佛诞日赞佛陀｜Praise to Lord Buddha, on Buddha’s birthday

Youngstown

I am honored to write this letter appealing to followers of the Buddha everywhere in the world to do special practices and pujas during Saga Dawa Düchen –the fourth Tibetan lunar month – which this year falls in May.

This special day, which marks the birth, enlightenment and parinirvana of the Buddha, is a particularly auspicious time to propagate the Buddha’s teachings, virtues and qualities regardless of sect or affiliation.

It is a day that unites all Buddhists in their affiliation to the fundamental truths the Buddha taught.

So, whether you gather for an elaborate puja or tsok offering, or read and recount the Buddha’s life story and deeds, or repeat his names, or sit quietly in your home practicing what he taught, or simply look at an image of the Buddha with heartfelt gratitude and appreciation – whatever you do and wherever you are and whatever lineage or tradition you belong to – let’s join in celebrating this supremely sacred day.

In particular, I rejoice in joining Kyabgon Sakya Trichen in asking you all on this Saga Dawa Düchen to spread the Buddha’s essential message of wisdom, compassion and kindness far and wide.

 

Written by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse at Bir, India, on 29th April, 2018

 

O Blessed One, Shakyamuni Buddha,

With great compassion,

You chose to be born in this Saha Land;

With utter fearlessness,

You decided to benefit the countless living beings here;

With supreme wisdom,

You reached the understanding of the profound truth, enlightening yourself and others;

If without your birth,

When would the light of wisdom ever shine to us.

Merciful Lord Buddha,

Our supreme Master,

To whom we worship reverently;

Only with your birth,

Could we ever get on the liberating path towards joy and peace;

Only with your arrival,

Could we ever have a shelter to turn to in this Saha Land.

Seven steps forward,

Blossoming lotus followed;

One hand pointed toward the heavens,

One hand pointed toward the earth;

Heavens above, earth below,

You alone being the honored.

Purified nectar spread over the Saha Land,

Wisdom words benefiting all sentient beings,

Our great Master,

Our ultimate protector,

May your blessings liberate all creatures totally from suffering;

May your blessings bring to all lands peace and auspices;

May your blessings fill a Chiliocosm all over with sacred joy;

May your blessings lead us all to achieve enlightenment.

Lord Buddha,

Again, we worship you;

May all good wishes come true;

May your blessings be with us for always.

 

Khenpo Jamyang