When we practice the Bodhisattva path{1}, we must make the 『Four Universal Vows』 first:

1. Sentient beings are boundless; I vow to deliver them all{2}: To vow to liberate all beings.

In the Saha world, some beings within the Six Realms are born from eggs (oviparous){3}, such as chicken, ducks, and bird species; some are born from wombs (viviparous){4}, such as cows, horses, and humans; some are born from moisture{5}, such as mosquitoes, flies and insect species; and some are born from transformation{6}, such as gods, celestial beings, and ghosts. These immeasurable and boundless beings fall into the ocean of suffering and encounter afflictions caused by rebirth, old age, sickness, and death. They desperately await someone powerful enough to liberate them. “May all sentient beings be relieved from suffering, and I will not seek happiness and enjoyment for myself.” The action of making vows to relief all beings universally is the Mahayana spirit of benefiting others.

【Key Words】

{1} Bodhisattva path：菩薩行

{2} Sentient beings are boundless;

I vow to deliver them all

：眾生無邊誓願度

{3} Born from eggs (oviparous)

：卵生

{4} Born from wombs (viviparous)

：胎生

{5} Born from moisture：濕生

{6}Born from transformation：化生