Gathas
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.
Turning on the Water
Water comes from high mountain sources.
Water runs deep in the Earth.
Miraculously, water comes to us and sustains all life.
My gratitude is filled to the brim.
Washing Your Hands
Water flows over these hands.
May I use them skillfully to preserve our precious planet.
Brushing Your Teeth
Brushing my teeth and rinsing my mouth, I vow to speak purely and lovingly.
When my mouth is fragrant with right speech, a flower blooms in the garden of my heart.
Looking in the Mirror
Awareness is a mirror reflecting the four elements.
Beauty is a heart that generates love and a mind that is open.
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.
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.
Before Eating
This food is the gift of the whole universe, the earth, the sky, and much hard work.
May we be worthy to receive it.
May we transform unskillful states of mind, especially the habit of eating without moderation.
May we take only foods that nourish us and prevent illness.
We accept this food to realize the path of understanding and love.
Holding the Empty Bowl
Looking at this bowl, I see how fortunate I am to have enough to eat to continue the practice.
Washing the Dishes
Washing the dishes is like bathing a baby Buddha.
The profane is the sacred.
Everyday mind is Buddha’s mind.
Smiling at Your Anger
Breathing in, I know that anger makes me not beautiful.
Breathing out, I smile.
I stay with my breathing so I won’t lose myself.
Drinking Tea
This cup of tea in my two hands, mindfulness held perfectly.
My mind and body dwell in the very here and now.
Watering the Plants
Don’t think you are cut off, dear plant.
This water comes to you from the Earth and sky.
You and I have been together since beginning less time.
Using the Telephone
Words can travel thousands of miles.
May my words create mutual understanding and love.
May they be as beautiful as gems, as lovely as flowers.
Driving a Car
Before starting the car I know where I am going.
The car and I are one.
If the car goes fast, I go fast.
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.
Turning on the Light
Forgetfulness is the darkness, mindfulness is the light.
I bring awareness to shine upon all life.
Sweeping
As I carefully sweep the ground of enlightenment, a tree of understanding springs up from the Earth.
Throwing Out the Garbage
In the garbage, I see a rose.
In the rose, I see compost.
Everything is in transformation.
Impermanence is life.
Laying in Bed
Resting in the ultimate dimension, using snowy mountains as a pillow and beautiful pink clouds as blankets.
Nothing is lacking.