With utmost sincerity, I contemplate the following thoughts:
I solely vow that when I open The Sutra of Ksitigarbha’s Fundamental Vows, it will be as if I am personally attending the assembly in Trayastrimsa Heaven, listening to the teachings of Sakyamuni Buddha, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva-Mahasattva and many other Bodhisattva-Mahasattvas!
I vow: As I read this Sutra, it will be as if the Buddha, the Bodhisattvas, God of Solid-Firm-Earth, Deva Yamaraja and many ghost kings are directly addressing the dharma to me.
I vow: I will be in full accordance with the dharma taught by those virtuous mentors wholeheartedly, vigilantly and profoundly.
I vow: I will often read and study this Sutra with faith, appreciation, respect and mindfulness; I will contemplate the meaning without forgetting it; I will guard the dharma from extinction; and I will extensively spread the dharma to all beings in the future so that they will also gain the benefits.
I vow: By relying on the merits gained from reading and studying this Sutra, I will attain a firm dharma connection with Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva-Mahasattva.
I vow: I will attribute the merits gained from reading and studying this Sutra to the wisdom and consciousness that have long been hidden and to Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.
I vow: I will attribute the merits gained from reading and studying this Sutra to the Path of Ten Virtuous Deeds.
I vow: I will attribute the merits gained from reading and studying this Sutra to all sinful, suffering beings, as well as those in the six realms [of existence] and the ten directions [in this universe so that they will gain the same benefits].
I vow: I will attribute the merits gained from reading and studying this Sutra to my past countless number of births and deaths — I vow that all beings and I can swiftly apply the merits of this Sutra to find annulment of all sins accumulated from past infinite kalpas as a result of committing the Ten Evil Deeds, the Four Prohibitions, the Five Rebellious Acts, turning the truth upside down, slandering the Three Jewels and the deeds of Icchantika.
I vow: By relying on the merits gained from reading and studying this Sutra, I will attribute all the merits to ___(insert names of those in concern)___ so that ________________ will rely upon the meritorious power of this Sutra to swiftly eliminate all evil deeds and grave sins, to part from all obstacles, all sufferings and hardships, and to swiftly gain blissful peace and refuge.
I vow: that ________________, all beings and I will soon have Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva-Mahasattva’s kind and merciful attention and nurturing; uplifting salvation; and illuminating teaching and guidance.