Understood correctly, the word vow has the power to free us, because we have a karmic life — where our lives are based on our confused and dualistic understanding, driven by greed, anger, and delusion — and we also have a life of vow. The life of vow is rooted in our own steadfast awareness and intention, which are elements of the clear direction [Dharma practice], or common denominator. . / . You make your choice about which life you want to live, so part of what this word really means is "wisdom-awareness."
— Jakusho Kwong, No Beginning, No End