TEXT: Daily Prayers

These are the daily prayers that are used to be taught in a Buddhist setting or a setting where it is appropriate to bring Buddhist prayers. These are the opening and closing prayers that are the refuge and bodhichitta from the Heart Essence of the Vast Expanse, from the Nyingthig lineage by Jigme Linpa. The third part of the dedication is also a Nyingthig prayer, from the great Dzogchen master, Longchenpa.

Prayers for the Beginning of Practice

Refuge

I take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and Sangha
I take refuge in the Lama, Yidam and Khandro
I take refuge in the channels, winds, centers, and their nature, the bodhicitta,
I take refuge in complete openness, lucid presence and compassion

Bodhichitta Aspiration Prayer

Ho! Mesmerized by the sheer variety of appearances, which are like the illusory reflections of the moon in water,
Beings wander endlessly astray in samsara’s vicious cycle.
In order that they may find comfort and ease in the luminosity and all-pervading space of the true nature of their minds,
I generate the immeasurable love, compassion, joy and equanimity of the awakened mind, the heart of bodhicitta.

4 Bodhi Vows

Sentient beings are numberless, I train in order to free them
Delusions are inexhaustible, I train in order to transform them
Reality is boundless, I train in order to realize it
The awakened way is unsurpassable, I train in order to embody it

Prayers for the End of Practice

Short Dedication

May the teachings of the Buddha spread and flourish
May all sentient beings be happy and joyful
May we practice the dharma day and night
May the benefits for self and others be fully accomplished

Long Dedication

May all beings be free from suffering and the cause of suffering
May all beings experience happiness and its true cause
May the fruit of this practice be to accomplish the highest benefit for all beings and all things everywhere
May all beings everywhere experience the joy, clarity, dignity and fearlessness of peace
May all beings everywhere have peace