Buddhist Prayers
An Invocation of Metta/Compassion
As we all gather here today in friendship and community, taking a moment out of our busy lives,… to learn, share and reflect on the insights, experiences and wisdom of others, we are reminded of how blessed we all are. In the current world around us there are many who suffer and face grave challenges. We stand in solidarity with them in compassion and by practicing loving kindness to ourselves and all those around us.
Taking a couple of stanzas from Metta or compassion meditation, let us engage in the power of prayer that connect us - irrespective of religion - with our beliefs and ideals more deeply helping us to hold them in our minds as we go about our daily business, and helping us to develop a stronger sense of conviction. Let us pray the following in the name of all that is good.
May we all be well, happy and peaceful, May no harm come to us,
May we all also have patience, courage, understanding, and determination to meet and overcome inevitable difficulties, problems, and failures in life.
May our parents, our teachers and mentors, our friends and may all living beings across the world…be well, happy and peaceful. May no harm come to them,
May they also have patience, courage, understanding, and determination to meet and overcome inevitable difficulties, problems, and failures in life.
- Thilini Ariyachandra
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.
- Author Unknown
