The Twelve Vows of Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara
(to be released on 28 May 2027)
[Narration]
Vow One
When practicing the Bodhisattva path, my name is Self-Mastering Avalokiteśvara.
Perfectly responsive, pure in senses and objects; wherever suffering cries out, I seek the sound and save immediately.
Namo Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva.
Vow Two
Never refusing hardship, determined wholeheartedly to rescue all beings.
Constantly manifesting upon the vast ocean, lifting those who sink when storms arise.
Namo Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva.
Vow Three
Appearing in the Sahā world, where darkness holds countless sorrows.
Enemies and karmic foes harming one another—upon hearing their lament, I swiftly come to save.
Namo Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva.
Vow Four
Able to dispel demons, all terrifying spirits and ghosts.
Delivering them from delusion, removing dangers so turmoil cannot arise.
Namo Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva.
Vow Five
Holding a willow branch, sprinkling ambrosial nectar to cool the human and heavenly realms.
For beings overturned by confusion, I bring peace and freshness so worries dissolve.
Namo Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva.
Vow Six
Always practicing equality, with a compassionate heart that cherishes all beings.
Joyfully forgiving all faults, no longer distinguishing between familiar or unfamiliar, near or far.
Namo Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva.
Vow Seven
Cutting off the three evil paths—hell, hungry ghosts, and animals.
When tigers, leopards, and fierce beasts surround, Avalokiteśvara appears so beings escape calamity.
Namo Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva.
Vow Eight
For prisoners bound, tortured, and interrogated,
If they sincerely bow in earnest devotion, Avalokiteśvara protects them and they are freed with ease.
Namo Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva.
Vow Nine
Becoming a rescue boat, helping people cross turbulent waters.
On all sides the sea of suffering is unstable, yet Avalokiteśvara delivers all to serene Nirvāṇa.
Namo Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva.
Vow Ten
Guiding toward the Western Pure Land, adorned with fragrant garlands, celestial music, and canopies.
Banners and precious parasols displayed—Avalokiteśvara saves and leads beings to the West.
Namo Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva.
Vow Eleven
Amitābha grants assurance; in the Western Land lifespan is immeasurable.
Beings who wish to live eternally—Avalokiteśvara remembers and invokes the West so they may return swiftly.
Namo Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva.
Vow Twelve
Practicing diligently, even if this body were to shatter, I would accept it.
With sincere effort in cultivation, these twelve vows save beings throughout all lifetimes.
Namo Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva.