Tibetan Buddhists often end their daily prayer practice with a “dedication prayer.” The basic idea is that praying and other Buddhist practices are good actions that generate merit. The merit can lead to many positive outcomes, such as a better next life, or a good long life, or as the seed of enlightenment. In the dedication prayer, we are asking that the good merit generated from our practice be directed specifically to enlightenment for all beings.
Video: Learn How to Pronounce Two Common Tibetan Dedication of Merit Prayers
Nagarjuna’s Dedication of Merit Prayer
Sonam diyi tamchay zigpa nyi
Tobne nyepay dranam pam chenay
Kye ga na chi balap drukpa yi
Sipay tsole drowa drolpar sho
By this merit may all attain omniscience.
May it defeat the enemy, wrongdoing.
From the stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death;
From the ocean of samsara, may I free all beings!
Another Common Dedication of Merit Prayer
Gewa diyi nyurdu dag
Lama sanggye drupgyur nay
Drowa chigkyang malu pa
Kyekyi sala go par shog
By this virtue may I quickly
Attain the state of Guru Buddha, and then
Lead every being without exception
To that very state!
Both translations above are from Khandro.net
Are you finding the course helpful?
With the intention of making this course accessible for everyone, especially during such uncertain and troubling times, we offer it to everyone at no cost. We earnestly hope that the lessons bring you benefit!
If you find the course helpful, and you have the means, we ask that you support our work preserving and nourishing Tibetan culture while helping people all over the world experience its joys.
Please make a contribution at a level you can afford here >>
Leave a Reply