71. Preparation for Generating Bodhicitta VI — Requesting the Teachers Not to Pass into Nirvana
Longchen Nyingtik Meditation 71
The Beginning
Take refuge and arouse bodhicitta.
The Main Part
Think that in this and other world systems, the buddhas, bodhisattvas and gurus who, having completed their work of benefiting others, are ready to enter nirvana. Then, like the layman Cunda supplicated the Buddha in the past, imagine that your body multiplies exponentially and that trillions and trillions of you entreat together to the buddhas, bodhisattvas and Dharma masters. You beseech them that until samsara is emptied, they may remain in the world and benefit sentient beings. Recite prayers according to scriptures, such as the following:
Joining my palms together, I pray
To you who intend to pass into nirvana,
Remain, for eons as many as the atoms in this world,
And bring well-being and happiness to all living beings.
Reminder
If circumstances allow, appear in person and request your teacher to remain in the world. If this can’t be done, then recite the above prayer every day. The blessing of the Three Jewels is inconceivable. Time and again when such prayers were made, many eminent masters changed their minds and lived on for many more years.
Nonetheless, in this degenerate era, the multifarious improper behaviors of the obdurate sentient beings or the ungrateful attitude of disciples is enough to dishearten great masters that many choose to pass into nirvana. Therefore, entreating teachers not to pass into nirvana is critical and very meritorious.
The Ending
Dedicate the merit in emptiness, free from mental constructions and fabrications.
