As You
Let go
Of control
And are no longer
Frozen in time
The joy of your being
Will return like the serenity of nature
Melting mountain snow
To be once again
In the spring
Of the
Eternal
Flow
For
Forever
Frets not
To and fro
As it is only love which it knows
And in your silence
It is there
Where you
Will
Go
~ Silent lotus
Here’s a beautiful lovingkindness chant from the Theravadin tradition that I first came across while on retreat at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts.
This kind of chant can be a meditation in its own right. As you learn the meaning it becomes a series of reflections and aspirations which help retrain the mind. Even when you don’t understand the meaning fully it can be a mindfulness practice which helps us develop calm and focus. And also, as long as you’re chanting these Pali words you won’t be doing so much of that tiresome thinking that causes worry, stress, anger, etc.
It comes with a very pleasant lilting tune, and here is a version of the traditional Pali chant, by the Venerable Ariya Ñana.
http://www.wildmind.org/audio/Ariya-Nani-metta-chant.mp3
And as an added bonus, here’s a modern setting of the metta chant by Imee Ooi, a self-taught composer and arranger who is classically trained in piano and has done numerous musical works for television networks in and out of Malaysia.
http://www.wildmind.org/audio/metta.mp3
Aham avero homi May I be free from enmity and danger
abyapajjho homi May I be free from mental suffering
anigha homi May I be free from physical suffering
sukhi attanam pariharami May I take care of my own happiness
Mama matapitu May my parents
acariya ca natimitta ca teacher, family, and friends
sabrahmacarino ca fellow Dhamma farers
avera hontu be free from enmity and danger
abyapajjha hontu be free from mental suffering
anigha hontu be free from physical suffering
sukhi attanam pariharant may they take care of their own happiness
Imasmim arame sabbe yogino May all meditators in this place
avera hontu be free from enmity and danger
abyapajjha hontu be free from mental suffering
anigha hontu be free from physical suffering
sukhi attanam pariharantu May they take care of their own happiness
Imasmim arame sabbe bhikkhu May all monks in this place
samanera ca and novice monks
upasaka – upasikaya ca laymen and laywomen disciples
avera hontu be free from enmity and danger
abyapajjha hontu be free from mental suffering
anigha hontu be free from physical suffering
sukhi – attanam pariharantu May they take care of their own happiness
Amhakam catupaccaya – dayaka May our donors of the four supports: clothing, food, medicine and lodging
avera hontu be free from enmity and danger
abyapajjha hontu be free from mental suffering
anigha hontu be free from physical suffering
sukhi – attanam pariharantu May they take care of their own happiness
Amhakam arakkha devata May our guardian devas
Ismasmim vihare in this monastery
Ismasmim avase in this dwelling
Ismasmim arame in this compound
arakkha devata May the guardian devas
avera hontu be free from enmity and danger
abyapajjha hontu be free from mental suffering
anigha hontu be free from physical suffering
sukhi – attanam pariharantu may they take care of their own happiness
Sabbe satta May all beings
sabbe pana all breathing things
sabbe bhutta all creatures
sabbe puggala all individuals (all beings)
sabbe attabhava – pariyapanna all personalities (all beings with mind and body)
sabbe itthoyo may all females
sabbe purisa all males
sabbe ariya all noble ones (awakened beings)
sabbe anariya all worldlings (those yet to attain awakening)
sabbe deva all devas (deities)
sabbe manussa all humans
sabbe vinipatika all those in the woeful planes
avera hontu be free from enmity and dangers
abyapajjha hontu be free from mental suffering
anigha hontu be free from physical suffering
sukhi attanam pariharantu may they take care of their own happiness
Dukkha muccantu May all being be free from suffering
Yattha-laddha-sampattito mavigacchantu May whatever they have gained not be lost
Kammassaka All beings are owners of their own Kamma
Purathimaya disaya in the eastern direction
pacchimaya disaya in the western direction
uttara disaya in the northern direction
dakkhinaya disaya in the southern direction
purathimaya anudisaya in the southeast direction
pacchimaya anudisaya in the northwest direction
uttara anudisaya in the northeast direction
dakkhinaya anudisaya in the southwest direction
hetthimaya disaya in the direction below
uparimaya disaya in the direction above
Sabbe satta May all beings
sabbe pana all breathing things
sabbe bhutta all creatures
sabbe puggala all individuals (all beings)
sabbe attabhava – pariyapanna all personalities (all beings with mind and body)
sabbe itthoyo may all females
sabbe purisa all males
sabbe ariya all noble ones (awakened beings)
sabbe anariya (those yet to attain awakening)
sabbe deva all devas (deities)
sabbe manussa all humans
sabbe vinipatika all those in the woeful planes
avera hontu be free from enmity and dangers
abyapajjha hontu be free from mental suffering
anigha hontu be free from physical suffering
sukhi attanam pariharantu may they take care of their own happiness
Dukkha muccantu May all beings be free from suffering
Yattha-laddha-sampattito mavigacchantu May whatever they have gained not be lost
Kammassaka All beings are owners of their own kamma
Uddham yava bhavagga ca As far as the highest plane of existence
adho yava aviccito to as far down as the lowest plane
samanta cakkavalesu in the entire universe
ye satta pathavicara whatever beings that move on earth
abyapajjha nivera ca may they be free of mental suffering and enmity
nidukkha ca nupaddava and from physical suffering and danger
Uddham yava bhavagga ca As far as the highest plane of existence
adho yava aviccito to as far down as the lowest plane
samanta cakkavalesu in the entire universe
ye satta udakecara whatever beings that move on water
abyapajjha nivera ca may they be free of mental suffering and enmity
nidukkha ca nupaddava and from physical suffering and danger
Uddham yava bhavagga ca As far as the highest plane of existence
adho yava aviccito to as far down as the lowest plane
samanta cakkavalesu in the entire universe
ye satta akasecara whatever beings that move in air
abyapajjha nivera ca may they be free of mental suffering and enmity
nidukkha ca nupaddava and from physical suffering and danger.
Source: http://www.wildmind.org
A Buddhist Memorial Service for the late upasaka Soy Oung, presided by the Maha Thera Sovannathera Hong Huy and Maha Thera Pañapadipo Sophal Pat Wat Ratanarangsey, Revere, Massachusetts United States of America, Saturday the 2nd Waning Moon of Āsāḷha B.E.2556, August 4, A.D.2012 Year of the Dragon
What makes the lotus flower so special?
The lotus flower is one of the most ancient and deepest symbols of our planet. The lotus flower grows in muddy water and rises above the surface to bloom with remarkable beauty. At night the flower closes and sinks underwater, at dawn it rises and opens again. Untouched by the impurity, lotus symbolizes the purity of heart and mind. The lotus flower represents long life, health, honor and good luck.
The lotus (Sanskrit and Tibetan padma) is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols and one of the most poignant representations of Buddhist teaching.
The roots of a lotus are in the mud, the stem grows up through the water, and the heavily scented flower lies pristinely above the water, basking in the sunlight. This pattern of growth signifies the progress of the soul from the primeval mud of materialism, through the waters of experience, and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment.
Though there are other water plants that bloom above the water, it is only the lotus which, owing to the strength of its stem, regularly rises eight to twelve inches above the surface.
According to the Lalitavistara, “the spirit of the best of men is spotless, like the lotus in the muddy water which does not adhere to it.”
According to another scholar, “in esoteric Buddhism, the heart of the beings is like an unopened lotus: when the virtues of the Buddha develop therein, the lotus blossoms; that is why the Buddha sits on a lotus bloom.”
The lotus is one of Buddhism’s best recognized motifs and appears in all kinds of Buddhist art across all Buddhist cultures. Scrolling lotuses often embellish Buddhist textiles, ceramics and architecture. Continue reading
• What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is a religion to about 300 million people around the world. The word comes from ‘budhi’, ‘to awaken’. It has its origins about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha, was himself awakened (enlightened) at the age of 35.
• Is Buddhism a Religion?
To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or ‘way of life’. It is a philosophy because philosophy ‘means love of wisdom’ and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:
(1) to lead a moral life,
(2) to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
(3) to develop wisdom and understanding.
• How Can Buddhism Help Me?
Buddhism explains a purpose to life, it explains apparent injustice and inequality around the world, and it provides a code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness.
• Why is Buddhism Becoming Popular?
Buddhism is becoming popular in western countries for a number of reasons, The first good reason is Buddhism has answers to many of the problems in modern materialistic societies. It also includes (for those who are interested) a deep understanding of the human mind (and natural therapies) which prominent psychologists around the world are now discovering to be both very advanced and effective.
• Who Was the Buddha?
Siddhartha Gotama was born into a royal family in Lumbini, now located in Nepal, in 563 BC. At 29, he realised that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, so he explored the different teachings religions and philosophies of the day, to find the key to human happiness. After six years of study and meditation he finally found ‘the middle path’ and was enlightened. After enlightenment, the Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Buddhism — called the Dhamma, or Truth — until his death at the age of 80.
• Was the Buddha a God?
He was not, nor did he claim to be. He was a man who taught a path to enlightenment from his own experience.
• Do Buddhists Worship Idols?
Buddhists sometimes pay respect to images of the Buddha, not in worship, nor to ask for favours. A statue of the Buddha with hands rested gently in its lap and a compassionate smile reminds us to strive to develop peace and love within ourselves. Bowing to the statue is an expression of gratitude for the teaching.
Continue reading
The Metta Bhavana is a meditation for developing lovingkindness.
“Bhavana” means “cultivation” or “development,” and “Metta” is a word that means “love,” “friendliness,” or “lovingkindness.” So this is a meditation practice where we actively cultivate some very positive emotional states towards others, as well as to ourselves.
This meditation practice helps us to bring more harmony into our relationships with others, so that we experience less conflicts, resolve existing difficulties, and deepen our connections with people we already get on with.
This meditation helps us to overcome anger, resentment, and hurt.
It helps us to empathize more, and to be more considerate, kind, and forgiving. We can also learn to appreciate others more, concentrating more on their positive qualities and less on their faults. We learn to be more patient.
In this meditation practice, we also cultivate Metta towards ourselves, so that we experience less internal conflict, and learn to appreciate ourselves more.
Source: http://www.wildmind.org
The Master views the parts with compassion, because he understands the whole.
(Tao Te Ching, Chapter 39)
THE ESSENCE
Wisdom and compassion are the essence of an enlightened life.
Wisdom and compassion are inextricably linked. They are two sides of the same coin. They are a unit. Separating them is an artificial, intellectual act.
When compassion is taken out of the equation, wisdom turns into worthless platitudes, which easily become destructive. Without compassion, wisdom degenerates into an escapist entanglement in concepts, theories and dogmas.
Wisdom is more than just cleverness plus compassion. It differs in quality to a point where it may seem to have little to do with cleverness. Sometimes, the actions of wise people seem to go against common sense. In fact, wise people often act in ways which are considered foolish by clever people.
The greatest love seems indifferent, the greatest wisdom seems childish.
(Tao Te Ching, Chapter 41)
They would, for example, sacrifice their own interests for the sake of others, or accept defeat, sometimes even their own destruction, when they had every chance of winning or escaping. They would refuse to speak in their own defense when it seems expedient to do so, or they would speak up when it means putting themselves in jeopardy. Often, wise people would ignore what seem like clever strategies, and choose suffering instead. Continue reading
A dharma talk from the Hsi Lai Temple
I am very grateful for the guidance of the Buddha which enables us to have such an outstanding cause and condition to listen to the Dharma in this time and space. Today, the topic that I will discuss is “the Buddhist perspective on time and space.”
Time travels from the past to the present; it spans the past, present, and future. Likewise, space covers hundreds and thousands of realms; it spreads across all ten directions. For most living beings, time and space are just like the act of breathing: we breathe every moment yet are not conscious of this action. Depending on our individual make-up, we all have different understandings about time and space. For example, certain insects live for a day and are contented; humans live to seventy and are still not satisfied. We all confine ourselves to our own limited slice of time and space. From the Buddhist perspective of samsara, the cycles of rebirth, the life span of all sentient beings is limitless. Not only is space without bounds, time is also endless and cannot be measured. If we penetrate the ultimate truth of time and space, we can be liberated from the space defined by the four directions of north, east, south, and west and emerge from the time cocoon of seconds, minutes, days, and months. We then will be in the dimension of total freedom, and we will be able to experience what is described in the saying, “Clear cool water everywhere; Prajna flowers every moment.”
I will now discuss the Buddhist perspective on time and space in four points.
I. The Time and Space for All Living Beings
The term “all living beings” includes not only human beings but also encompasses beings in the other five realms of existence: celestial beings, asuras, animals, hungry ghosts, and beings in the hell realm. What is the time and space for all living beings within the six realms of existence?
We will first talk about time. Continue reading
ព្រះត្រៃបិដក ប្រែថា កញ្រ្ចែង ឬ ល្អី ៣ សម្រាប់ដាក់ផ្ទុកពាក្យពេចន៍នៃព្រះសម្មាសម្ពុទ្ធ
The Tipitaka or Pali canon, is the collection of primary Pali language texts which form the doctrinal foundation of Theravada Buddhism. The three divisions of the Tipitaka are: Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, Abhidhamma Pitaka.
វចនានុក្រមសម្តេចសង្ឃ ជួន ណាត
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Listen to Khmer literature and Dhamma talk by His Holiness Jotannano Chuon Nath, Supreme Patriarch of Cambodia Buddhism.
Should anyone wish to ridicule me and make me an object of jest and scorn why should I possibly care if I have dedicated myself to others?
Let them do as they wish with me so long as it does not harm them. May no one who encounters me ever have an insignificant contact.
Regardless whether those whom I meet respond towards me with anger or faith, may the mere fact of our meeting contribute to the fulfilment of their wishes.
May the slander, harm and all forms of abuse that anyone should direct towards me act as a cause of their enlightenment.
As a solid rock is not shaken by the wind, so the wise are not shaken by blame and praise. As a deep lake is clear and calm, so the wise become tranquil after they listened to the truth…
Good people walk on regardless of what happens to them. Good people do not babble on about their desires. Whether touched by happiness or by sorrow, the wise never appear elated or depressed. ~The Dhammapada
