A complete Chinese translation of Atisha’s work Sems-bskyed-pa dan sdom-pa’i cho-ga’i rim-pa is currently unavailable, even though only a few scholars or researchers have briefly introduced some of its rituals or religious disciplines. This study aims to find out the characteristics of the thinking in Sems-bskyed-pa dan sdom-pa’i cho-ga’i rim-pa by reviewing and analyzing the Atisha’s biography, his work and views, and related holy texts and literatures. In addition, different versions of Sems-bskyed-pa dan sdom-pa’i cho-ga’i rim-pa are systematically reviewed and compiled before the further analysis. Bodhisattvas should make vows and take Bodhisattvas Precepts. Before taking these precepts, Bodhisattvas should practice the repent ritual, in which they repent their ignorance, which includes greed, anger, and silliness, hoping to eradicate their sin in front of Buddhas and conduct toward righteousness. The purpose of these cultivations is to save all living creatures from suffering and to enable them to make vows to become Buddhas. Sems-bskyed-pa dan sdom-pa’i cho-ga’i rim-pa is based on religious disciplines. During the ritual, one must beg the ordination from the Sangha, which is needed no matter in the ceremony of committing oneself to be a Buddhist and receiving Five Precepts or the Bodhisattva Precepts. The ritual is conducted according to certain orders and rules, which include three asking and three answers. With these procedures, one has to make vows to practice Buddhism, and then he becomes a bodhisattva practitioner. According to Sems-bskyed-pa dan sdom-pa’i cho-ga’i rim-pa, “I will help those who are not saved to be saved, help those who are not extricated to be extricated, and help those who haven’t obtained the nirvana obtain theirs.” This quotation comes from Byaṅ-chub-sems-kyi ḥgrel-pa shes-bya-ba, which implies the inheritance of the dharma and holy texts. Both the rituals and religious disciplines of Sems-bskyed-pa dan sdom-pa’i cho-ga’i rim-pa indicate the ways for people to follow, leading us to practice Buddhism and facilitating Buddhism to exist in the world forever.
