Author: Chong Go Sunim

I found myself starting to crowd more verses on each post, so that we could get to The Great Compassion Dharani that much sooner. However, this verse stopped me in my tracks. Just two short lines, yet it doesn’t need anything else.

I take refuge in one mind,
the all embracing treasure of compassion.

Last Sunday, I posted the Early Morning Blessing, and so I thought I’d put up the Noon Blessing this Sunday. It turns out that the English gets really long! So instead of trying to do the entire thing in one very, very long post, I’ll break it up into four pieces, and post a section of it on Sundays. This is the first part of four. Like the Early Morning Blessing, this is usually chanted by the senior sunim present at the ceremony.
This is a great mix of the traditional blessing, as well as Daehaeng Kun Sunim’s emphasis on remembering our inherent connection with everything. Although this too doesn’t seem very “zen,” there is actually nothing more zen (or seon) than non-dual compassion for others.

All Buddhas throughout all realms,
all the limitless treasure-beings of one mind,
all the infinite Dharma net that connects all things,
both living and dead,
Please remember your great compassionate vows,
Please be present here today,
Please hear these intentions and offer your help.
Treasures of one mind,
may we always be present with your great compassion
may we always be one with this great energy of one mind,
may we always put this into practice,
throughout all aspects of our life.
May all the virtue we have accumulated since time immemorial
comfort those still trapped in suffering,
may it help those striving for enlightenment,
and may it lead all beings, all together,
to true freedom.
May this virtue help the entire world to be at peace,
may the great light of one mind shine brighter each day,
and may all beings far and wide encounter the Buddha’s teachings.
May these great teachings spread without cease,
may this land be at peace and harmony for generation after generation,
May the great light of the Buddha-dharma fill all realms.

Here at __________________________________
on this middle world called the Earth,
We raise the great intention that
within this country, everyone is at peace and safe,
that South and North Korea shall be peacefully reunified,
that all the world may be tranquil
that the Earth should be free of all great disasters.
Here at this temple where the reflection of our true mind
can be seen like the moon in pure water,
with the utmost sincerity, with these pure offerings,
We raise the intention that all Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis, Shramanera,
Shramaneri, and postulates here at this temple are all healthy and safe.
May each and every layman, laywoman,
and child attending this ceremony be healthy and safe.

I take refuge in one mind,
free of all forms and shapes
it is able to become anything.
Like the love of a Bodhisattva,
the thoughts one mind gives rise to
embrace everything throughout all realms.

I take refuge in one mind,
it guides all life to the bright path,
which is neither longer nor shorter,
sooner nor later.

I take refuge in one mind,
always protecting us,
it enriches us
and gives us the taste of the Dharma.

I take refuge in one mind,
with a single thought
transcending time and space,
it nurtures all.

I take refuge in one mind,
endlessly giving light to all.

If you want, try reciting one verse in the morning, and the other in the afternoon.

I take refuge in one mind,
with all-embracing harmony
it saves all beings everywhere.

I take refuge in one mind,
which completely looks after all beings
throughout the world and universe.

It’s not bad to remind ourselves that it’s not “me” that’s doing things.

I take refuge in one mind, with a thousand hands
it ceaselessly takes care of all things.

I take refuge in one mind, remaining just as it is
it ceaselessly takes care of all things.

This is the Morning Blessing, recited by the senior sunim attending the morning ceremony. It’s very close to the traditional version, so not as “zen” as some might prefer, but it’s still a great text, and its message and the direction are still very good for people.

Lighting candles and offering incense
before the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha,
every morning and evening,
May the heavens and the Earth be peaceful,
may warfare and violence disappear
may the land be calm and stable
and the Dharma Wheel always turning.

In this and all future lives,
wherever they may take place,
let me always reside with the great wisdom, the Prajna wisdom
and never step back from this,
so that I may attain the brave wisdom of Sakyamuni Buddha,
so that I may attain the great enlightenment of Vairocana Buddha,
so that I may attain the great wisdom of Manjusri,
so that I may attain the great ability of Samantabhadra to manifest and act,
so that I may attain the great ability of Ksitigarbha to reach out across the world,
so that I may attain the 32 manifestations of Avalokitesvara.
May I attain all of these abilities
so that, without any thought of doing,
I can manifest across the world
and help lead unenlightened beings out of suffering.
Upon hearing my name, may all those still trapped
in the three evil paths
obtain relief from their suffering,
and may those who see my appearance
attain true freedom.

May I help all beings see the path,
may I free them even though it takes a thousand eons,
so that they can grow and move forward,
and all attain the state of great liberation,
where there are no unenlightened beings,
nor Buddhas to save them.
May our temple be serene and at peace,
may all worry and sadness come to an end here.
May this great place of practice be forever untouched by disasters.
May the infinite ability of one mind protect this place of the Buddha, Dharma,
and Sangha.
May the infinite light of one mind always shine within this place.
May even the lowest worm evolve and reach the other shore.
May we throughout all time fulfill the roles of a Bodhisattva.
May we utterly, completely, thoroughly
attain the essence of the Buddha’s teachings.
May we all attain complete and ultimate wisdom.

Homage to Shakyamuni Buddha
Homage to Shakyamuni Buddha
Homage to to my inherent teacher,
which took the form of Shakyamuni Buddha

I take refuge in Buddha and one mind, which encompasses the endless universe and all things with life and without.

Try to recite these once or twice a day, three times or more. Just let them sink down within you. Reciting them in the morning helps set the course for your day, and reciting them at night sets the course for your dreams! (Probably! Lol.)

Through one mind I take refuge in Buddha, who watches over and takes care of all material and nonmaterial realms.