Wake Up and Laugh!

This is probably my favorite verse from this sutra. If I ever got a tattoo, this would be it. When I repeat this to myself, everything within me seems to settle down and find a calm place.

Like quietly flowing water,
may my heart always flow towards one mind.

I and my true self, together as one.
At this stage freely coming and going without a trace,
able to apply great unshakable wisdom,
using it without the least hindrance, as vast as an ocean.
Truly understand what this means.

The Great Compassion Dharani is my favorite section of The Thousand Hands Sutra! The entire text has such wonderful content, and is essentially an advanced guide to spiritual practice, but this section has a sense of poetry and rhythm that just calls out to me.

The Great Compassion Dharani

The profound ability within me
is awakened not by words,
but by the determination to save all beings

While we use the Dharma hall as a place to gather, it’s important to remember that we are the ones who carry around the true Buddha within us, wherever we go.

I take refuge in Buddha-nature,
my center, foundation, and teacher,
which transcends existence and nonexistence,
and through which enlightenment is attained.

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.