Read, reflect, pray
Verse for opening a sutra
開経偈
A verse appreciating the rare chance to encounter the teaching and aspiring to understand the Tathagata’s true meaning.
English meaning and source text
English meaning
About this English rendering
This site’s English rendering of the Japanese meaning guide, aligned with this edition. It is separate from the source words for recitation and is not an official liturgy. Sacred sounds are explained where possible, not given speculative literal translations. Historical beliefs, royal authority, illness and protection claims belong to the text; they are not present-day judgments, medical advice or guarantees of results.
The unsurpassed, exceedingly profound, wondrous teaching beyond the reach of words
is difficult to encounter even through hundreds, thousands, and tens of thousands of kalpas.
Now I have been able to see and hear it, receive it, and uphold it.
May I understand the true meaning taught by the Tathagata.
Source text and reading aid
Roman letters are provided for every line of this source text.
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.
無上甚深微妙法
mujoujinjinmimyouhou
百千万劫難遭遇
hyakusenmangounansouguu
我今見聞得受持
gakonkenmontokujuji
願解如来真実義
gangenyoraishinjitsugi
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.