Prayers and advice to prevent violence

Amid the heightened rhetoric of a political season, we may hear words that seem to threaten violence, and may be at a loss for how to help.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche has given teachings on how to respond to violence, as well as how to guard our minds when we think about the defeat or destruction of those we dislike.

We offer here some links to his advice and to prayers he suggests to prevent violence.

Prayer to Prevent War. Rinpoche gave this teaching on September 11, 2001, and suggested saying this prayer at that time.

Rinpoche also offered advice to a school principal on how to prevent violence in the school. This advice an apply to adults too!

When the election is over, one side will have cause to rejoice, another side to lament. Rinpoche gives advice about the danger of negative rejoicing.

Another prayer of benefit is the Golden Light Sutra. The benefits from reciting, listening to, or even hearing the name of the sutra are immeasurable, from eliminating conflict, terrorism, torture and famine to achieving full enlightenment. The sutra is quite long, but Rinpoche advises that reading even a few lines daily is very beneficial.

You can download this sutra to read, receive the oral transmission of the sutra from Rinpoche, read about the benefits of reciting it and explore other resources here.