This pastoral prayer is adapted from prayers of Shantideva, an 8th century Buddhist monk and major source of inspiration to the Dalai Lama, who references the original prayer often. There are many translations, some of which contain the whole text; some of which do not. This is my particular riff today. Feel free to use it or adapt it yourself. Let me know when you do (you can leave a comment here). Proper attribution is most appreciated.
May I be a guard for those who need protection; when I seek protection, may I find it and share it.
For those who wish to cross to a further shore, may I be a boat, a raft, a bridge. May I be open to the companionship of others as I make my way to places still before me.
May I be a lamp in the darkness for all who seek it; may that light be never extinguished from my own sight and my own heart.
May I be a resting place for the weary and be healing medicine for all who are sick; may I know the salve of others for my own afflictions, whether of the body or of the mind, or of the heart.
Where others see scarcity, may I see a vase of plenty, a tree of miracles.
As part of the boundless multitudes of living beings, may I bring sustenance and awakening, freedom from sorrow, and may I delight in our common existence.
Holding most tenderly those with broken hearts, let us sit together in stillness.