Vow

Below is the translation of Daichi Zenji Hotsuganmon, Zen Master Daichi’s verse of vow (version for daily recitation)

I vow that this body, born of my mother and father, be dedicated to the boundless ocean of vows of the Three Treasures. In all matters of daily life, may I never depart from the Buddha’s teaching. From this present life until I attain the body of a Buddha — through birth and death, again and again — may I never stray from the Dharma. In each and every lifetime, may I tirelessly guide all living beings toward liberation. Though I may fall into the hells and face the torment of sword-trees or knife-mountains, or be plunged into boiling cauldrons and burning coals, may I take the Treasury of the True Dharma Eye as my sole refuge and my burden to bear, and serve as a master wherever I am.

Humbly I pray:
May the Three Treasures bear witness.
May the Buddhas and Ancestors guard and guide me.

（Zen Master Daichi’s verse of vow, written by Sawaki Roshi)