Shurangama Mantra with Verses and Commentary

by Venerable Tripitaka Master Hsuan Hua

88. ĐA THA GIÀ ĐA DA

跢他伽多耶

 

 

Thường Trụ Tam Bảo Phật Pháp Tăng

Nhất tâm cung kính yếu kiền thành

Như Lai đệ tử A La Hán

Mạn mạn hắc dạ đại minh đăng.

 

常住三寶佛法僧

一心恭敬要虔誠

如來弟子阿羅漢

漫漫黑夜大明燈

DWO TWO CHYE DWO YE

ĐA THA GIÀ ĐA DA

 

The eternally dwelling Triple Jewel：the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha

Should be revered by all, singlemindedly and sincerely.

The Thus Come One's disciples, the Arhats,

Are bright lamps in the dark and murky night.

 

COMMENTARY:

 

This sentence means "to bow to all the Buddha's disciples." The Buddha's disciples are all the worthy, sagely Sanghans. So it says, The eternally dwelling Triple Jewel: the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha/ "Eternally dwelling" means that they are always there and do not change. To the ends of space and the Dharma Realm, the Triple Jewel is a righteous energy, a Way-pulse: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. There are past, present, and future Buddhas--the Buddhas of the three periods of time. The Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha are said to be jewels because they are rare. They aren't always to be seen. Although they are eternally dwelling, the wisdom of living beings is covered over by their karmic obstacles, so that they are unable to see the Buddha, hear the Dharma, or meet up with the Sangha. Now, we can see the Buddha, hear the Dharma, and meet up with the Sangha, so these three should be revered by all, singlemindedly and sincerely/ with one mind, no other thoughts, and very earnestly. You can't just put on a show and fake it. You must truly revere and bow to the Triple Jewel. The more sincere you are, the better. Then you'll have more of a response. Sincerity is the most important factor. Don't be superficial and just go through the motions.

 

The Thus Come One's disciples, the Arhats/ The Buddha's disciples are the great Arhats, the great Bhikshu-Sangha-- Are bright lamps, in the dark and murky night/They guide our way through the darkness with their light. The bright lamp is the righteous energy. When the proper Dharma dwells in the world, those who deny cause and effect--icchantikas--also get some light. Those who deny cause and effect are as if in the pitch dark of night; they can't see any light. Only the Triple Jewel can act as a lamp in the dark and murky night.