The Confession Verse (Zange-mon)

Original Verse (Ippen - First Recitation)

我昔所造諸悪業　Ga shaku shozō sho aku gō

皆由無始貪瞋痴　Kai yū mushi ton jin chi

従身口意之所生　Jū shin kū i sho shō

一切我今皆懺悔　Issai ga kon kai zange

Meaning

The many evil deeds I have committed in the past—through countless cycles of reincarnation and former lives—have all arisen from the three poisons: greed, anger, and ignorance, which have no known beginning.They were born through the actions of my body, speech, and mind.I now sincerely reflect on and repent for all of these wrongdoings.

Modern Interpretation

The mistakes I have made in the past stem from deep, unknowable origins of greed, anger, and ignorance.They have manifested through my bodily actions, words, and thoughts.Now, illuminated by the Buddha’s wisdom, I deeply repent and vow to amend my ways.

Explanation

Why do we begin with this verse before chanting the Heart Sutra?

Because humans live while continuously creating sins. Without acknowledging and repenting for these transgressions, we cannot even stand at the true starting line. People are easily swayed by pleasant-sounding teachings—but genuine practice is meant to be rigorous and demanding. It is only possible while we are still alive in bodily form.

To be born as a human is to carry the mission of resolving one’s karmic burdens.If we avoid this path, we end up leading a life lacking in true depth or meaning.

The essence of the Buddha’s teaching is liberation from suffering and the pursuit of genuine happiness.This suffering stems from self-centered desire.Recognizing the severity of our karmic transgressions, sincerely repenting, and not forgetting the consequences of our evil deeds is essential.

The Three Poisons (San-doku): The Roots of All Delusions

• Greed – Lust, craving for wealth, status, and recognition

• Anger – Losing oneself in rage, acting in violence or hatred

• Ignorance – Being blinded by selfish desires, lacking wisdom and moral discernment

Unless we commit ourselves to learning, we cannot help but live in ways that increase our karma.

Even failing to speak out when we witness wrongdoing—or choosing convenience over truth—can become sins in themselves.

True Repentance

Repentance does not erase the sins we have committed.What has been done remains, but the depth of our delusions can be illuminated through sincere remorse.And when we engage in acts of kindness—not out of obligation, but from the joy of doing good—true merit (kudoku) may finally appear.

Let us reflect on our own behavior and seek repentance.There is a saying in Buddhism: "Kyakka Shōko"—"Examine your own feet (foundation) carefully."Before criticizing others, look to your own path and reflect deeply upon your own self.

From Dōgen’s Teachings: The Shushōgi

In Shōbōgenzō, a seminal text by Dōgen, the founder of Sōtō Zen, there is a section titled Shushōgi:

• "Shu" (修) means practice and cultivation

• "Shō" (証) means enlightenment

• "Gi" (義) means meaning or principle

The opening line reads:"To clarify life and death is the most important matter for practitioners of the Way."

Understanding what life is, what death means, and how we are to live and face death—these are the core challenges for anyone seeking the true path.

Begin with Acceptance

Why are you angry?Start by recognizing your own anger and foolishness.

Through this awareness, step onto the path of repentance and spiritual refinement.