Ceremony Of Beginning Anew

 Ceremony of Beginning Anew of Sangha Gathering January 4,2011

 

Incense Offering * Opening Bell and Gatha * Sitting Meditation

 

Beginning Anew

With all our heart we go for refuge to the Enlightened Ones,

Turning to the Buddhas in the Ten directions,

 and to all Self-achieved teachers in every tradition.

We ask that a balm of clear water will be poured on our afflictions

And that a raft of true teachings

Will carry us over the ocean of sorrows.              

                  Let us begin anew.   (BELL)

We vow to live an awakened life,

To practice smiling and conscious breathing,

To study the teachings, authentically transmitted,

And to diligently live in mindfulness.

                                     Let us begin anew.   (BELL)

We come back now to live in the wonderful present,

To plant our heart’s garden with good seeds,

To make strong foundations of understanding and love,

To train ourselves in mindfulness and concentration,

To look deeply into the nature of all that is,

So as to be free of the bonds of birth and death.

                            Let us begin anew.   (BELL)

We aspire to speak lovingly,

To care for others whether it is early morning or late afternoon,

To bring the roots of joy to many places,

Helping people to abandon sorrow,

And to respond to life with gratitude.

                            Let us begin anew.   (BELL)

With deep faith we light up the incense of our heart,

We are thankful for parents, teachers, family, and friends

Who show us the way.

We ask the Lord of Compassion to be our protector

On the wonderful path of practice.

We vow to practice diligently, cultivating the fruits of this path.

                         Let us begin anew.  (3BELLS)

Offering the Benefit