As earth and the other elements, together with space,
Eternally provide sustenance in many ways for countless sentient beings,
So may I become sustenance in every way for sentient beings
To the limits of space, until all have attained nirvana.

As the sugatas of old gave birth to the bodhicitta
And progressively established themselves in the training of a bodhisattva,
So I too, for the benefit of beings, shall give birth to the bodhicitta
And progressively train myself in that discipline.

At this moment my birth has become fruitful; I have realized my human life.
Today I am born into the family of the buddhas; now I am a child of the buddhas.
From now on I will forthrightly perform the actions befitting my family.
I will act so as not to degrade the faultlessness and discipline of my family.

Just as with a blind man finding a jewel in a heap of dust,
Thus, somehow, bodhicitta has been born in me.
This is the supreme amrita which destroys death,
The inexhaustible treasure which removes the world’s poverty.

It is the supreme medicine which cures the world’s sickness,
The tree which provides rest for beings weary of wandering on the paths of existence.
It is the universal bridge on which all travelers may pass over the lower realms,
The rising moon of mind which dispels the torment of kleshas.

It is the great sun which puts an end to the obscurity of ignorance,
The pure butter which comes of churning the milk of the holy dharma.
For travelers wandering the paths of existence seeking happiness from objects of enjoyment,
It is the supreme bliss near at hand, the great feast which satisfies sentient beings.

Today, witnessed by all protectors, I have welcomed sentient beings and sugatas.
Devas and asuras rejoice!

translated by the Nalanda Translation Committee