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 the degenerate age, when the world is turbid and dark, the Right Dharma alone brings forth light. Amidst the sea of suffering in saṃsāra and the three realms with their six destinies, the precepts serve as a boat of liberation.

By the compassionate deliverance of my venerable teachers, I have been fortunate to cultivate and learn under their guidance, being deeply nurtured and influenced by their spiritual demeanor and sacred conduct.

When the Venerable Upādhyāyā first compassionately initiated the study of the Three Great Collections of the Vinaya of the Nanshan tradition, fellow practitioners all sighed in admiration: how rare and fortunate it is, in this Dharma-Ending Age, to encounter the precious teachings of the Vinaya!

Praying that our teachers may widely propagate the Tripiṭaka, it was also mentioned that within the Tibetan tradition there exists a custom of chanting and singing prayers.

Upon hearing this, my heart was deeply moved, realizing that a prayer for my teachers was urgently needed, and I resolved to devote myself wholeheartedly to its composition.

Yet, reflecting on my own shallow learning and limited ability, though I had the aspiration, my limitations hinders me. I could only beseech the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas for compassionate blessings and help.

The following day, I made a sincere prayer that the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas may bestow their blessings, enabling me to compose a solemn and dignified prayer.

Afterward, while seated at my desk and recollecting the profound kindness of my teachers, words quickly flowed forth. With the compassionate guidance of my Ācārya, The Prayer for the Long Life of My Venerable Upādhyāyā was completed.

The Prayer for the Long Life of My Venerable Ācārya was also composed after then.

In my brief study in Tibet, the melodies of chanting at Tashi Triling and the Serta Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy left a lasting echo in my heart. Remembering them with joy, I attempted to chant the prayers of my two venerable teachers, in gratitude for their boundless compassion.

May all who share these affinities gather to rejoice and pray:

May the venerable teachers long dwell in this world,
And may the Right Dharma ever endure!

Summer Retreat, 2025
Potalaka Temple, Canada
Humbly recorded by disciple Ju Liang