By Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Founder of Fo Guang Shan
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
I am so joyful!
I would like to tell you joyously, Buddha,
That my task has been completed,
That my career has attained paramita!
Through diligent effort,
And continuous hard work,
I have finally completed my task,
My work has finally attained paramita.
I am not thinking about
My own achievement or my own merits,
I only hope to contribute to all beings,
to provide service for the future.
Oh Buddha!
I remembered that you:
Cultivated merit and wisdom for three asamkhya kalpas,
Practiced for aeons of lifetime to attain marks of excellence.
Oh Buddha,
Thinking of the countless virtues that you have achieved,
And the immeasurable kalpas which you have practiced;
How insignificant are my accomplishments!
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
I am ignorant, and incompetent,
I pray to you:
Grant me wisdom and agility;
Grant me kindness, compassion, and right view;
May I be able to forge ahead and
Bring glory and honor to my family;
Serve for my community well;
Contribute to society;
Devote all energy and efforts to my country.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
There are times when I have become indolent;
There are times when I have been dispirited;
I pray to you, Buddha:
When I am indolent,
Please support me with your power so I can strive and progress zealously;
When I am dispirited,
Please encourage me to move forward bravely.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
I pray for your protection:
Please give me understanding when I am studying,
Please give me right view when I am thinking,
Please give me confidence when I am working,
Please give me right mindfulness when I am cultivating.
Oh Buddha! I pray for your protection:
May I keep on progressing;
May I strive forward courageously.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha,
Please accept my sincerest prayer!
Oh great, compassionate Buddha,
Please accept my sincerest prayer!
(Excerpted from “A Prayer for Paramita upon Completing a Task (波羅蜜 [工作完成] 祈願文)” from Pearls of Wisdom: Prayers for Engaged Living I by Venerable Master Hsing Yun)