Venerable Zasep Rinpoche, Spiritual Director of Gaden for the West, is known for the clarity of his profound Buddhist teachings, many of which are found in Buddha Weekly’s YouTube Channel. To honour his kindness in offering these teachings, Buddha Weekly offers this tribute and long-life prayer video, based on the Long Life Prayer to Zasep Rinpoche Immortal Rain written by the great Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche (previous incarnation).

 

Titled Immortal Rain, Rinpoche’s student Irina Safona asked Peter Haeder to sing the long life prayer. We adapted the beautiful prayer and music to a video portraying some of Rinpoche’s wonderful life, from child to eminent teacher and spiritual director to the various centers of Gaden For the West.

• See our interview with Venerable Zasep Rinpoche here>>

Rinpoche streams open live teachings on Gaden for the Wests’ Youtube Channel, 2pm Pacific Time, 5pm Eastern Time every Sunday. Past teachings can be found on the Buddha Weekly Youtube Channel>>

Below are the original translated lyrics by HH Trijang Rinpoche (the song version is in captions in the video):

“Immortal Rain” Long-Life Prayer for Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche

Wisdom of all the Buddhas, eternal adamantine nature,
clad in the three maroon robes and displaying the marks of perfection,
Lobsang Gyalwa Tsedzin (Tsongkapa), benefactor of life,
Please grant the joyous occasion for the attainment of immortality, Here and now!
Lobsang Tenzin Gyalsten (Zasep Rinpoche), Treasure of knowledge ofJamgon’s (Tsongkapa’s) noble heritage and wish-fulfilling power; Concerned solely with upholding the Dharma in both theory and practice, You please all the infinite Buddhas immensely,
Oh, learned propagator and holy teacher, please stay firmly with us!
The pure white light of your peerless wisdom
Reveals the bountiful jasmine garden of Dharma’s precepts and training. May your smile, like full moon in a night in ‘the autumn,
Shine undiminished until the end of existence.
Bodhisattva Lobsang Tenzin Gyalsten,
Please remain firmly with us!
Though the pernicious mind, like an elephant, is difficult to tame, You have controlled it with the sharp hook of mental alertness. Never crossing beyond the rules of Vinaya,
May you. Reverend Elder, truly live long!
Explaining in detail through exacting discernment,
The lapis-lazuli lineage of the Sutras and Tantras,
In well-spoken rhymes of complete perfection,
May your melodious tones always proclaim the Scriptures and grace the ears of we fortunate ones!
Thus the teachings of Father Jampal Nyingpo (Tsongkhapa), are like a wick in a lamp of refined molten gold,
May you through your life of purity and goodness,
Be one who raises its flame higher and higher,
and ever remain steadfastly with us!
By the compassion of the Triple Gem and the ocean of Conquerors; By the power of the Dharma Protectors long-trusted and honoured; By the true strength of unequivocal causal interdependence;
May the purpose of this prayer be accomplished,
Spontaneously and without hindrance!