Calling the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas

Dharma talk given by Lama Matthew Rice April 29th, 2018.

Calling the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas

Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, think of us. Behold us from the place of great bliss on the crown of our head Bring us to meet the very face of the dharmakaya, The awareness of our true nature, And in this very life, bring us to complete enlightenment.

Alas, sentient beings like ourselves, who have committed negative actions, Wander in samsara from beginningless time. Still experiencing endless suffering. We do not feel even an instant of repentance. Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, think of us, behold us swiftly with compassion. Bless us that renunciation arises from the depth of our heart.

We conceal within ourselves a mountain of faults; Yet, we put down others and broadcast their shortcomings, Though they be minute as a sesame seed. Though we have not the slightest good qualities, We boast saying how great we are We have the label of Dharma practitioners, but practice only non-Dharma. Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, think of us, behold us swiftly with compassion. Bless us that we lose our pride and self-centeredness.

We conceal within the demon of ego-clinging that always brings us to ruin. All of our thoughts cause kleshas to increase All of our actions haven on-virtuous results. We have not even turned towards the path of liberation Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, think of us, behold us swiftly with compassion Bless us that grasping onto a self be uprooted.

A little praise makes us happy; a little blame makes us sad. With a few harsh words, we lose the armor of our patience. Even if we see those who are destitute, no compassion arises. When there is an opportunity to be generous, we are tied in knots by greed. Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, think of us, behold us swiftly with compassion. Bless us that our mind be one with the Dharma.

Although we have taken refuge, engendered bodhichitta and made prayers, Devotion and compassion have not arisen in the depths of our being. Dharma activity and the practice of virtue have turned into hollow words; Our empty achievements are many but none have moved our mind Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, think of us, behold us swiftly with compassion. Bless us that whatever we do is in harmony with the Dharma.

Bless us that repentance arises from deep within. Bless us that our path becomes free of obstacles. Bless us that we are able to exert ourselves in practice. Bless us that we bring difficult situations onto the path. Bless us that we see the very face of the minds true nature. Bless us that we achieve enlightenment in one lifetime.