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 all beings with eyes of compassion.

Turning on the Water

Water flows from high in the mountains.

Water runs deep in the Earth.

Miraculously, water comes to us, and sustains all life.

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.

Getting Dressed

Putting on these clothes,

I am grateful to those who made them

and to the materials from which they were made.

I wish everyone could have enough to wear.

Hearing the Bell

Listen, listen, this wonderful sound

brings me back to my true self.

Hugging Meditation

Breathing in, I am so happy to hug you.

Breathing out, I know you are real and alive in my arms.

Walking Meditation

The mind can go in a thousand directions.

But on this beautiful path,

I walk in peace.

With each step, a gentle wind blows.

With each step, a flower blooms.

Entering the Meditation Room

Entering the meditation room, I see my true mind.

I vow that once I sit down, all disturbances will stop.

Adjusting Meditation Posture

Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky.

Conscious breathing is my anchor.

Following the Breath

Breathing in, I calm my body.

Breathing out, I smile.

Dwelling in the present moment,

I know this is a wonderful moment.

In, Out, Deep, Slow, Calm, Ease,

Smile, Release, Present Moment, Wonderful Moment

Cleaning the Meditation Room

As I clean this fresh, calm room,

boundless joy and energy arise!

Cleaning the Bathroom

How wonderful it is to scrub and clean.

Day by day, the heart and mind grow clearer.

Washing or Cooking Vegetables

In these fresh vegetables

I see a green sun.

All dharmas join together to make life possible.

Waking up in the morning

I vow with all beings

to open those flawless eyes that welcomed the Morning star.

GATHAS

from

The Dragon Who Never Sleeps

by Robert Aitken

Preparing to enter the shower

I vow with all beings

to cleanse this body of Buddha

and go naked into the world.

When I check my face in the mirror

I vow with all beings

to present the original person

who preceded the Buddha-Tao.

Sitting alone in zazen

I vow with all beings

to remember I'm sitting together

with mountains, children, and whales.

Holding hands in a ring

I vow with all beings

to ease the pain in the ring of breath around the world.

When I'm moved to complain about others

I vow with all beings

to remember that karma is endless and it's loving that leads to love.

On the shore of the ocean at sunrise

I vow with all beings

to rejoin this enormous power that rises and falls in great peace.

Watching a spider at work

I vow with all beings

to cherish the web of the universe:

touch one point and everything moves.

When the table is spread for a meal

I vow with all beings

to accept each dish as an offering that honors my ancient path.

Whenever I'm down on myself

I vow with all beings

to smile at my shallow concerns-

I'm not yet touching the ground.

When thoughts form an endless procession

I vow with all beings

to notice the spaces between them and give the (spring birds) thrushes a chance.

When my head is a turmoil of trivia

I vow with all beings

to relax in good-humored patience

as I would with a mischievous child.

When feelings build upon feelings

I vow with all beings

not to be drawn from the Dharma:

“To nourish, not to indulge."

Whenever I'm feeling discouraged

I vow with all beings

to take my cue from the thrushes who sing to the gloomiest sky.

When wakeful at two in the morning

I vow with all beings

to light incense and sit on my cushion-

it's time that I really wake up.

Falling asleep at last

I vow with all beings

to enjoy the dark and the silence

and rest in the vast unknown.