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Ju Sei Ge
(Gatha of the Important Vows)
(NOTE: Ju Sei Ge is our Sangha’s primary chant for our service. A translation of the chant may be found in the Purple Service book)
Ju Sei Ge is at home, or gatha found in the Larger Sutra of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life, one of the three Principal Sutras of Jodo Shinshu. This sutra delivered by Shakyamuni Buddha, relates how all sentient beings will attain liberation from suffering and sorrow in this world through the compassion of Amida Buddha. The historical Shakyamuni Buddha does this by telling the tale of the Bodhisattva Dharmakara who declares, in the presence of Lokesvararaja Buddha, his intentions to become a Buddha himself. In the process, Bodhisattva Dharmakara declares a total of 48 vows that must be fulfilled before he can attain Buddhahood. Upon the fulfillment of all these vows, Bodhisattva Dharmakara becomes the Amida Buddha.
The Ju Sei Ge can be found following all the 48 vows and can be looked upon as a summary of these vows into three basic pledges. For this reason, in some traditions this Gatha is sometimes called the San Sei Ge meaning the Gatha of the Three Sacred Pledges. They referred to Dharmakara’s pledge to:
- Establish the most incomparable vow in the world.
- Become the great provider and eight all those suffering and need.
- Attain Buddhahood and have his Name (Namo Amida Butsu) heard throughout the ten quarter of the universe.
The establishment of the vows by a bodhisattva is very important in the process of attaining Buddhahood. They are a reflection of the heart and mind of that Bodhisattva manifesting true wisdom and compassion. What is of importance in the Larger Sutra is the sincerity and diligence by the Bodhisattva Dharmakara to carry out these vows for eons until their completion and finally attaining the Supreme Attainment of Buddhahood becoming the Amida Buddha.
Excerpt, in gratitude, from: The Mountain View Buddhist Temple, CA – Service Book
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