Sukhavati Production | Observing the Five Precepts & Be Mindful of Amituofo

Our new song: Observing the Five Precepts & Be Mindful of Amituofo

(In Chinese Pure Land Buddhism, we recommend practitioners to observe the precepts and be mindful of Amituofo. There are 9 grades of rebirth to the Pure Land, for one who observes the precepts, one can obtain rebirth at least at the middle level of the middle grade. For those who observe the precepts and generate bodhicitta, one can obtain the highest grade of rebirth.)

Lyrics: Adapted from the Buddha’s teachings and talks from Venerable Monks.

A Sukhavati Production

Music: Jeffrey Goh
Singing: Jeffrey Goh & Jiawen

Intro (Narrated)

One of the things that is misunderstood in our world today is the ideas of morality, that most people think are hindrances to freedom. They think the ideas of morality limit their expressions of freedom. Few, however, understood and realised that morality, if lived the right way, actually expands one’s freedom.

What is this freedom? Freedom from the darkness of the mind, the sloth of the mind, or the remorseful mind because of bad deeds done in the past. One values oneself and others more because of self respect and respect for others. By living a moral life one will discover a powerful change taking place within, which is freedom or liberty that comes within the mind. The mental liberty or freedom is profound and powerful than that which is pursued externally.

The Precepts laid down by the Buddha are therefore not limitations placed on us, but a means to expand on our mental capacities to enjoy more profound freedom or liberty.

Verse 1

Right Thoughts, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Living, morality high
Right Effort and Right Mindfulness to keep an unwavering mind
Right View and Right Understanding may Wisdom gradually grow
Subdue unwholesome actions until last moment shows.

Verse 2

Homage to Amitabhaya of wonderous Sukhavati.
With Faith and Vow we seek rebirth in Your Pureland of Ultimate Bliss
Bless us with strength and courage
to refrain from unwholesome ways
Mindful in keeping Five Precepts, while we earnestly recite Your Name.

Chorus

Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
(I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.)
Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
(I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.)
Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
( I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct.)
Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
( I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.)
Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
( I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.)

Bridge

(Namo Amitabhaya)
Cultivating Bodhicitta
(Namo Amitabhaya)
All beings are precious gems
(Namo Amitabhaya)
Serving them with an open heart
(Namo Amitabhaya)
Until we reach Nirvana

Repeat Chorus then Outro

Outro

Sentient beings are boundless, I vow to deliver them.
Afflictions are inexhaustible, I vow to sever them all.
Dharma Doors are immeasurable, I vow to learn them all.
The Buddha path is unsurpassable, I vow to accomplish it.

???? Official Website (for Daily Nianfo & Free Dharma Resources):
https://www.pure-land-buddhism.com

May all beings hear the name of Amitabha Buddha and be reborn in His Land of Ultimate Bliss ????

???? Namo Amitabha Buddha ????
???? Namo Amituofo ????