Read, reflect, pray
Verse for putting on the robe
搭袈裟偈
A verse on wearing the robe, receiving the Buddha’s teaching and aspiring to guide beings.
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.
How precious is the robe of liberation from delusion!
This kesa, free from attachment to form, a field cultivating good benefit,
I wear while reverently receiving the Tathagata’s teaching,
aspiring to rescue all beings widely from delusion.
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.
大哉解脱服
daisaigedappuku
無相福田衣
musoufukuden'e
披奉如来教
hibunyoraikyou
広度諸衆生
koudoshoshujou
Sources and edition (2)
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.