True Words to Ease the Fears of Strife
In today’s turbulent world, I find myself at a loss for words witnessing the unimaginable actions humans perpetrate against each other. It’s easy to perceive the world as dominated by negativity and despair. However, it is vital to remember the unparalleled power of the mind. When strong minds are directed toward peace and harmony, global change is within reach. According to the teachings of the Buddha, one pathway to harness such transformative power and convert adversity into an ally is through the potency of heartfelt aspirations.
Drawing comfort from the Buddhist teachings I’ve had the privilege to study, I want to share an enduring aspiration prayer. Held dear by many Tibetan practitioners through time, it was voiced by the revered saint, Thangtong Gyalpo.
During a time of intense conflict in the Minyak region of Dokham, when it seemed no resolution was in sight, Thangtong Gyalpo arrived at the center of great unrest. With an enlightened heart, he recited a potent prayer that resulted in bountiful harvests and brought an end to that conflict. This profound recitation had instilled a sense of loving-kindness in its listeners, beckoning forth excellence and unity across the land.
May we all find solace in the wisdom of such heartfelt aspirations, using them to usher in a world of peace and compassion.
–dpr
TRUE WORDS TO EASE THE FEARS OF STRIFE
The Vajra Speech of the Mahāsiddha, Thangtong Gyalpo
OṂ MAṆI PADME HŪṂ HRĪḤ
Victor of great maitri; supreme, noble Avalokita;
Fierce king, Hayagrīva; venerable Tārā; and so on—
Merely hearing your names dispels all fears.
Fields of refuge, embodiments of compassion, please think of us.
For those who live in the age of dispute, rife with the five degenerations,
The great sea of negative karma and jealousy surges;
When beings are beset by intense sufferings of conflict,
Please dry up that sea with the fire of your wisdom and compassion.
When the inferno of aggression blazes amongst beings,
Send down a tremendous rain, the amṛita of great loving-kindness.
Grant your blessing they come to see each other like parents,
And, through this, that well-being, joy, and auspiciousness increase.
The very instant one’s mind is infiltrated by bhūtas,
One’s thoughts are rendered similar to those of a jealous god.
May the throngs of these malevolent spirits be defeated;
Henceforth may they no longer stir in this place.
May all sentient beings who have died in wars,
From now on, disown all negative karma—causes and results.
May they magically take birth in Sukhāvatī;
Please guide everyone to that pure realm.
May all the diverse hosts of beings live long, free of illness;
Their conflicts fully pacified, may they engage the ten virtues.
May the rains be timely and crops and cattle ever flourish.
Please increase auspiciousness for the vessel and contents.
By the natural dharmatā, perfect purity,
By the appearing dharma, undeceiving cause and effect,
And by the gurus’, yidams’, and three jewels’ compassion,
May these perfectly pure aspirations be vastly accomplished.
Under the guidance of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, and based on explanations by Alak Zenkar Rinpoche, translated by Tyler Dewar of the Nitartha Translation Network, November-December 2019. © 2019 Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche and Tyler Dewar.