The Annotated True Buddha Sutra

Written by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen Lu
Translated by Janny Chow

The True Buddha Sutra

The Sutra of Authentic Dharma that Removes Hindrances and Bestows Good Fortune

This True Buddha Sutra1 is the spontaneous revelation from the Own Heart of Living Buddha Lian-sheng2, the Emanation Body of White Mahapadmakumara of Maha Twin Lotus Ponds in Western Paradise3.

Supplication for the blessing of Living Buddha Lian-sheng:

Om, Ah, Hum.
With reverence I make my purified body, speech, and mind an offering to Mahavairocana.
The Holy Buddhalocana4 is the Dharma Body,
and Padmakumara is the Bliss Body,
Living Buddha Lian-sheng is the Emanation Body,
these three bodies being the same in essence as the Buddha`s Grace.
Homage to His True Buddha lineage,
and to His transcendent power that encompasses the whole Universe.
Radiating light throughout the Three Times,
He can manifest Himself instantaneously.

Disciples of Buddha should constantly cry out
for His pure light which magnifies virtue and wisdom.
In the past His Realization was prophesied by Shakyamuni Buddha,
and by Amitabha Buddha He was entrusted with the mission of salvation.
Maitreya Bodhisattva bestowed on Him the Red Crown,
and Guru Padmasambhava taught Him the Tantra.
We pray You never abandon
Your past vows to liberate us all.
Thus as You embrace and enfold us with protection and care,
empower us to more quickly attain realization.
Namo Mahavairocana Buddha
Namo Buddhalocana
Namo Padmakumara
Namo Living Buddha Lian-sheng
Namo the True Buddha Assembly, all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Mahasattvas everywhere throughout the Three Times.

Recite the Sacred Edict three times:

The Western True Buddha Assembly, Maha Twin Lotus Ponds, the Eighteen Mahapadmakumaras, the Holy Revered One Robed in White, the Holy-Red-Crown-Vajra-Master, the Secret Master of the Realm of Vajra-mantra, the Great Enlightened Founder of Ling Xian True Buddha School: the Illustrious Tantrika Sheng-yen Lu.

Incense Praise:

The censer is now lit, suffusing the Dharma Realm, and from afar the scent is inhaled by the True Buddha Assembly. Auspicious are the gathering clouds, as we now request, with sincere and earnest hearts, that all Buddhas manifest.
Namo cloud canopy of fragrance, Bodhisattvas, Mahasattvas.

Chant 3 times:

Namo True Buddha Assembly, all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Mahasattvas.

Invocation of the Two Buddhas and Eight Bodhisattvas:

Namo Vairocana Buddha of the All-Conquering Palace in Dharma Realm
Namo Amitabha Buddha of Western Paradise
Namo Mahasattva Avalokitesvara
Namo Mahasattva Maitreya
Namo Mahasattva Akasagarbha
Namo Mahasattva Samantabhadra
Namo Mahasattva Vajrapani
Namo Mahasattva Manjusri
Namo Mahasattva Hindrance-Removing Bodhisattva
Namo Mahasattva Ksitigarbha
Namo all Bodhisattvas and Mahasattvas

Sutra Opening Verse:

The most supreme profound Dharma,
is rarely encountered in hundreds and thousands of kalpas,
now receiving this transmission and blessing,
I vow to penetrate the true meaning of Tathagata.

The Sutra of Authentic Dharma that Removes Hindrances and Bestows Good Fortune, spoken by Living Buddha Lian-sheng:

Thus have I heard. At one time. White Mahapadmakumara was present at the Maha Twin Lotus Ponds, sitting upon the great white lotus dharma-throne; surrounding Him were seventeen other great lotus blossoms. The Green Lotus radiated green light, the Yellow Lotus yellow light, the Red Lotus red light, the Purple Lotus purple light. Each lotus blossom was mysteriously wonderful, pure, and full of fragrance.

The White Padmakumara, silently calling forth his spiritual power, transformed the Maha Twin Lotus Ponds into an extraordinarily splendid place filled with golden light. All the flower-buds simultaneously burst into fragrant blossoms. Jade grasses sent forth a wonderful scent. White cranes, peacocks, parrots, saris, kalavinkas, and jivajiras all took on a golden hue, and sang graceful heavenly songs in harmony.

The sky filled with golden light. A pure and wonderful heavenly melody resounded from the sky. The fragrances suffused all realms. Golden sky-abodes, adorned throughout with golden lotuses, radiated splendor. From the sky there showered heavenly flowers.

At that moment, the ground shook violently in Maha Twin Lotus Ponds and throughout countless heavens the tremors could be felt. Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Sound-Hearers all felt it as well and came to Maha Twin Lotus Ponds, as did the rulers of all the Thirty-three Heavens. The assembly included beings from the Twenty-eight Heavens, Lords Indra and Brahma, the eight classes of supernatural beings, and the Fourfold Sangha, all of whom came to hear the revelation of quintessential teaching.

At that moment, the Golden Padmakumara emitted the Great Wisdom Light. The White Padmakumara emitted the Dharma Realm Light. The Green Padmakumara emitted the Ten Thousand Treasure Light. The Black Padmakumara emitted the Subjugation Light, Red Padmakumara the Vow Light, Purple Padmakumara the Proper and Dignified Light, Blue Padmakumara the Virtuous Fruit Light, Yellow Padmakumara the Fortune Fulfilling Light, and the Orange Padmakumara emitted the Child Innocence Light.

Upon seeing this, all the heavenly beings were greatly awed. Then Indra arose from his seat and, joining his palms to White Padmakumara, said, `This is most rare, O Holy and Revered One. By what cause does the Maha Twin Lotus Ponds emit such great light and splendor?`

White Mahapadmakumara said, `I will expound upon this for everyone present.` Indra said, `The Holy Revered One is the most mighty and powerful. Please explain to everyone present, that all Men and Devas may know where to turn.`

At that moment. White Mahapadmakumara addressed Indra and the assembly as follows: `Very well, very well. I will now explain to you and all the beings of the last period of this Buddha-kalpa, and all those in the future who have an affinity with the sutra, that all may know the True Buddha Dharma and the principle which removes obstacles and bestows good fortune.`

White Mahapadmakumara then said, `All Buddhas and Bodhisattvas have, in order to liberate living beings, manifested the worlds known as `All-Conquering,` `Wonderful Treasure,` `Round Pearl,` `Sorrowless,` `Pure Rest,` `Dharma Thought,` `Full Moon,` `Profound Joy,` `Profound Completeness,` `Lotus,` `Immutable,` and `Omnipresence.`
Now, there shall be the `True Buddha World.``

Thus the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Sound-Hearers, Solitary-Buddhas, and all the heavenly beings witnessed the Holy Revered One bringing forth the True Buddha World, understanding it to be a manifestation of the cause and fruition of great compassion of the auspicious Well-departed Ones of the past, present, and future, and realizing that the Holy Revered One came for the sake of all beings. All present were moved by joy as never before. Then bowing their heads they made praise with these verses:

The Holy Revered One of great compassion,
the Secret One who is most supreme,
had attained Enlightenment in the past,
and transcended all worldly passions.
He now establishes the True Buddha World,
showering compassion on all living beings.
Transforming Himself into a Pure Land founding Buddha,
He descends into the Saha World.
With Lian-sheng as His name,
He announces and proclaims the Dharma to all.
We have all now heard and
shall vow to protect and uphold His Dharma.

At that moment, the holy revered White Mahapadmakumara instructed the assembly, saying `In cultivation, the key to realizing the Buddha Jewel Sambodhi is a quiescent mind; that of realizing the Dharma Jewel is purity of body, speech, and mind; that of realizing the Sangha Jewel is refuge in a True Buddha Guru.`

The Holy Revered One further instructed the assembly, saying `If good men or women, on the eighteenth day of the fifth month of each lunar year, make ablution, abstain from flesh, and wear new and clean clothes, or on the eighteenth day of each lunar month, or on their own birthdays, call upon the Two Buddhas and Eight Bodhisattvas before the shrine, and reverently recite this Sutra of Authentic Dharma that Removes Hindrances and Bestows Good Fortune, then their supplications will be answered. Moreover, if incense, flowers, lamps, tea and fruit are offered, along with sincere prayer, then all wishes will be granted.`

The Holy Revered One told the assembly, `People of this saha world, be they high officials, nobility, renunciates, householders, yogis, or common folk, who, upon learning of this sutra, uphold, read and recite it, shall prosper above all others, have greater lifespan, obtain either a son or daughter as sought, and be blessed with measureless fortune. This is indeed a great fortune-bestowing sutra for obtaining blessings.

`One may have deceased ancestors, enemies, close ones or creditors who are unable to obtain liberation and remain lost in the nether world. However, by upholding, reciting, printing and propagating this sutra, the deceased will ascend to heaven, enemies will be turned away, and those living will be blessed. If there be man or woman seized by negative forces or afflicted by spirits, or confused and haunted by nightmares, then, by upholding, printing and propagating this sutra, all negative influences shall be banished, thereby restoring peace and ease.

`If one suffers the physical retribution of illness and calamity, whether due to non-virtuous body karma from previous lives or to the afflictions of spirits, then, by holding, reciting, printing and propagating this sutra, ill omens will immediately disappear and the cause of illness will quickly be removed. If one suffers from misfortune, legal entanglement or imprisonment, then, upon holding, reciting, printing and this sutra, all such obstacles will dissolve immediately, and calamity will be vanquished and turned into auspiciousness.

`Should nations enter into war, then whoever holds this sutra and creates an image of Padmakumara, setting up offerings before it, immediately receives extra prowess wherein no battle can be lost. Those who recite, print, or propagate this sutra will receive every good fortune, just as they desire. All hindrances will be removed, and the sufferings of the cycle of birth and death will be extinguished.`

Then, in the Western True Buddha Assembly at the Maha Twin Lotus Ponds, White Mahapadmakumara proclaimed this mantra:

`Om, Guru, Lian-sheng Siddhi, Hum.`

When the Holy Revered One completed this discourse, Indra and the whole assembly, including devas, nagas, and the rest of the eight classes of supernatural beings, and the Fourfold Sangha all paid reverence. They brought forth faith and upheld the teaching.

Thus ends the Sutra of Authentic Dharma that Removes Hindrances and Bestows Good Fortune.


1. The English text of the True Buddha Sutra was translated from Chinese by Janny Chow, K.C. Ng, and Master Kender Taylor.
2. Lian-sheng literally means `lotus born`
3. Western Paradise is Sukhavati, Amitabha`s Pure Land
4. Buddha Eyes Buddha Mother

01. 真實佛法息災賜福經　經文

大禮拜： 

一拜十方佛。 

二拜諸菩薩。 

三拜護法金剛。 

四平等一稽首。

淨口業真言： 

唵。修唎修唎。摩訶修唎。修修唎。娑婆訶。

淨身業真言： 

唵修哆唎。修哆唎。修摩唎。修摩唎。娑婆訶。

淨意業真言： 

唵。縛日囉怛。訶賀斛。

安土地真言： 

南摩三滿哆。母馱喃。唵。度嚕度嚕地尾。娑婆訶。

祈請蓮生活佛加持文： 

嗡。啞。吽。 

敬以清淨身口意。供養毘盧遮那尊。 

法身佛眼佛母聖。報身蓮花童子身。 

應身教主蓮生佛。三身無別大佛恩。 

恭敬真佛大傳承。具足神通彌六合。 

放光遍照於三際。一如無間能現證。 

佛子時時常哀請。光明注照福慧增。 

昔日釋迦來授記。阿彌陀佛殷付託。 

彌勒菩薩戴紅冠。蓮華大士授密法。 

祈請不捨弘誓願。救度我等諸眾生。 

如是護念而攝受。祈請加持速成就。 

南摩毘盧遮那佛。 

南摩佛眼佛母。 

南摩蓮花童子。 

南摩蓮生活佛。 

南摩真佛海會十方三世諸佛菩薩摩訶薩。（三稱）

唸聖誥三遍： 

西方蓮池海會。摩訶雙蓮池。十八大蓮花童子。白衣聖尊。紅冠聖冕金剛上師。主金剛真言界秘密主。大持明第一世靈仙真佛宗。盧勝彥密行尊者。

香讚： 

爐香乍熱 法界蒙熏 真佛海會悉遙聞 隨處結祥雲 誠意方殷 諸佛現全身 

南無香雲蓋菩薩摩訶薩 

南無香雲蓋菩薩摩訶薩 

南無香雲蓋菩薩摩訶薩 

南無真佛會上諸佛菩薩摩訶薩（三稱）

奉請二佛八菩薩： 

南摩法界最勝宮毘盧遮那佛。 

南摩西方極樂世界阿彌陀佛。 

南摩觀世音菩薩摩訶薩。 

南摩彌勒菩薩摩訶薩。 

南摩虛空藏菩薩摩訶薩。 

南摩普賢菩薩摩訶薩。 

南摩金剛手菩薩摩訶薩。 

南摩妙吉祥菩薩摩訶薩。 

南摩除蓋障菩薩摩訶薩。 

南摩地藏王菩薩摩訶薩。 

南摩諸尊菩薩摩訶薩。

開經偈： 

無上甚深微妙法。 

百千萬劫難遭遇。 

我今見聞得受持。 

願解如來真實義。

真實佛法息災賜福經： 

蓮生活佛說「真實佛法息災賜福經」

如是我聞。一時大白蓮花童子。在摩訶雙蓮池。坐於大白蓮花法座之上。周圍十七朵大蓮花。青色青光。黃色黃光。赤色赤光。紫色紫光。各朵蓮花。微妙香潔。白蓮花童子。默運神通。將一個摩訶雙蓮池。變化得格外金光燦爛。所有香花全部怒放。瑞草放出香息。白鶴。孔雀。鸚鵡。舍利。迦陵頻迦。共命之鳥。均化金色。出和雅天音。空中金色光。有淨妙天音來自虛空。諸世界香氣芬馥。空中金閣。全生光華。遍敷金蓮。虛空之中天花飄散。 

爾時。摩訶雙蓮池。大大震動。無量諸天皆感受之。佛菩薩聲聞皆感受之均至摩訶雙蓮池。三十三天主均趕赴摩訶雙蓮池。集諸二十八天眾。帝釋。梵王。八部四眾。廣說法要。 

爾時。金蓮花童子現出大慧光。白蓮花童子現出法界光。綠蓮花童子現出萬寶光。黑蓮花童子現出降伏光。紅蓮花童子現出行願光。紫蓮花童子現出端嚴光。藍蓮花童子現出果德光。黃蓮花童子現出福足光。橙蓮花童子現出童真光。 

諸天見之。大感驚異。於是帝釋從座而起。稽首向前對白蓮花童子而說。稀有聖尊。摩訶雙蓮池。以何因緣。現此大光華。 

大白蓮花童子說。當為汝等細說。帝釋說。聖尊威權最尊。惟願聖尊為眾宣說。一切人天咸知皈向。 

爾時。大白蓮花童子告帝釋及諸大眾說。善哉善哉。吾今為汝及未世眾生。有緣者於當來之世。咸共知之真實佛法及息災賜福之理。 

大白蓮花童子即說。諸佛菩薩救度眾生。有最勝世界。妙寶世界。圓珠世界。無憂世界。淨住世界。法意世界。滿月世界。妙喜世界。妙圓世界。華藏世界。真如世界。圓通世界。如今。將有真佛世界。 

於是佛菩薩聲聞緣覺及諸天眾聞聖尊開演真佛世界。知是過去現在未來之吉祥善逝大悲因果。是聖尊為眾生化身示現。各各歡喜得未曾有。稽首稱讚而說偈言。 

聖尊大慈悲。 無上秘密尊。 

過去早修證。 離欲超凡間。 

今創真佛界。 憐愍諸群有。 

化身為教主。 下降至娑婆。 

善哉號蓮生。 為眾廣宣說。 

我等均已聞。 當為大護持。

爾時。聖尊大白蓮花童子告大眾。修行以無念為正覺佛寶。身清淨。口清淨。意清淨為法寶。依真佛上師為僧寶。

聖尊告大眾。若有善男子。善女人。於每年五月十八日。沐浴齋戒。著新淨衣服。或於每月十八日。或本命生辰日。在密壇前。奉請二佛八菩薩。奉誦「真實佛法息災賜福經」隨心所求。自有感應。更能供養香花燈茶果。虔誠祈禱。咸得如意。 

聖尊告大眾。世間高官貴人沙門居士修道俗人等。若聞此經。受持讀誦。如是之人祿位最尊。壽命延長。求子得子。求女得女。獲福最是無量。是增益的大福寶經。 

若有先亡。怨親債主。未能得度。滯泄幽冥。若能持誦本經。印送本經。亡者昇天。怨親退散。現存獲福。若有男子女人。或被邪魔所侵。鬼神為害。惡夢昏亂。受持本經。施印本經邪鬼退藏。即得安樂。 

若有疾厄纏身。前世因果業報。鬼神病等。受持本經。印施本經。即得災厄消除。病源立解。若有惡運。官訟牽纏。囚禁獄繫但能持誦本經。印施本經。即得解除。凶殃殄滅。化為吉祥。 

若兩國爭戰。能持此經。立像供養。即得加威。戰無不勝。誦者。印者。施者。能一切吉祥如意圓滿。消除諸毒害。能滅生死苦。 

西方真佛海會。摩訶雙蓮池。大白蓮花童子。即於其中。而說咒曰： 

「嗡。古魯。蓮生悉地。吽。」（無數遍）　

聖尊說此經已。帝釋及諸大眾。天龍八部四眾。恭敬作禮。信受奉行。真實佛法息災賜福經終。 

迴向偈： 

願以此功德。 莊嚴佛淨土。 

上報四重恩。 下濟三途苦。 

若有見聞者。 悉發菩提心。 

盡此一報身。 同生極樂國。