Buddha Shakyamuni manifested enlightenment in Bodhgaya, India, and taught the sacred Dharma more than 2,500 years ago. Since that time, these incomparable teachings have passed directly from teacher to student in an unbroken lineage up to the present day. Our precious gurus embody our living connection to the source of the teachings.
In fact, it has been said that—as we lack the merit to see the Buddha himself in the present day—our gurus are of great importance because they introduce us to the path of spiritual liberation.
In the same way that the roots of a tree provide nourishment for the flowers to bloom, our gurus share the Buddha’s blessing to help the minds of sentient beings blossom into full awakening.
We pray for the long life of our gurus so that they will be able to continue to share the Dharma with all sentient beings for many years to come. In this way, the Dharma will spread and endure, so many will be led to the path of awakening. Therefore, to pray for the long life of our gurus is to pray for the welfare of all sentient beings.
Image – Himalayan Art Resources Inc. / Rubin Museum of Art
Of boundless wisdom and compassion,
Holding teachings dearer than their lives,
Gurus who are virtuous friends,
May they live long, may their numbers grow.
~ Prayer for the Happiness of All That Lives, Verse 2