Tibetan Buddhists often end their daily prayer practice with a “dedication prayer.” The basic idea is that praying and other Buddhist practices are good actions that generate merit. The merit can lead to many positive outcomes, such as a better next life, or a good long life, or as the seed of enlightenment. In the dedication prayer, we are asking that the good merit generated from our practice be directed specifically to enlightenment for all beings.

Video: Learn How to Pronounce Two Common Tibetan Dedication of Merit Prayers

Nagarjuna’s Dedication of Merit Prayer

Sonam diyi tamchay zigpa nyi

Tobne nyepay dranam pam chenay

Kye ga na chi balap drukpa yi

Sipay tsole drowa drolpar sho

By this merit may all attain omniscience.

May it defeat the enemy, wrongdoing.

From the stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death;

From the ocean of samsara, may I free all beings!

Another Common Dedication of Merit Prayer

Gewa diyi nyurdu dag

Lama sanggye drupgyur nay

Drowa chigkyang malu pa

Kyekyi sala go par shog

By this virtue may I quickly

Attain the state of Guru Buddha, and then

Lead every being without exception

To that very state!

Both translations above are from Khandro.net

By Lobsang Wangdu