had eaten solid food and regained my strength, then quite secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unwholesome states, I entered upon and

abided in THE FIRST JHĀNA, which is accompanied by applied and sustained thought, with rapture and pleasure born of seclusion. But such pleasant feeling that arose in me did not invade my mind and remain.

With the stilling of applied and sustained thought, I entered upon and abided in The Second Jhāna…With the fading away as well of rapture…I entered upon and abided in THE THIRD JHĀNA…With the abandoning of pleasure and pain…I entered upon and abided in THE FOURTH JHĀNA…But such pleasant feeling that arose in me did not invade my mind and remain.

When my concentrated mind was thus purified, bright, unblemished, rid of imperfection, malleable, wieldy, steady, and attained to imperturbability, I directed it to KNOWLEDGE OF THE RECOLLECTION

OF PAST LIVES. I recollected my manifold past lives, that is, one birth, two births…… Thus with their aspects and particulars I recollected my manifold past lives.

This was the first true knowledge attained by me in the first watch of the night. Ignorance was banished and true knowledge arose, darkness was banished and light arose, as happens in one who abides diligent, ardent, and resolute. But such pleasant feeling that arose in me did not invade my mind and remain.

When my concentrated mind was thus purified, bright, unblemished, rid of imperfection, malleable, wieldy, steady, and attained to imperturbability, I directed it to KNOWLEDGE OF THE PASSING AWAY AND REAPPEARANCE OF BEINGS……

Thus with the divine eye, which is purified and surpasses the human, I saw beings passing away and reappearing, inferior and superior, fair and ugly, fortunate and unfortunate, and I understood how beings pass on according to their actions.

This was the second true knowledge attained by me in the middle watch of the night. Ignorance was banished and true knowledge arose, darkness was banished and light arose, as happens in one who

abides diligent, ardent, and resolute. But such pleasant feeling that arose in me did not invade my mind and remain.

When my concentrated mind was thus purified, bright, unblemished, rid of imperfection, malleable, wieldy, steady, and attained to imperturbability, I directed it to KNOWLEDGE OF THE DESTRUCTION

OF THE TAINTS. I directly knew as it actually is: ‘This is suffering’;…‘This is the origin of suffering’;…‘This is the cessation of suffering’;…‘This is the way leading to the cessation of suffering’;… ‘These are the taints’;…‘This is the origin of the taints’;…‘This is the cessation of the taints’;…‘This is the way leading to the cessation of the taints.’

When I knew and saw thus, my mind was liberated from the taint of sensual desire, from the taint of being, and from the taint of ignorance. When it was liberated there came the knowledge: ‘It is liberated.’ I directly knew: ‘Birth is destroyed, the holy life has been lived, what had to be done has been done, there is no more coming to any state of being.’

This was the third true knowledge attained by me in the last watch of the night. Ignorance was banished and true knowledge arose, darkness was banished and light arose, as happens in one who abides diligent, ardent, and resolute. But such pleasant feeling that arose in me did not invade my mind and remain.

(36. The Greater Discourse to Saccaka, Majjhima Nikāya, English translator by Ajahn Thanissaro)

7.  THE INSIGHT THAT BRINGS US TO THE OTHER SHORE

The Heart of Prajnaparamita (Perfect Wisdom)

Avalokiteshvara while practicing deeply with the Insight that Brings Us to the Other Shore, suddenly discovered that all of the five Skandhas are equally empty, and with this realization he overcame all Ill-being (suffering). (o)

Listen Sariputra, this Body itself is EmptinessandEmptinessitselfisthisBody. This Body is not other than Emptiness and Emptiness is not other than this Body. The same is true of Feelings, Perceptions, Mental Formations, and Consciousness. (o) Listen Sariputra, all phenomena bear the mark of Emptiness; their true nature is the nature of neither Birth nor Death, neither Being nor Non-being, neither Defilement nor Purity, neither Increasing nor Decreasing. (o)

That is why in Emptiness, Body, Feelings,       Perceptions,      Mental Formations   and   Consciousness are   not   separate   self-entities. The Eighteen Realms of Phenomena which are the six Sense Organs, six Sense Objects, and six Consciousnesses are also not separate self-entities. (o)

The Twelve Links of Interdependent Arising and their Extinction are also not separate self-entities. Ill-being, the Causes of Ill- being, the End of Ill-being, the Path, insight and attainment, are also not separate self-

entities. Whoever can see this no longer needs anything to attain. (o)

Bodhisattvas who practice the Insight that Brings Us to the Other Shore see no more obstacles in their mind, and because there are no more obstacles in their mind, they can overcome all fear, destroy all wrong perceptions and realize Perfect Nirvana. All Buddhas in the past, present and future by practicing the Insight that Brings Us to the Other Shore, are all capable of attaining Authentic and Perfect Enlightenment. (o)

Therefore, Sariputra, it should be known that the Insight that Brings Us to the Other Shore is a Great Mantra, the most illuminating mantra, the highest mantra, a mantra beyond compare, the True Wisdom that has the power to put an end to all kinds of suffering. (o)

Therefore,letusproclaimamantra.Topraise the Insight that Brings Us to the Other Shore. Gone, gone, gone beyond, gone to the other shore, awake, rejoice! (3 times) (o)

Namo the Great Compassionate Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.

(3 times) (ooo)

8.  MAY THE DAY & NIGHT BE WELL

May the day be well and the night be well. May the midday hour bring happiness too.

In every minute and every second, may the day and night be well.

By the blessing of the Triple Gem, may all things be protected and safe.

May all beings born in each of the four ways live in a land of purity.

May all in the Three Realms be born upon Lotus Thrones.

May countless wandering souls realize the three virtuous positions of the Bodhisattva Path.

May all living beings, with grace and ease, fulfill the Bodhisattva Stages. The countenance of the World-Honored One, like the full moon

or like the orb of the sun, shines with the light of clarity.

A halo of wisdom spreads in every direction, enveloping all with love and compassion, joy and equanimity.

Namo Shakyamunaye Buddhaya.

(3 times) (ooo)

9.  READ THE NAMES

OF BUDDHAS & BODHISATTVAS

The river of attachment is ten thousand miles long.

The waves on the ocean of confusion stretch so far.

If you wish to go beyond the realms of

samsara,

Recollect the Buddha with one pointed mind. (o)

The Pure Land is available in our True Mind.

Amitabha manifests from the true nature of things,

Shining light on the three worlds and the

ten directions,

Always abiding in the present moment. May I go back to Amitabha Buddha,

The founder of the Pure Land, The source of limitless lifespan.

May I with one heart visualize and recollect this holy name.

Namo Shakyamunaye Buddhaya, the Fully Enlightened One. (3 times) (o)

Namo Amitabhaya Buddhaya, the Buddha of Infinite Light. (3 times) (o)

Namo Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Great Understanding. (3 times) (o)

Namo Samantabhadra, the Bodhisattva of Great Action. (3 times) (o)

Namo Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion. (3 times) (o)

Namo Kshitigarbhaya Bodhisattvaya,

the Bodhisattva of Great Aspiration.

(3 times) (ooo)

10.  THE FOUR RECOLLECTIONS

The Blessed One is worthy and fully self- awakened. I bow before the Buddha. (o)

The teaching is well expounded by the Blessed One. I pay homage to the Dharma. (o)

The community of the Blessed One’s disciples has practiced well. I pay respect to the Sangha. (o)

The Noble Teacher in whom I take refuge

is the One who embodies and reveals the Ultimate Reality, is the One who is worthy of all respect and offering,

is the One who is endowed with perfected

wisdom, is the One who is endowed with right understanding and compassionate ac- tion,

is the One who happily crossed to the shore of freedom, is the One who looked deeply to know the world well, is the highest charioteer, training humankind,

teaching gods and humans, the wakened One, the World-Honored One. (o)

The Teaching given by my Noble Teacher is the path I undertake, the teaching well- proclaimed,

is the teaching that can be realized right here and right now, is the teaching that is immediately useful and effective,

is the teaching inviting all to come and see directly, is the teaching that is leading to the good, the true, the beautiful,

extinguishing the fire of afflictions;

it is a teaching for all sensible people to realize for themselves. (o)

Practicing the teachings, the Noble Community in which I take refuge is the community that goes in the direction of goodness, in the direction of truth,

in the direction of beauty, in the direction of righteousness;

is the community that is composed of four pairs and eight kinds of holy people; is the community that is worthy of offerings, worthy of great respect, worthy of admiration, worthy of salutation; is the community standing upon the highest fields of merit in all of the world. (o)

The Mindfulness Trainings, the wholesome way of living taught by my Noble Teacher, is the wonderful practice that remains unbroken, that remains harmonious, that remains flawless, that remains refined; is the wonderful practice that has the capacity to prevent wrongdoing and to prevent danger; is the wonderful practice that has the capacity to protect self and others and to reveal beauty; is the wonderful practice that is leading to concentration, leading to peacefulness, leading to insight, leading to non-fear; is the wonderful practice that shows us the way to total emancipation and long-lasting happiness. (o)

Namo Shakyamunaye Buddhaya.

(3 times) (ooo)

11.  PRAYER

Today is the 8th day of the 12nd month in lunar year, we are (the leading Bhikkhuni...) and the sangha gathered at the main hall of... to organize the Sakyamubi Buddha Enlightened Day. We sicerely offer the flowers, incense, cake and fruit to  the  Buddha,  conduct  the  chanting the Enlightened Search Sutta and the Greater Discourse to Saccaka, practiced meditation, and the meritorious deeds. (o)

We would like to return this merit to pray the Buddhist (the full name, the Dharma name, age...), together with the householders and all Sangha members present here are always healthy, happy and live for long. May all year round be auspicious and joy. May our bodhicitta firm; our wills are steady; and we will gain self-awareness as well as the perfective enlightenment. (o)

Again, we give back this merit to for the deceased... (the full name, the Dharma name, longevity…) with our ancestors and parents in the past, the heroic warriors sacrificed for the country, the deceased died in rivers, accidents and other reasons. There are twelve kinds of souls with names or unnamed. May all of them overcome the suffering ocean of the bad karma and be peaceful at the Pure land and practice with Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

Finally,   may   all   sentient   beings soon   complete   the   Way   of   Love   and Understanding.

Namo Amitabha Buddhaya. (ooo)

12.   SALUTATION THOUSANDS BUDDHAS IN THREE TIMES

There are many the great causes

The ten directions, three lives and realms I keep my body and mind pure

Pay homage at all without being left behind. (o)

We pay respects sincerely to the four graces of the three realms:

Namo the Buddhas of the alpa thousands in the past. (o) (1 prostration)

Namo the Buddhas of the alpa thousands in the present. (o) (1 prostration)

Namo the Buddhas of the alpa thousands in the future. (o) (1 prostration)

13.   TAKING REFUGE AT THREE JEWELS

-I take refuge in the Buddha,

the one who shows me the way in this life.

I take refuge in the Dharma,

the way of understanding and of love. I take refuge in the Sangha,

the community that lives in harmony and awareness. (o) (1 prostration)

-Dwelling in the refuge of Buddha,

I clearly see the path of light and beauty in the world.

Dwelling in the refuge of Dharma,

I learn to open many doors on the path of transformation.

Dwelling in the refuge of Sangha,

shining light that supports me, keeping my practice free of obstruction.

(o) (1 prostration)

-Taking refuge in the Buddha in myself,

I aspire to help all people recognize their own awakened nature,

realizing the Mind of Love.

Taking refuge in the Dharma in myself,

I aspire to help all people fully master the ways of practice

and walk together on the path of liberation.

Taking refuge in the Sangha in myself,

I aspire to help all people build Fourfold

Communities,

to embrace all beings and support their transformation. (ooo) (1 prostration)

14.   SHARING THE MERIT & VERSE FOR CLOSING

Reciting the sutras, practicing the way of awareness gives rise to benefits without limit.

We vow to share the fruits with all beings.

We vow to offer tribute to parents, teachers, friends, and numerous beings who give guidance and support along the path. (o)

May we be born now in the Pure Land within the heart of a lotus flower.

In the moment when the lotus blooms,

we touch the reality of no-birth and no- dying.

May Buddhas and Bodhisattvas be our companions

on the wonderful path of practice. (o)

May we end all afflictions

so that understanding can arise,

the obstacles of unwholesome acts be dissolved, and the fruit of awakening be fully realized. (o)

Namo Amitabha Buddhaya. (ooo)

15. THE DIVINE GATHA Gods, nagas, asuras and yakshas Come here, with all your heart listen to

the Dharma.

Protect the Buddha-dharma so that it may endure

And all may act in the spirit of the Buddha’s teaching.

When you have come to hear the Dharma,

Whether you are under the earth or in the sky,

Look at all beings with the eyes of love.

Day and night abide in the right practice. May the world always be safe and secure,

Impregnated by the merit of wisdom and love.

May all the obstacles of wrong doing be dissolved.

May we live behind afflictions

and know always how to touch peace and joy.

May the Sangha with determination observe the precepts,

Be diligent in the practice of meditative concentration.

May the flower of awakened understanding bloom beautifully

And everywhere may all species have happiness.

Namo the Dharma Protective Bodhisattva Mahasattva. (3 times) (ooo)

BẢO ANH LẠC BOOKSHELF

• THE VIETNAMESE BOOKS

1. Bồ-tát và Tánh Không Trong Kinh Tạng Pali và Đại Thừa (Boddhisattva and Sunyata in the Early and Developed Buddhist Traditions), Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Delhi-7: Tủ Sách Bảo Anh Lạc, 2005. Tổng Hợp Tp HCM Publishing: the 2nd & 3rd reprint in 2008 & 2010.
2. Ban Mai Xứ Ấn (The Dawn in India), (3 tập), Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Delhi-7: Tủ Sách Bảo Anh Lạc, 2005; Văn Hóa Sài Gòn Publishing: the 2nd, 3rd and 4th reprint in 2006, 2008 & 2010.
3. Vườn Nai – Chiếc Nôi (Phật Giáo Deer Park– The Cradle of Buddhism), Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Delhi-7: Tủ Sách Bảo Anh Lạc, 2005. Phương Đông Publishing: the 2nd, 3rd and 4th reprint in 2006, 2008 & 2010.
4. Quy Y Tam Bảo và Năm Giới (Take Refuge in Three Gems and Keep the Five Precepts), Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Tủ Sách Bảo Anh Lạc, Wisconsin, USA, 2008. Phương Đông Publishing: the 2nd, 3rd and 4th reprint in 2010, 2016 &2018.
5. Vòng Luân Hồi (The Cycle of Life), Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Phương Đông Publishing: Tủ Sách Bảo Anh Lạc, Văn Hóa Sài Gòn Publishing: the 2nd, 3rd and 4th reprint in 2010, 2014 & 2016.
6. Hoa Tuyết Milwaukee (Snowflake in Milwaukee), Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Văn Hoá Sài gòn Publishing: Tủ Sách Bảo Anh Lạc, 2008.
7. Luân Hồi trong Lăng Kính Lăng Nghiêm (The Rebirth in Śūrangama Sūtra), Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Văn Hóa Sài gòn Publishing: Tủ Sách Bảo Anh Lạc, 2008. Publishing Phương Đông: the 2nd, 3rd and 4th reprint in 2012, 2014 &2016.

8. Nghi Thức Hộ Niệm, Cầu Siêu (The Ritual for the Deceased), Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Delhi-7: Eastern Book Linkers, 2008.
9. Quan Âm Quảng Trần (The Commentary of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva), Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Tổng Hợp Publishing: Tủ Sách Bảo Anh Lạc, 2010. Publishing Phương Đông: the 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5 reprint in 2010, 2014, 2016 & 2018.
10. Nữ Tu và Tù Nhân Hoa Kỳ (A Nun and American Inmates), Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Văn Hóa Sài gòn Publishing: Tủ Sách Bảo Anh Lạc, 2010. Hồng Đức Publishing: the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th reprint in 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018 & 2020.
11. Nếp Sống Tỉnh Thức của Đức Đạt Lai Lạt Ma Thứ XIV (The Awakened Mind of the 14th Dalai Lama), 2 tập, Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Hồng Đức Publishing: Tủ Sách Bảo Anh Lạc, năm 2012. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th reprint in 2010, 2016 &2018.
12. A-Hàm: Mưa pháp chuyển hóa phiền não (Agama – A Dharma Rain transforms the Defilement), 2 tập, Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Hồng Đức Publishing: Tủ Sách Bảo Anh Lạc, năm 2012. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th reprint in 2010, 2016 &2018.
13. Góp Từng Hạt Nắng Perris (Collection of Sunlight in Perris), Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Hồng Đức Publishing: Tủ Sách Bảo Anh Lạc. 2014.
14. Pháp Ngữ của Kinh Kim Cang (The Key Words of Vajracchedikā-Prajñāpāramitā-Sūtra), Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Hồng Đức Publishing: Tủ Sách Bảo Anh Lạc, năm The 2nd, 3rd and 4th reprint in 2015, 2016 & 2018.

15. Tập Thơ Nhạc Nắng Lăng Nghiêm (Songs and Poems of Śūraṅgama Sunlight), Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Hồng Đức Publishing: Tủ Sách Bảo Anh Lạc. 2014.
16. Nét Bút Bên Song Cửa (Reflections at the Temple Window), Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Hồng Đức Publishing: Tủ Sách Bảo Anh Lạc. 2018.
17. Máy Nghe MP3 Hương Sen (Hương Sen Digital Mp3 Radio Speaker): Các Bài Giảng, Sách, Bài viết và Thơ Nhạc của Thích Nữ Giới Hương (383/201 bài), Hương Sen Temple. 2019.
18. DVD Giới Thiệu về Chùa Hương Sen, USA (Introduction on Huong Sen Temple). Hương Sen Press Publishing. Thích Nữ Giới Hương & Phú Tôn. 2019.
19. Ni Giới Việt Nam Hoằng Pháp tại Hoa Kỳ (Sharing the Dharma - Vietnamese Buddhist Nuns in the United States), Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Hồng Đức 2020.
20. Tuyển Tập 40 Năm Tu Học & Hoằng Pháp của Ni sư Giới Hương (Forty Years in the Dharma: A Life of Study and Service—Venerable Bhikkhuni Giới Hương), Thích Nữ Viên Quang, TN Viên Nhuận, TN Viên Tiến, and TN Viên Khuông, Xpress Print Publishing, USA.
21. Tập Thơ Nhạc Lối Về Sen Nở (Songs and Poems of Lotus Blooming on the Way), Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Hồng Đức Publishing. 2020.
22. Nghi Thức Công Phu Khuya – Thần Chú Thủ Lăng Nghiêm (Śūraṅgama Mantra), Thích Nữ Giới Hương biên soạn, Hương Sen Press, USA. 2021.
23. Nghi Thức Cầu An – Kinh Phổ Môn (The Universal Door Sūtra), Thích Nữ Giới Hương biên soạn, Hương Sen Press, USA. 2021.

24. Nghi Thức Cầu An – Kinh Dược Sư (The Medicine Buddha Sūtra), Thích Nữ Giới Hương biên soạn, Hương Sen Press, USA. 2021.
25. Nghi Thức Sám Hối Hồng Danh (The Sūtra of Confession at many Buddha Titles), Thích Nữ Giới Hương biên soạn, Hương Sen Press, USA. 2021.
26. Nghi Thức Công Phu Chiều – Mông Sơn Thí Thực (The Ritual Donating Food to Hungry Ghosts), Thích Nữ Giới Hương biên soạn, Hương Sen Press, USA.
27. Khóa Tịnh Độ – Kinh A Di Đà (The Amitabha Buddha Sūtra), Thích Nữ Giới Hương biên soạn, Hương Sen Press, USA. 2021.
28. Nghi Thức Cúng Linh và Cầu Siêu (The Rite for Deceased and Funeral Home), Thích Nữ Giới Hương biên soạn, Hương Sen Press, USA. 2021.
29. Nghi Lễ Hàng Ngày - 50 Kinh Tụng và các Lễ Vía trong Năm (The Daily Chanting Rituals and Annual Ceremonies), Thích Nữ Giới Hương biên soạn, Hương Sen Press, USA. 2021.
30. Hương Đạo Trong Đời 2022 (Tuyển tập 60 Bài Thi trong Cuộc Thi Viết Văn Ứng Dụng Phật Pháp 2022 - A Collection of Writings on the Practicing of Buddhism in Daily Life in the Writing Contest 2022), Thích Nữ Giới Hương biên soạn, Hồng Đức Publisher. 2022.
31. Hương Pháp 2022 (Tuyển Tập Các Bài Thi Trúng Giải Cuộc Thi Viết Văn Ứng Dụng Phật Pháp 2022 - A Collection of the Winning Writings on the Practicing of Buddhism in Daily Life in the Writing Contest 2022) Thích Nữ Giới Hương biên soạn, Hồng Đức 2022.

32. Giới Hương - Thơm Ngược Gió Ngàn, Nguyên Hà. Hương Sen Publisher. USA. 2023.
33. Pháp Ngữ Kinh Hoa Nghiêm (2 tập). Thích Nữ Giới Hương. NXB Hương Sen. USA. 2023.
34. Tinh Hoa Kinh Hoa Nghiêm. Thích Nữ Giới Hương. NXB Hương Sen. USA. 2023.
35. Phật Giáo và Đại Dịch Coronavirus Covid 2019. Thích Nữ Giới Hương. NXB Hương Sen. USA. 2023

• THE ENGLISH BOOKS

1. Boddhisattva and Sunyata in the Early and Developed Buddhist Traditions, Bhikkhuni Gioi Huong, Delhi-7: Eastern Book Linkers, 1st print 2004, 2nd reprint 2005 & Vietnam Buddhist University: 3rd reprint 2010.
2. Rebirth Views in the Śūraṅgama Sūtra, Bhikkhunī Giới Hương, Fifth Edition, Hồng Đức Publishing: Tủ Sách Bảo Anh Lạc. 2018.
3. Commentary of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva, Bhikkhunī Giới Hương, Fourth Edition, Hồng Đức Publishing: Tủ Sách Bảo Anh Lạc. 2018.
4. The Key Words in Vajracchedikā Sūtra, Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Hồng Đức Publishing. 2020.
5. Sārnātha-The Cradle of Buddhism in the Archeological Hồng Đức Publishing. 2020.
6. Take Refuge in the Three Gems and Keep the Five Precepts, Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Hồng Đức Publishing. 2020.
7. Cycle of Life, Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Hồng Đức Publishing. 2020.

8. Forty Years in the Dharma: A Life of Study and Service—Venerable Bhikkhuni Giới Hương. Thích Nữ Viên Quang, TN Viên Nhuận, TN Viên Tiến, and TN Viên Khuông, Xpress Print Publishing, USA. 2020.
9. Sharing the Dharma -Vietnamese Buddhist Nuns in the United States, Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Hồng Đức Publishing. 2020.
10. A Vietnamese Buddhist Nun and American Inmates. 5th Bhikkhunī Thích Nữ Giới Hương. Hương Sen Press Publishing, USA. 2021.
11. Daily Monastic Chanting, Bhikkhunī Thích Nữ Giới Hương composed. Hương Sen Publisher. 2023.
12. Weekly Buddhist Discourse Chanting, vol 1, Bhikkhunī Thích Nữ Giới Hương composed. Hương Sen Publisher. 2023.
13. Practice Meditation and Pure Land, Bhikkhunī Thích Nữ Giới Hương composed. Hương Sen Publisher.
14. The Ceremony for Peace, Bhikkhunī Thích Nữ Giới Hương composed. Hương Sen Publisher. 2023.
15. The Lunch Offering Ritual, Bhikkhunī Thích Nữ Giới Hương composed. Hương Sen Publisher. 2023.
16. The Ritual Offering Food to Hungry Ghosts, Bhikkhunī Thích Nữ Giới Hương composed. Hương Sen Publisher. 2023.
17. The Pureland Course of Amitabha Sutra, Bhikkhunī Thích Nữ Giới Hương composed. Hương Sen Publisher. 2023.
18. The Medicine Buddha Sutra, Bhikkhunī Thích Nữ Giới Hương Hương Sen Publisher. 2023.
19. The New Year Ceremony, Bhikkhunī Thích Nữ Giới Hương composed. Hương Sen Publisher. 2023.

20. The Great Parinirvana Ceremony, Bhikkhunī Thích Nữ Giới Hương composed. Hương Sen Publisher.
21. The Buddha’s Birthday Ceremony, Bhikkhunī Thích Nữ Giới Hương composed. Hương Sen Publisher.
22. The Ullambana Festival (Parents’ Day), Bhikkhunī Thích Nữ Giới Hương composed. Hương Sen Publisher. 2023.
23. The Marriage Ceremony, Bhikkhunī Thích Nữ Giới Hương composed. Hương Sen Publisher. 2023.
24. The Blessing Ceremony for The Deceased, Bhikkhunī Thích Nữ Giới Hương composed. Hương Sen Publisher. 2023.
25. The Ceremony Praising Ancestral Masters, Bhikkhunī Thích Nữ Giới Hương composed. Hương Sen Publisher. 2023.
26. The Enlightened Buddha Ceremony, Bhikkhunī Thích Nữ Giới Hương composed. Hương Sen Publisher.
27. The Uposatha Ceremony (Reciting Precepts), Bhikkhunī Thích Nữ Giới Hương composed. Hương Sen Publisher. 2023.

• THE BILINGUAL BOOKS (VIETNAMESE-ENGLISH)

1. Bản Tin Hương Sen: Xuân, Phật Đản, Vu Lan (Hương Sen Newsletter: Spring, Buddha Birthday and Vu Lan, annual/ Mỗi Năm). 2019 & 2020.
2. Danh Ngôn Nuôi Dưỡng Nhân Cách - Good Sentences Nurture a Good Manner, Thích Nữ Giới Hương sưu tầm, Hồng Đức Publishing. 2020.

3. Văn Hóa Đặc Sắc của Nước Nhật Bản-Exploring the Unique Culture of Japan, Thích Nữ Giới Hương. Hồng Đức Publishing. 2020.
4. Sống An Lạc dù Đời không Đẹp như Mơ - Live Peacefully though Life is not Beautiful as a Dream, Thích Nữ Giới Hương. Hồng Đức Publishing. 2020.
5. Hãy Nói Lời Yêu Thương-Words of Love and Understanding, Thích Nữ Giới Hương. Hồng Đức Publishing. 2020.
6. Văn Hóa Cổ Kim qua Hành Hương Chiêm Bái -The Ancient- Present Culture in Pilgrim, Thích Nữ Giới Hương. Hồng Đức Publishing. 2020.
7. Nghệ Thuật Biết Sống - Art of Living. Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Hồng Đức Publishing. 2020.

• THE TRANSLATED BOOKS

1. Xá Lợi Của Đức Phật (Relics of the Buddha), Tham Weng Yew, Thích Nữ Giới Hương chuyển ngữ, Delhi-7: Tủ Sách Bảo Anh Lạc, Delhi 2006: 2nd reprint. Tổng Hợp Tp HCM Publishing: the 3rd and 4th reprint in 2008 & 2016.
2. Sen Nở Nơi Chốn Tử Tù (Lotus in Prison), many authors, Thích Nữ Giới Hương translated from English into Vietnamese, Văn Hóa Sài gòn Publishing: Tủ Sách Bảo Anh Lạc, The 2nd, 3rd and 4th reprint in 2012, 2014 & 2016.
3. Chùa Việt Nam Hải Ngoại (Overseas Vietnamese Buddhist Temples), Võ Văn Tường & Từ Hiếu Côn, vol Translated into English: Thích Nữ Giới Hương. Hương Quê Publishing. 2016.

4. Việt Nam Danh Lam Cổ Tự (The Famous Ancient Buddhist Temples in Vietnam), Võ Văn Tường. Translated into English: Thích Nữ Giới Hương. Phương Nam Publishing. 2016.
5. Hương Sen, Thơ và Nhạc – (Lotus Fragrance, Poem and Music), Nguyễn Hiền Đức. Translated into English: Thích Nữ Giới Hương. Hồng Đức Publishing. 2020.
6. Phật Giáo-Một Bậc Đạo Sư, Nhiều Truyền Thống (Buddhism: One Teacher – Many Traditions), Đức Đạt Lai Lạt Ma 14th & Ni Sư Thubten Chodren, Translated into Vietnamese: Ven. Dr. Thích Nữ Giới Hương, Prajna Upadesa Foundation Publshing. 2018.
7. Cách Chuẩn Bị Chết và Giúp Người Sắp Chết-Quan Điểm Phật Giáo (Preparing for Death and Helping the Dying – A Buddhist Perspective), Sangye Khadro, Translated into Vietnamese: Thích Nữ Giới Hương. Hồng Đức Publishing. 2020.

BUDDHIST MUSIC ALBUMS

from POEMS of THÍCH NỮ GIỚI HƯƠNG

1. Đào Xuân Lộng Ý Kinh (The Buddha’s Teachings Reflected in Cherry Flowers), Poems: Thích Nữ Giới Hương. Music: Nam Hưng, Vol. 1. 2013.
2. Niềm Tin Tam Bảo (Trust in the Three Gems), Poems: Thích Nữ Giới Hương. Music: Hoàng Y Vũ and Hoàng Quang Huế, Vol. 2. 2013.
3. Trăng Tròn Nghìn Năm Đón Chờ Ai (Who Is the Full Moon Waiting for for Over a Thousand Years?). Poems: Thích Nữ Giới Hương. Music: Võ Tá Hân, Hoàng Y Vũ, Khánh Hải, Khánh Hoàng, Hoàng Kim Anh, Linh Phương và Nguyễn Tuấn, Vol. 3. 2013.
4. Ánh Trăng Phật Pháp (Moonlight of Dharma-Buddha). Poems: Thích Nữ Giới Hương. Music: Uy Thi Ca and Giác An, Vol. 4. 2013.

5. Bình Minh Tỉnh Thức (Awakened Mind at the Dawn) (Piano Variations for Meditation). Poems: Thích Nữ Giới Hương. Solo Pianist: Linh Phương, 5. 2013.
6. Tiếng Hát Già Lam (Songs from the Temple). Poems: Thích Nữ Giới Hương. Music: Nam Hưng, vol. 6.
7. Cảnh Đẹp Chùa Xưa (The Magnificent, Ancient Buddhist Temple). Poem: Thích Nữ Giới Hương. Music: Võ Tá Hân, Nam Hưng, Hoàng Quang Huế, vol. 7. 2015.
8. Karaoke Hoa Ưu Đàm Đã Nở (An Udumbara Flower Is Blooming). Poem: Thích Nữ Giới Hương. Musician: Nam Hưng, Hương Sen Temple. 2015.
9. Hương Sen Ca (Hương Sen’s Songs), Thơ: Thích Nữ Giới Hương. Nhạc: Nam Hưng, vol. 9, năm 2018.
10. Về Chùa Vui Tu (Happily Go to Temple for Spiritual Practices), Poem: Thích Nữ Giới Hương. Music: Nam Hưng and Nguyên Hà. Volume 10. 2018.
11. Gọi Nắng Xuân Về (Call the Spring Sunlight), Poem: Thích Nữ Giới Hương. Music: Nam Hưng, Hương Sen Temple. Volume 11. 2020.

Please consult the Bảo Anh Lạc Bookshelf at this website:

http://huongsentemple.com/index.php/en/about-us/b-o- anh-l-c-bookshelf

PLEASE READ THE WHOLE CHANTING SUTRA - THE BUDDHA’S ENLIGHTENMENT CEREMONY: 71.The_Enlightened_Buddha_Ceremony.pdf