By Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Founder of Fo Guang Shan
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
Today your disciples come before you
To offer gratitude to our teachers:
For it is their efforts, teachings, and guidance,
That enables us to gain knowledge and skills.
It is their guidance toward the right path,
That enables us to nurture our understanding and wisdom.
Therefore, we vow to strive forward and progress diligently
To repay the great dedication
Our teachers have shown in teaching us.
We also vow to do all we can
And make contributions to society,
To repay our teachers’ kindness.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
Teachers are like candles:
They radiate light to illuminate students;
Teachers are like lotus flowers:
They emit sweet fragrance to benefit students;
They regard the achievements of students
As their personal glory;
They regard the contributions of students
As their personal pride;
They regard the advancement of students
As their personal joy;
They regard the endeavors of students
As their personal motivation.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
How could we possibly begin to repay our teachers
For the great benevolence they have given us?
How could we possibly begin to thank our teachers
For their compassion and wonderful teachings?
By praying to you, Buddha,
May we transfer the merits of our accomplishments
To our teachers and parents:
May they be at ease, and all their wishes fulfilled;
May they be filled with delight and comfort.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
Education is the cradle that fosters talent;
Education is the foundation that a society is built upon.
We pray to you to support all teachers with your great power:
May they embody your wise skill
Of instructing students according to their strengths;
May they embody your philosophy
Of balancing practice and understanding;
May they embody your compassion,
Of not neglecting anyone;
May they embody your magnanimous power
Of respecting both teachers and students.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
Once again, we pray to you to support all teachers with your great power:
May they be able to aspire to nurture the talented;
May they demonstrate the spirit of teaching without weariness.
Through a sound and complete education,
May the talented disperse throughout the world,
May society be fortunate and peaceful.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha,
Please accept our sincerest prayer!
Oh great, compassionate Buddha,
Please accept our sincerest prayer!
(Excerpted from “A Prayer for Our Teachers (為教師祈願文)” from Pearls of Wisdom: Prayers for Engaged Living II by Venerable Master Hsing Yun)