Will and Power

Yutang Lin

Karmic hindrances entangles one
Wishing to compensate through accumulation of merits
Is it better to dedicate the merits only to oneself
Or to the full enlightenment of all sentient beings

Were it dedicated only to one's well-being
Trickle of merits could hardly offset karmic debts of many past lives
Once it had been dedicated to Bodhi
Merits scarce yet contain huge powers
　　Because they are in accord with Buddhas' merciful vows
　　And thereby inspire protectors' support and protection

One's strength is for sure insufficient
Nevertheless one's wishes may expand and embrace infinitely
Because those who are capable of universal salvation are
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of boundless wisdom, compassion and power
As to our great wishes
They serve only as earnest pleading on behalf of all sentient beings

First of all, dedicate merits to the enlightenment of all beings
Then one may mention personal problems and requests
Thus the supplication will certainly win Buddhas' compassionate blessing
And achieve improvements on both fronts

Written in Chinese on December 3, 2007
Translated on December 7, 2007
El Cerrito, California

---

[Home][Back to list][Back to Chinese versions]