By Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Founder of Fo Guang Shan
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
With great sincerity we would like to tell you that
A new life has arrived!
We pray that, with your blessing and protection,
The child will not suffer any calamity,
And be healthy in both mind and body;
May the child have good luck every moment,
And grow up safely;
May the child be endowed with intelligence and discernment,
And learn without hindrance;
May the child embody both merits and virtues,
And is beloved by people.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
Please grant the child not only the fruits of happiness,
But also a few challenges to build their character;
Not only the garden of joy,
But also a few brambles and underbrush;
Not only the encouragement of honor,
But also a few trials and undertakings;
Not only the faith of Buddhism,
But also the diligence and patience.
May the child have the gift of being grateful to others;
May the child know to self-reflect and be humble
May the child have the virtue of giving back;
May the child have right understanding and right view.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
In the future, may the child:
Be honest and filial towards the family
Be a respectful student in school;
Be a diligent and upright person in the workforce,
And be a disciple of the Triple Gem.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
Under the illumination of your light:
May the child grow up safely and healthily;
May the child not be blinded and confused by vanity;
May the child not be misled by temptations of the senses.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
We pray for your blessing and protection;
Please give the child confidence and courage when they are defeated,
And do not let them be heartbroken and sad;
Please give them wisdom and strength when they are in despairs,
And do not let them be woeful and disappointed.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
We hope that this humble heart
Can spread throughout the entire universe;
We hope that this vow
Can reach into the unlimited, unbounded future;
May this young and tender life
Never lose their innocent nature;
May this young and tender life
Never lose their benevolent and beautiful feelings.
Oh great compassionate Buddha,
Please accept my sincerest prayer.
Oh great compassionate Buddha,
Please accept my sincerest prayer.
(Excerpted from “A Prayer for the Buddha’s Birthday (為新生兒祈願文)” from Pearls of Wisdom: Prayers for Engaged Living by Ven. Master Hsing Yun)