During these trying times, I feel it is of the utmost importance to remember our faith. It becomes far easier to forgo our daily tasks and rituals as we hunker down and complacency sets in. Here’s how I start my day…
My recitations…
The 8 fold path
Right understanding
Right thought
Right speech
Right action
Right livelihood
Right effort
Right mindfulness
Right concentration
The 4 noble truths
Life is suffering
There is a cause for that suffering
The cessation of suffering is attainable
There is a path to that cessation
Refuge vows
I take refuge in the Buddha
I take refuge in the Dharma
I take refuge in the Sangha
Bodhisattva vow (delivered by the Dalai Lama)
“For as long as space endures
and as long as living beings remain
until then may I too abide to
dispel the misery of the world”
Pay homage
Namo Shakyamuni buddha
Namo Shakyamuni buddha
Namo Shakyamuni buddha
Asking for Blessings
Lord Buddha please grant your blessings…
This is how I begin my day and I believe it is so important during the current battles being waged that we adhere to our faith and keep our eyes on the prize. That all sentient being be relieved from suffering. Of course this is not just limited to Buddhism. It is important to maintain your faith regardless of your path.
As my adopted father once said to me, “Though our paths may be different, the end result is all the same”. ~ Spotted Turtle, Grandfather of the Abenaki Nation.
