JUNIRAI
The Twelve Adorations of Amida Buddha
by Bodhisattva Nagarjuna
Junirai was written by Bodhisattva Nagarjuna (c. 2nd –3rd CE), the first of the Seven Patriarchs of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. It expresses eloquently the depth of Nagarjuna’s gratitude to Amida Buddha, whom he regards and venerates as a true and real Buddha.
The English translation of this gatha is adapted from the Shinshu Seiten, Jodo Shin Buddhist Teaching, published by the Buddhist Churches of America, 1978.
Before Amida Buddha, whom Devas and men worship,
I humble myself in deepest reverence.
In His wondrous Land of Bliss
Surrounded is He by countless Bodhisattvas.
His golden form shines forth pure, like the King of Mount Sumeru;
His practice of Truth is steadfast, like an elephant’s pace;
His eyes radiate like pure blue lotus blossoms.
Thus I prostrate myself before Amida Buddha.
His countenance is perfectly pure and round, like the full moon;
His majestic light shines like a thousand suns and moons;
His voice is like a heavenly drum, yet like a heavenly bird (Kokila).
Thus I prostrate myself before Amida Buddha.
Avalokitesvara wears upon his crown,
The image of Amida adorned with many precious jewels:
He subdues the arrogance of demons and heretics,
Thus I prostrate myself before Amida Buddha.
Incomparable, vast and pure His Virtues are,
Clearly extending like vast open space,
His acts freely benefiting all.
Thus I prostrate myself before Amida Buddha.
Bodhisattvas from the ten quarters
And countless maras always venerate Him.
He dwells with Vow-power for the sake of all beings.
Thus I prostrate myself before Amida Buddha.
In the Golden treasure pond where the lotus flowers bloom,
Established with goodness is a wondrous throne
Where reigns the Lord, like the King of Mount Sumeru.
Thus I prostrate myself before Amida Buddha.
From the ten quarters Bodhisattvas come.
Revealing wondrous powers, they attain a blissful state;
Honoring His face, they offer eternal homage.
Thus I prostrate myself before Amida Buddha.
All things are transient and without self
Like the moon on water, lightning, shadow, or dew.
“The Dharma transcends words,” the Buddha proclaimed.
Thus I prostrate myself before Amida Buddha.
There exist no evil names in His Land,
Nor beings in the female form, nor fear of evil realms.
With sincere heart all beings worship Him.
Thus I prostrate myself before Amida Buddha.
His Land of infinite expediencies
Is without degenerate things or wicked beings;
Upon Rebirth, Non-Retrogressive Bodhi does one attain.
Thus I prostrate myself before Amida Buddha.
Thus have I praised the Virtues of Amida.
Boundless are they like the water of the sea.
Upon receiving these pure and good qualities
May all beings be reborn into his Land.
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