Sutra of the Wheel of the Dedication of Merit

[Right Leaf]

This offering is made with the wish that all the Buddha World-Honored Ones, and the Great Bodhisattvas who dwell in the Ten Stages The ten levels of spiritual development a Bodhisattva passes through on the way to Buddhahood. and hold the Vajra A ritual scepter representing both the irresistible force of a thunderbolt and the indestructibility of a diamond., might keep me in their thoughts—I, the disciple [Name] original: "某乙" (mǒu yǐ), a placeholder used in liturgical texts where the devotee would insert their own name., having already given rise to the Mind of Awakening original: "Bodhicitta," the aspiration to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. but not yet dwelling securely in the Right Path, now offer my body and mind at all times. I dedicate all the above to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the three times Past, present, and future.. May the Great Sovereign Buddhas and Tathāgatas A title for a Buddha, meaning "One who has thus come." who have already—

May the multitude of all Bodhisattvas who protect the great earth accept me and grant me great merit.

—the provisions original: "liang" (粮), spiritual resources or "rations" gathered for the journey to enlightenment. of wisdom, fierce and sharp diligence, a vast state of mind, tranquility and self-control, mastery of spiritual powers, and the Perfections original: "Pāramitā," virtues such as generosity and patience that lead to the "other shore" of Nirvana., so that I may quickly reach perfection. I further speak these words: "O Great Compassionate Ones, please keep me in your thoughts. I, the disciple [Name], have fallen into the prison of the cycle of birth and death original: "Saṃsāra.", bound by fetters, dwelling in a lonely and confined—

[Left Leaf]

—prison. Separated from the path of the True Law original: "Dharma.", I am oppressed by the powerful force of afflictions. I am entirely distressed? and without original: "元" (yuán), used here as a shorthand for "无" (wú), meaning "without" or "lacking." protector, without savior, without eyes Metaphorically, lacking the "Dharma-eye" to see the truth., without reliance, without refuge, and without a path. I wander on crooked roads, crossing over toward birth and death and turning my back on Nirvana The state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.. I follow the various evil paths, treading narrow and dangerous ways, on the verge of collapsing into the wretched realms. I constantly meet with bad friends and am separated from good spiritual mentors original: "Kalyāṇamitra," friends or teachers who help one on the Buddhist path.. I am confused about the difference between the heterodox and the correct. Though there is profit, I am without profit; though there is meaning, I am without—

I am far removed from all good and have accomplished only that which is not good; I constantly turn my back on the Worthies, the Sages, and the Buddhas.

—Bodhisattvas. Oppressed by the anxieties of birth, old age, sickness, and death, I cannot find peace. I am without fearlessness original: "怖畏" (bùwèi), here meaning the confidence that comes from spiritual attainment.; my mind is constantly scattered and confused. I have failed to practice tranquility, giving, self-control, and heedfulness. Regarding the "total grasp" original: "惣持" (zǒngchí), likely referring to Dhāraṇī, or mnemonic formulas that encapsulate the teachings., the three gates, and the endurance of the Ten Stages, I cannot abide in the profound Perfection of Wisdom original: "Prajñāpāramitā." or the nature of equality. I do not practice the immeasurable original: "元量" (yuán liàng), i.e., "wú liàng." states of loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. I do not possess the goodness and majesty of the Three Vehicles The different paths to enlightenment: that of the Hearer, the Solitary Buddha, and the Bodhisattva. or the "precept-aggregate." I am far from being without obstacles and without a guide. Being unwise, I cannot abide in—