Is swearing an oath useful? How can one's repentance be effective?

An oath is a promise that you will do something without fail, while a vow is an aspiration to do something. A vow is a driving force that helps us work toward our goal. In contrast, a malicious oath is a foolish and sinful act that harms oneself and others, but it can be remedied if we repent and reform. We should emulate the Buddha or the bodhisattvas in making vows to deliver all sentient beings, cut off all afflictions, learn all the Buddhist teachings, and ultimately attain Buddhahood.