Shantideva's Prayer

May I protect, ev'ry one who needs protection.
May I guide, ev'ryone who needs direction,
and be a boat, a raft, a bridge,
for ev'ryone who yearns to cross the tide,
to cross the tide.

May I be a candle that illuminates.
A resting place for all who must recuperate,
and be a medicine, a magic wish fulfilling gem,
to answer ev'ry need,
every need.

For so many people ev'rywhere,
hungering in restless dreams.
May I bring nourishment to spare,
May I bring awakening.

And for you if you're caught in sorrow and in tears
And for you, if you're caught in suffering and fears,
may I endure, like Earth and sky,
until all people know awakening,
awakening.

May I protect ev'ry one who needs protection.
May I guide ev'ryone who needs direction,
and be a boat, a raft, a bridge,
for ev'ryone who yearns to cross the tide,
to come to safety on the other side.