GATHAS

A blue iris for you!
An early version of the first gatha below was originally published in The Mindfulness Bell, journal of the Order of Interbeing. You may find it useful for any time of the day, but especially on first waking up.

The second gatha may be used in its entirety as a contemplation before a meal or only the first four lines may be used as a brief Christian-style grace before eating.



With every breath I take today,
I vow to be awake;

And every step I take,
I vow to take with a grateful heart--

So I may see with eyes of love
into the hearts of those I meet,

To ease their burden when I can
And cause no harm or grief.
This mind itself is Buddha.

The joys and pains of all beings are present
in the gift of this food.
Let us receive it in love
and gratitude...

And in mindfulness of our sisters and brothers
among living beings of every kind
who are hungry or homeless,
sick or injured,
or suffering in any way.

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Remember your breath -- it's a matter of life and death.