When tragedy strikes in the world, our thoughts and prayers are focused on the victims. There are many victims. New ones every day. We imagine our self in their place and feel their pain. We may feel overwhelmed and powerless. Perhaps we can take solace in our connection to others and to Spirit.
It is said that His Holiness the Dalai Lama recites this prayer every morning as part of his waking rituals. The prayer was written by Shantideva, a Buddhist monk who lived around 700 AD. He was a devoted practitioner who authored the Bodhicaryavatara or Bodhisattva Way of Life. A Bodhisattva is a Buddhist who delays his own personal Nirvana as a sacrifice in order to help others.
Bodhisattva Prayer for Humanity
“May I be a guard for those who need protection
A guide for those on the path
A boat, a raft, a bridge for those who wish to cross the flood
May I be a lamp in the darkness
A resting place for the weary
A healing medicine for all who are sick
A vase of plenty, a tree of miracles
And for the boundless multitudes of living beings
May I bring sustenance and awakening
Enduring like the earth and sky
Until all beings are freed from sorrow
And all are awakened.”