Prayer to Buddha

Without Buddha’s kindness we would not know the real causes of happiness or the real causes of suffering.

Buddha taught us how all happiness and suffering depend upon the mind.

He showed us how to abandon those states of mind that cause suffering and cultivate those states of mind that cause happiness.

In other words, he taught us perfect methods for overcoming suffering and attaining happiness.

No one else taught us these methods. How kind Buddha is!

It is for this reason that Kadampa Buddhists begin every practice by reciting this special prayer to Buddha composed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

Liberating Prayer

PRAISE TO BUDDHA SHAKYAMUNI

O Blessed One, Shakyamuni Buddha,
Precious treasury of compassion,
Bestower of supreme inner peace,

You, who love all beings without exception,
Are the source of happiness and goodness;
And you guide us to the liberating path.

Your body is a wishfulfilling jewel,
Your speech is supreme, purifying nectar,
And your mind is refuge for all living beings.

With folded hands I turn to you,
Supreme unchanging friend,
I request from the depths of my heart:

Please give me the light of your wisdom
To dispel the darkness of my mind
And to heal my mental continuum.

Please nourish me with your goodness,
That I in turn may nourish all beings
With an unceasing banquet of delight.

Through your compassionate intention,
Your blessings and virtuous deeds,
And my strong wish to rely upon you,

May all suffering quickly cease
And all happiness and joy be fulfilled;
And may holy Dharma flourish for evermore.

Composed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso at Manjushri Centre, England, June 2001
© Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and New Kadampa Tradition 2001