Pearls of Wisdom:
A Prayer for New Year’s Eve
Fo Guang Shan International Translation Center
©All rights reserved.
Written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Recorded by Amanda Ling
– 1 –
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
Today is the last day of the year.
Within this year, I have tasted the bitter and the sweet of life.
Within this year, I have taken a deeper look at myself.
And within this year, I have felt the strength of your presence.
– 2 –
Oh Buddha!
During the past year,
I floundered in everyday attachments and cares.
Due to ignorance, I often fell into the ocean of karma.
Rejecting honest advice from well-meaning friends,
– 3 –
I missed good opportunities.
And though comprehending the lessons of my teachers,
I remained confused.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
Before you, I sincerely repent my unwholesome karma.
– 4 –
I wish to make amends for the past,
And cultivate the Dharma in my future.
Through the virtue of your teachings,
May my ignorance disappear with the passing of the year.
May my repentance cause my heart to blossom.
– 5 –
May my humility cause my wisdom to take root.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
From this day forward,
I vow to still the winds of ignorance with Truth,
Extinguish the fires of anger with tenderness,
– 6 –
Hold back the torrents of greed with joyous giving,
And level the mountains of arrogance with humility.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
The old year is receding to the sound of fireworks,
– 7 –
While a new year dawns to the soft chanting of the Buddhas’ names.
For any misconduct in the past,
I sincerely kneel down before you,
Praying to you in gratitude for the compassionate heart Of your teachings.
– 8 –
Praying to you in gratitude for inspiring a new beginning.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha,
Please accept my sincere and joyful prayer!
Oh great, compassionate Buddha,
Please accept my sincere and joyful prayer!
~ End ~