Wisdom of the East | Page 4

wide in
the land of his birth, and are an inspiration to millions within and
without its shores. In him was the harmonised spirit of Buddhism at its
highest. Those who can enter into the heart of Shinran Shonin will have
gained understanding of the heart of a mighty people which is said to
be impossible of Western reading, and yet in its essentials is simple as
the heart of a child.
L. ADAMS BECK.

EDITORIAL NOTE
The object of the Editors of this series is a very definite one. They
desire above all things that, in their humble way, these books shall be
the ambassadors of good-will and understanding between East and
West--the old world of Thought and the new of Action. In this
endeavour, and in their own sphere, they are but followers of the
highest example in the land. They are confident that a deeper
knowledge of the great ideals and lofty philosophy of Oriental thought
may help to a revival of that true spirit of Charity which neither
despises nor fears the nations of another creed and colour.
L. CRANMER-BYNG. S. A. KAPADIA.
NORTHBROOK SOCIETY, 21 CROMWELL ROAD,
KENSINGTON, S.W.

BUDDHIST PSALMS
LAUDING THE INFINITE ONE
1. Since He who is Infinite attained unto the Wisdom Supreme, the
long, long ages of ten Kalpas have rolled away.
The Light of His Dharma-Kaya is in this world eyes to the blind.
2. Seek refuge in the True Illumination! For the light of His Wisdom is
infinite.
In all the worlds there is nothing upon which His light shines not.
3. Take refuge in the Light universal.
As the Light of His deliverance is boundless, he who is within it is
freed from the lie of affirmation or denial.
4. Seek refuge in That which is beyond understanding,
For His glory is all-embracing as the air. It shineth and pierceth all

things, and there is nothing hid from the light thereof.
5. Take refuge in the ultimate Strength, for His pure radiance is above
all things. He who perceiveth this Light is set free from the fetters of
Karma.
6. Seek refuge in the World-Honoured.
Since His glorious radiance is above all He is called the Buddha of
Divine Light. And by Him is the darkness of the three worlds
Enlightened.
7. Excellent is the Light of His Wisdom. Therefore is he called the
Buddha of Clear Shining.
He who is within the Light, being washed from the soil of Karma, shall
attain unto the final deliverance.
8. Take refuge in the Mighty Consoler. Wheresoever His mercy shineth
throughout all the worlds, men rejoice in its gladdening light.
9. The darkness of ignorance perisheth before His light. Therefore is He
hailed as the Buddha of Radiant Wisdom. All the Buddhas and the
threefold choir of sages praise Him.
10. His glory shineth for ever and ever. Therefore is He called the
Buddha of Everlasting Light.
Most excellent is the virtue of this light, for he who perceiveth it is
born into Paradise without dissolution of being.
11. The glory of the Infinite is boundless, therefore is He known as the
Buddha of Light Past Comprehension.
All the Buddhas glorify the majesty of His holiness that leadeth all the
earth into His Kingdom.
12. His clear shining transcendeth all revelation, nor can human speech
utter it. Therefore is He named the Buddha of Light Unspeakable.
All the Buddhas glorify the glory of the Infinite One who is Buddha
through His promise of Light immeasurable.
13. Take refuge in Him who is Holiest of Holy. Sun and moon are lost
in the ocean of His splendour. Therefore is He named that Infinite in
whose radiance Sun and Moon are darkened. Before whose Divine
Power even that Buddha made flesh in India himself faltereth in
ascribing praise to the Majesty of His true glory.
14. Far beyond human numbering are the wise in the high assemblage
of the Infinite One. Therefore let him who would be born into the Land
of Purity seek refuge in the Great Congregation.

15. In Paradise are the Mighty unnumbered, Bodhisattvas ranked in that
hierarchy nearest to the Perfect Enlightenment. Thence are they made
flesh upon earth according to the way of salvation that all having life
might be saved.
16. Take refuge in the ocean-deep Soul Universal.
For the sake of all dwelling in the Ten Regions hath He kept the
fullness of all the Teachings, in His divine and mighty promises.
17. He who is Infinite never resteth, for together with the Bodhisattvas
of Compassion and Pure Reason He laboureth, that the souls of them
that duly receive Him may have salvation, enlightening them with the
light of His mercy.
18. When he who is born into the land of Pure Peace returneth again