Prayer for the Long Life of Our Venerable Upādhyāyā

With perfect wisdom and compassion, my revered Master,
Skillfully expounding the Vinaya, harmoniously guiding all beings,
Equally delivering those in the six paths from every form of suffering,
Diligently and unremittingly turning the wondrous Dharma Wheel.

The nectar of Dharma rain nourishes the hearts of all,
The radiant light of wisdom shines brilliantly across the three realms,
The wondrous Dharma sound flows forth, dispelling the darkness of ignorance,
Like a pure stream cleansing the defiled world in the age of declining Dharma.

We sincerely pray that the revered Master abides always to protect all beings,
May the virtuous one, endowed with noble qualities, enjoy unchanging health and long life,
Constantly dwelling in peace, bringing benefit and happiness to all sentient beings,
May such a jewel-like Master long remain in this world.

~

Prayer for the Long Life of Our Revered Ācārya

Within the Tathāgata’s hall, a gentle and compassionate Master,
Skillfully using metaphors and wondrous words to liberate beings,
With tireless effort, propagating the Dharma for the benefit of all,
A noble teacher guiding beings toward the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

A bridge across the sea of suffering, a diligent and compassionate guide,
Offering timely remedies for the afflictions of all sentient beings,
The sacred sound of Brahma voice flows gracefully, transcendent truth,
With compassion and wisdom united, the refuge of all beings.

We pray that the revered Master may always abide as a lamp of wisdom,
With immeasurable life, nurturing beings with the nectar of Dharma teachings,
Constantly abiding, widely spreading the authentic Dharma,
May this jewel-like Master long remain in this world.

~

Origin of the Prayer Composition

In this degenerate age of Dharma, the world is dark and obscure; yet the true Dharma brings forth light. In the sea of samsara, across the six realms of existence, moral discipline serves as the vessel.

By the compassionate guidance of my revered teachers, I have been able to cultivate under their instruction, gradually absorbing their conduct and teachings through close observation.

At the beginning of the Vinaya studies of the “Three Great Works of the Southern Mountain tradition,” my fellow practitioners lamented how rare and fortunate it is to encounter such profound Vinaya teachings in this degenerate age, and prayed that our teachers may widely propagate the Tripitaka. The tradition of chanting prayers in Tibetan Buddhism was also mentioned.

Upon hearing this, I felt deeply moved, realizing that a prayer for my teachers was urgently needed, and I should devote myself to composing it. However, considering my limited ability and shallow learning, I could only sincerely pray for the blessings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

The next day, in the main hall, I earnestly prayed for blessings so that I might be able to compose a dignified prayer. Later, at my desk, recalling the kindness of my teachers, I soon wrote the “Prayer for the Long Life of Our Venerable Upādhyāyā.” With the compassionate guidance of my Ācārya, the “Prayer for the Long Life of Our Revered Ācārya” was also quickly completed thereafter.

Having previously studied briefly in Tibet, I still faintly remember the chanting melodies from Tashi Chöling and Larung Gar Monastery, resonating day and night. With these memories and joyful devotion, I attempted to chant these prayers for my two revered teachers, with a childlike heart full of gratitude.

May all who have affinity share and recite together. May virtuous spiritual friends long abide, and may the true Dharma long remain in this world.

Summer Retreat, 2025
Great Compassion Field, Potalaka Temple, Canada
Respectfully recorded by disciple Jiliang