Read, reflect, pray
Homage to Monju: waka
南無文殊
Author not named
Poem and reading aid
南無文殊
namumonju
三世の仏の
miyono hotokeno
母ときく
hahatokiku
我も子なれば
waremo konareba
乳こそほしけれ
chikosohoshikere
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
I take refuge in Monju. They say you are the mother of the buddhas of past, present and future. Since I too am your child, I long to receive the milk of wisdom.
Background and attribution
A pilgrimage song of Chikurinji, Shikoku temple 31. It likens Monju’s wisdom to a mother and the teaching to milk. It is not a poem spoken by Monju or a mantra shared by all forms of Monju.
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.