01/01/2026
Dear Sangha,
Enclosed is the prayer, based on one by Shantideva, that we end our New Year's Eve services with. May its spirit animate all of us in the days ahead!
"May all beings who are suffering in body or mind obtain, by my merits, oceans of happiness and joy. As long as there is rebirth, may the world unceasingly obtain the profound happiness of a Bodhisattva.
May those who suffer from cold obtain heat, and may those who suffer from heat be cooled. May those dwelling in misfortune be released from their misfortunes. May the fear that animals have of being eaten by one another vanish.
May hungry and thirsty ghosts become happy, freed from all grasping. May even the regions of hell become charming, with lakes filled with the perfume of unbounded lotuses, and may the dwellers there be freed from all anguish.
May the blind behold forms. May the deaf always hear. May all have clothing, food, drink, and everything that is advantageous. And let the fearful be without fear, and those afflicted with sorrow be joyous, and may those who are distressed be at peace.
May the universe protect the sleepers, the mentally troubled, the heedless, the ones in danger, and the helpless, whether young or old. May they be freed from all misfortunes, and possess faith, wisdom, and compassion. May the sick be healed, may those who are wretched and deformed become endowed with great beauty, and may all beings be freed from mental bo***ge.
By my merits, may beings everywhere, without exception, having desisted from evils, be devoted to the Way of Enlightenment, and be freed from all obstacles to its realization. May Bodhisattvas in great assemblies sit in all places, and may they adorn the earth with their compassionate wisdom.
By means of birds and trees, and even rays from the sky, may the Dharma be unceasingly received by all beings. May they eternally be in union with all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and follow their liberating teachings.
May rain come in due season, and crops be abundant, and the earth be rich, and the world's leaders abide in the Law. May every region of the world be safe and auspicious for all of those who travel.
May no being whatsoever be selfish, unhappy, sick, forsaken, or despised, and may none whatsoever be wretched or melancholy.
May the monasteries be prosperous and full of sincere training. May the Sangha be eternally complete, and its work prosper. May practitioners attain zeal for the discipline, and may they skillfully meditate, with minds freed from distractions.
May the ill-behaved become repentant, always devoted to the elimination of evil. For those who seek Buddhahood, may their vows be unbroken, and may all beings awaken to their true nature.
May the teachings of the Awakened Ones be venerated and followed by all. May every being be exceedingly happy with inconceivable Buddha happiness. May that which has been desired by the Bodhisattvas for the sake of the world be realized. Whatever those great beings attempt, may it be accomplished.
In like manner, may Pratyekabuddhas and Sravakas be happy, and always treated with respect.
As long as space and the world exist, may my life be devoted to eliminating its sorrows. Medicine for the world’s suffering, and cause of profound happiness and success, may the teachings of the Buddha endure!"
In this new year may suffering end, and all beings awaken to their true buddha nature!
