By Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Founder of Fo Guang Shan
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
Most people in this world suffer
Torment from some illness;
Some suffer the physical illnesses
Of old age, sickness, and death;
Some suffer mentally through the weaknesses
Of greed, anger, and ignorance.
Only you, Buddha, are the world’s great doctor;
You are able to help people not only recover physically,
But also to help them heal mentally.
Furthermore, you encourage us to tend to the sick.
You once told us,
“Of the eight fields of merit, tending to the sick is the greatest.”
You also encouraged outstanding nursing professionals:
First, not to be deterred by foul smells;
Second, to treat the sick with attentiveness;
Third, to dispense medicine;
Fourth, to be adept at preaching the Dharma.
And indeed, since ancient times,
These are the goals that health-care professionals have pursued.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
Many health-care professionals have followed in your steps
Their uplifting and efficient figures
Shuttle back and forth deftly between sickbeds,
Hoping only to bring comfort to patients;
They toil day and night to care for patients,
Wishing only to ensure their rapid recovery.
Health-care professionals work irregular hours;
They even risk the possibility of infection,
And sacrifice time with their families.
After a full day of making rounds and inspecting wards,
Their leg muscles often ache from fatigue;
After a full day of performing surgical operations,
They are often about to collapse from exhaustion.
We pray to you, Buddha, to support and protect health-care professionals:
May they be able to have strong and healthy bodies;
May they be able to have perfect medical skills;
May their families appreciate their hard work;
May their relatives and friends support their ideals.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
We would like to pray for health-care professionals:
May they persevere,
And carry out everything without obstacles;
May they always smile,
And have their wishes fulfilled;
May they be compassionate and wise,
And help patients to have quick recoveries;
May they be mindful of their own health,
And stay well both physically and mentally.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha,
Please accept our sincerest prayer!
Oh great, compassionate Buddha,
Please accept our sincerest prayer!
(Excerpted from “A Prayer for Health-Care Professionals (為醫護人員祈願文)” from Pearls of Wisdom: Prayers for Engaged Living I by Venerable Master Hsing Yun)