#shantideva

SHANTIDEVA'S PRAYER (Hozan adaptation)

Now and forever may I become

A protector for those without protection; A guide for all who have no direction; A ship for those on the great sea of loss; A bridge for beings with rivers to cross. A sanctuary for all in danger and flight; A lamp for those who are seeking the light; A refuge for those who find no safe place; And a servant to all in sure need of grace.

As long as space forever unfurls. Wherever beings reside in this world.

Til then may I abide and persist. Wherever sorrows of our world exist.

"When happiness is dear to me and to others equally, what is so special about me that I strive after happiness only for myself?"

--

"All the happiness there is in this world arises from wishing others to be happy.

All the suffering there is in this world arises from wishing only oneself to be happy."

The rigmarole of praise and fame

Serves not to increase merit or one's span of life,

Bestowing neither health nor strength

And nothing for the body’s ease. (90)

If I am wise in what is good for me,

I'll ask what benefit these bring.

For if it’s entertainment I desire,

I might as well resort to alcohol and cards! (91)

We lose our lives, our wealth we squander,

All for reputation’s sake.

What use are words, and whom will they delight

When we are dead and in our graves? (92)

Children can't help crying when

Their sand castles come crumbling down.

Our minds are so like them

When praise and reputation start to fail. (93)

Source: The Way of the Bodhisattva translated by the Padmakara translation group