Gathas for practicing at home

Walking Meditation 

The mind can go in a thousand directions,

but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace.

With each step, a cool wind blows.

With each step, a flower blooms.

Entering the Meditation Room 

Entering the meditation room,

I see my true self

As I sit down,

I vow to cut off all disturbances

Inviting the Bell 

Body, speech and mind in perfect oneness

I send my heart along with the sound of the bell

May the hearers awaken from forgetfulness

and transcend all anxiety and sorrow

​

Impermanence 

The day is ending and

our life is one day shorter.

Let us look carefully at what we have done.

Let us practice diligently,

putting our whole heart into the path of meditation.

Let us live deeply each moment and in freedom,

so the time doesn’t slip away meaninglessly.

​

Listening to the Bell 

May the sound of this bell

penetrates deeply into the cosmos

In even the darkest places,

may living beings hear it clearly

so that understanding may light up their hearts

and without hardship, they may transcend

the realms of birth and death

Letting Go 

Hearing the bell,

I am able to let go of all afflictions

My heart is calm

My sorrows ended

I am no longer bound to anything

I learn to listen to my suffering

and the suffering of the other person

When understanding is born in me,

compassion is also born

Smiling at Your Anger

Breathing in, I feel my anger

Breathing out, I smile.

I stay with my breathing

so I won’t lose myself.

​

Lighting a Candle 

Lighting this candle,

Offering the light to countless Buddhas,

the peace and the joy I feel

brighten the face of the Earth

Offering Incense 

In gratitude we offer this incense

to all Buddhas and bodhisattvas

throughout space and time

May it be as fragrant as Earth herself,

reflecting our careful efforts.

our wholehearted awareness,

and the fruit of understanding, slowly ripening

May we and all beings be companions

of Buddhas and boddhisattvas

May we awaken from forgetfulness

and realize our true home.

Sitting Down 

Sitting here is like sitting under a Bodhi tree.

My body is mindfulness itself, free from all distraction.

Calming the Breath 

Breathing in, I calm my body.

Breathing out, I smile.

Dwelling in the present moment,

I know this is a wonderful moment!

In, Out

Deep, Slow

Calm, Ease

Smile, Release

Present Moment, Wonderful Moment

Adjusting Posture 

Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky.

Conscious breathing is my anchor.

Greeting Someone

A lotus for you, a Buddha to be.

Drinking Tea 

This cup of tea in my two hands,

mindfulness held perfectly.

My mind and body dwell

in the very here and now.

Waking Up 

Waking up this morning, I smile.

Twenty-four brand new hours are before me.

I vow to live fully in each moment and

to look at beings with eyes of compassion.

Morning Meditation 

The Dharmakaya is bringing morning light

Sitting still, my heart is at peace

I smile

This is a new day

I vow to go through it in awareness

The sun of wisdom will shine everywhere

Taking the First Steps of the Day 

Walking on the Earth is a miracle!

Each mindful step reveals the wondrous Dharmakaya.

Stepping out of Bed 

If today I inadvertently step on a small insect,

may it not suffer too much.

May it be liberated.

Homage to the Bodhisattva of the Land of Great Happiness.