“Whether it is for peace in the world, peace within our families, or harmony in our own body and mind, prayer has an inconceivable power.”
This World Is Not at Peace
Sometimes, when we watch the news and see so many disasters happening in the world, we cannot help but feel that people truly need to pray together to Guru Padmasambhava.
When earthquakes, tsunamis, and other disasters occur, if people pray together with sincere hearts, such prayers can indeed help dispel certain calamities. We have seen on television that, in the face of disaster, people are filled with deep grief. Many rescue workers write their names, blood types, phone numbers of family members, and other personal information on their arms, in case something unexpected happens. Before the forces of nature, human life is truly very fragile.
This world is filled with all kinds of suffering: war, earthquakes, illness, and many forms of inner unrest. Today, many young people may not be facing any disaster outwardly, yet within their hearts, a hurricane is raging.
When we face all kinds of disasters, it is best to calm our minds and pray to Guru Padmasambhava with one-pointed devotion. Whether it is for peace in the world, peace within our families, or harmony in our own body and mind, prayer has an inconceivable power.
This power sounds pale when described in words, and written language can hardly express it. Yet through such prayer, when great disasters arise that human beings are unable to withstand, our suffering and fear can indeed be dispelled.
To Live in Peace Is the Greatest Success
Besides the Seven-Line Prayer, the Guru Rinpoche Mantra also carries tremendous blessings and merit.
On a vast level, it can bring peace and happiness to all sentient beings. On a smaller level, it can help our people and our families live in safety, harmony, and happiness. On an even more personal level, it can help us maintain physical and mental well-being, keep our minds peaceful, and prevent obstacles from arising in our life and work.
Once, a journalist asked Khenpo Sodargye, "What is your greatest success?"
Khenpo replied, "That I have been able to live safely until today."
This is truly how Khenpo feels in his heart.
The fact that we are still alive today, that we have not lost our lives amid so many disasters, is already something extremely fortunate.
Contributing to Peace
All the disasters and unrest in the world arise through causes and conditions. Some of these causes and conditions can be removed through prayer. Therefore, for the sake of all suffering beings throughout the world, so that they may be free from suffering and obtain happiness, we should pray together to Guru Padmasambhava.
There are so many people in this world. If everyone could have a sincere heart, free from distraction and selfish thoughts, then each of us would be able to do something within our capacity—for ourselves, for our families, for our countries, and even for the whole world.
In this world, many people pass away before they should; many fall ill when they should not have to suffer so deeply. Because their merit and supporting conditions are insufficient, they experience immense pain and hardship.
As Mahayana Buddhists, when we read the life stories of Shakyamuni Buddha and the bodhisattvas, we see how they dedicated themselves to the welfare of sentient beings. Although we may not be able to do exactly what they did, we still have the responsibility to pray sincerely and practice sincerely, according to our own capacity.
I hope that all of you will often pray to Guru Padmasambhava and to all the buddhas and bodhisattvas of the ten directions. As long as we make the effort, the power of each and every one of us is inconceivable.
Even if there are not many people, even if there is just one sincere person praying for their country, that power is still inconceivable.
In The Benefits of the Guru Rinpoche Mantra, it is said that whether on a mountain or in a village, whoever recites or even sees the Guru Rinpoche Mantra will directly or indirectly dispel many disasters and much suffering.
Continue Learning: Teachings of Guru Rinpoche
To learn more about Guru Padmasambhava and the power of prayer, blessings, and spiritual practice, we invite you to explore this playlist:
▶ Teachings of Guru Rinpoche
https://fl-test.nectarocean.com/all-teachings?type=courses&seriesSub=teachings-of-guru-rinpoche