Read, reflect, pray
Buddhas of unsurpassed awakening: waka
阿耨多羅
Traditionally attributed to Saichō
Poem and reading aid
阿耨多羅
anokutara
三藐三菩提の
sanmyakusanbodaino
仏たち
hotoketachi
わが立つ杣に
waga tatsu somani
冥加あらせたまへ
myougaarasetamahe
How to use the Roman letters
Roman letters follow the kana displayed in this site’s Japanese reader; some readings are editorial additions documented on the Japanese page. These are a reading aid, not restored Sanskrit or a recording of a temple’s chanting. Historical spellings (such as wo, wi, we and ha used as a particle) are kept. Double vowels and repeated vowels mark the written kana; rhythm and pronunciation can differ by tradition.
You can simply read the meaning or sit quietly. No recitation is required. For a temple or shrine’s own recitation, follow that tradition’s published guidance.
Meaning in English
Buddhas who have attained unsurpassed, complete awakening: grant your care to this mountain where I stand to open a place of practice.
Background and attribution
The cited Engakuji explanation presents this as Saichō’s poem on establishing the central hall on Mount Hiei. It asks the buddhas’ aid in opening a place of learning and practice.
The English meaning and explanation are this site’s own rendering. The poem’s speaker, author and object of devotion are not necessarily the same.
Connected figures
Sources and edition (1)
English explanations on this page were prepared by Inori no Mori from the cited text and its Japanese explanations. They are not an official translation or a prescribed liturgy.