Not too much to say about these, as the pretty much speak for themselves: One is a chant, recited typically before a talk in which some sections of a Sutra or a respected writing by an old Zen Master will be quoted and commented on. "Dharma" here means Buddhist Teachings about Reality:
I very much appreciate the line that the Teachings are "always encountered, yet rarely perceived," meaning that they are in every stone or blade of grass, star and human encounter, whether or not we realize so at the time.
Sutra Opening Verse
(Kaikyôge / 開経偈 )
To be chanted chanted 3X before Dharma Talk by Teacher
The Dharma, incomparably profound and infinitely subtle,
Is always encountered, yet rarely perceived.
Now we see, hear, receive and maintain this,
May we all realize the Tathagatha's true meaning.
IN JAPANESE:
Mu jo jin jin mi myo ho
hyaku sen man go nan so gu
ga kon ken mon toku ju ji
gan ge nyo rai shin jitsu gi.
The second chant is to end the Talk, and to dedicate its merits to others (Fue Ko):
"Bodhisattvas-Mahasattvas" means the "Bodhisattvas, Great Beings," i.e., the Great Bodhisattvas. "Maha Prajna Paramita" means the "Great Virtue of Wisdom," i.e., the teaching of "Emptiness."
On Closing the Sutra
A Dedication of Merit (Fuekō 普回向)
CHANT LEADER ONLY:
May the merits of these Teachings penetrate into each thing in all places
so that we and every sentient being together may realize the Buddha’s Way.
EVERYONE TOGETHER 1X:
All Buddhas throughout space and time
All Bodhisattvas-Mahasattvas
Maha Prajna Paramita
IN JAPANESE:
Negawaku wa kono kudoku o motte,
amaneku issai ni oyoboshi,
warera to shujō to,
mina tomo ni butsudō o jōzen koto o.
~~~
Ji ho san shi i shi fu
Shi son bu sa mo ko sa
Mo ko ho jya ho ro mi
Here is Nishijima Roshi reciting the Sutra Opening Verse, Kaikyôge, before one of his Talks:
... and a Dedication to All Beings after his Talk:
Gassho, J
stlah
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Originally Posted by Yuki
