Prayer of Shantideva

Shantideva (7th–8th century CE) is one of the most important masters of Mahayana Buddhism. At Nalanda University, his fellow students mocked him as "lazy". The texts tell that he spent his nights in practice and for this reason during the day he was only seen eating and sleeping. On one occasion, he was asked to present his knowledge, to which he replied by asking whether they wanted him to recite some Sutra of the Buddha or to give a teaching himself. His audience, half amazed and half mocking, asked him to speak on his own account. The monk surprised his audience and, with exquisite eloquence, recited the verses, arranged in ten chapters, that would make up the Bodhicharyavatara.

In this magnificent text, Shantideva sets out the exemplary path to be followed by every practitioner of Mahayana. This book is an excellent exposition of the guidelines to follow for the bodhisattva: one who commits to remaining in the ocean of samsara until all beings reach ultimate enlightenment.

We leave you with an excerpt from this book that delights us. You can find a brilliant edition published by Siruela. We hope to have the opportunity to reflect with you soon on El camino del Bodhisattva at Casa Virupa.

May beings who anywhere are tormented by the sufferings of body and mind obtain an ocean of happiness and joy, through the merit of my virtues. May no creature suffer, nor commit wrongs, nor fall ill; may no one be afraid or be despised, nor have a mind overwhelmed by depression. May the blind see forms, and the deaf hear sounds. May those whose bodies are exhausted by effort be restored as they find rest. May the naked find clothing, the hungry food, the thirsty water and delicious drinks. May the poor find riches; those weakened by grief, joy; the despairing, hope, lasting happiness and prosperity. May rain fall in due time and harvests be abundant; may all medicines be effective and may wholesome prayers bear fruit. May all the sick be quickly freed from their ailments. May none of the diseases that exist in the world ever arise again. May those who are frightened cease to be afraid; and may those without freedom be released. May the weak find strength, and may everyone think of benefiting one another. As long as space endures and there are beings, until then may I too remain to dispel the suffering of the world.