Liberating Prayer Retreat
With Gen Kelsang Dorje
Without Buddha’s kindness we would not know the real causes of happiness or the real causes of suffering. Buddha taught us how all happiness and suffering depend upon the mind. He showed us how to abandon those states of mind that cause suffering and cultivate those states of mind that cause happiness.The prayer asks for wisdom to dispel mental darkness and heal one’s mind, acknowledging Buddha as the source of happiness and the guide to enlightenment. In other words, he taught us perfect methods for overcoming suffering and attaining happiness.
How kind Buddha is!
This beautiful prayer is recited during every class at our precious center. In this half-day retreat, Gen Kelsang Dorje will guide us through the meaning of this prayer and we can allow the inspiration to influence our life. Everyone welcome!
Liberating Prayer
PRAISE TO BUDDHA SHAKYAMUNI
O Blessed One, Shakyamuni Buddha,
Precious treasury of compassion,
Bestower of supreme inner peace,
You, who love all beings without exception,
Are the source of happiness and goodness;
And you guide us to the liberating path.
Your body is a wishfulfilling jewel,
Your speech is supreme, purifying nectar,
And your mind is refuge for all living beings.
With folded hands I turn to you,
Supreme unchanging friend,
I request from the depths of my heart:
Please give me the light of your wisdom
To dispel the darkness of my mind
And to heal my mental continuum.
Please nourish me with your goodness,
That I in turn may nourish all beings
With an unceasing banquet of delight.
Through your compassionate intention,
Your blessings and virtuous deeds,
And my strong wish to rely upon you,
May all suffering quickly cease
And all happiness and joy be fulfilled;
And may holy Dharma flourish for evermore.
Composed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso at Manjushri Centre, England, June 2001
© Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and New Kadampa Tradition 2001
Printout of this prayer can be purchased at our center’s bookstore or through Tharpa publications.
About the teacher
Gen Kelsang Dorje is the resident teacher at the Kadampa Meditation Center Madison. As the resident teacher Gen Dorje is responsible for teaching and leading meditation classes, retreats, and workshops at the center and in branch locations. He has received extensive training under the guidance of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition. Gen Dorje is known for his warmth and humor in making Buddha’s teachings relevant to our modern life. He is an inspiring example of how to integrate these teachings into a joyful life and is committed to helping people improve their daily lives through meditation and mindfulness.
Registration details
Cost: $20 (members free; livestream available for members)