liturgy for use in prison settings (buddhist)

7/29/2019 Liturgy for use in prison settings (Buddhist)

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Liturgy for use in prison settings(These prayers were compiled from sacred sources and my own contributions. Any errors are my

own. May beings benefit in spite of them.) Eric G. Weinberg


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(Trad.)

Refuge

In the Buddhas, Dharma and noble Sangha, I go to refuge. Through merit acquired from

practicing generosity and the other paramitas (ethics, patience, diligence, meditation

and wisdom), may I achieve Buddhahood to benefit all beings. (3X)

(Trad.)

Four Immeasurables

May all beings enjoy happiness & the cause of happiness.

May they be free from suffering and the cause of suffering.

May they never be separated from joy free of suffering.

May they be free from attachment to loved ones and rejection of others and rest in

boundless equanimity. (3X)

(Trad.)Dharma Aspiration Prayer

However innumerable beings are, I vow to save them.

However inexhaustible the passions are, I vow to extinguish them.

However immeasurable the Dharmas are, I vow to master them.

However incomparable the Buddha-truth is, I vow to attain it.

(Trad.)

Seven Branch Prayer

With my body, speech, and mind, humbly I prostrate, and make offerings both set out

and imagined. I declare my wrong deeds from all time, and rejoice in the virtues of all.

Please stay until samsara ceases, and turn the wheel of Dharma for us.

I dedicate all virtues to great Enlightenment.

(H.H. 14th Dalai Lama; The Inseparability of the Spiritual Master and Avalokiteshvara, Khenpo Karthar

Rinpoche)

Supplication & Aspiration

I offer all the best that I see,hear, touch, taste, and smell to the three jewels, the

protectors of all beings and all worlds; but most of all, I offer my practice.

(Vimalakirtinirdesa Sutra)(The King of Aspiration Prayers) (Uttaratantra Shastra by Jamgon Kongtrul and

Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso)

All beings and I have the same nature as the Buddha.

Up until this moment, I have been overpowered by desire, aggression, and stupidity.

My Buddha nature has been obscured by the effects of whatever negative actions I

have performed with my body, speech, and mind.


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(EGW)

Now, hoping to repair the damage I have caused and remove these obscurations, I

confess allmy negative actions.

Lord Buddha please be patient with me. Be my refuge from the danger of going down

the wrong path. Grant me the deliverance of finding the perfect, liberating path.

(excerpted & adapted from H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, Jigdral Yeshe Dorje: A Prayer To Recognize My Own

Faults And Keep in Mind the Objects of Refuge)

Shakyamuni, Victorious One, Supreme guide, again and again, I ask from my heart,

Please turn your attention toward me.

Take hold of me with your loving kindness and with the power of your compassion

grant your blessings that my thoughts and aims be carried out in accord with Dharma.

Life shows me, that I have not made a mess of everything and I celebrate that.

Because of the merit of past acts, I have obtained this precious human birth.

Because of that merit, I have met the sublime Dharma.

Now I hold all this wealth in my hands.But, my mind, like a babbling monkey, falls under the sway of the enticing, deceptive

demon of distraction and I cannot take advantage of the wealth that is my own.

Although it is impossible that the Three Jewels betray me,

due to my weak devotion, I fear I will betray myself.

So, please grant your blessing that I am able to see my own faults.

Grant your blessing that I have no wish to see the faults of others.

Grant your blessing that evil, cruel, and vicious thoughts be pacified.

Grant your blessing that wholesome thoughts arise deep from within.Grant your blessing that desire may lessen and contentment increase.

Grant your blessing that I remember the uncertainty of the time of death.

Grant your blessing that I be unconcerned at the time of death.

Grant your blessing that I develop trust in Dharma.

Grant your blessing that I develop true devotion and respect.

Grant your blessing that I persevere.

Grant your blessing that I be able to establish Dharma as my ultimate innermost goal.

Grant your blessing that I free my mindstream, the innermost practice.

Grant your blessing that no obstacles arise to my practice.

Grant your blessing that the fruit of my practice may ripen quickly for the benefit of me

and others.

Grant your blessing that I recognize my own innate wakefulness.

(Lama Zopa Rinpoche)

May Buddhas activity never end;

May Buddhas light increase;

May I always gaze into Buddhas light and find all sen tient beings reflected there.


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(Adapted from Manjushri sadhana, Jamyang Todrup by Jamyang Kheyentse Wangpo) Dedication of merit

Because of whatever slight virtue I have accumulated may anyone wishing to engage in

the practice and study of Dharma, or simply wishing to do a little meditation, have the

conditions necessary to accomplish their wish.

(Trad.)

By this virtue may I quickly attain enlightenment, and then lead every being to that very

state!

May the awakening mind which has not been generated now be generated,

and may the awakening which has been generated never decline, but always increase!

(Trad.)

Just as the brave Manjushri and Samantabhadra, too, realized things as they are, I, too,

dedicateall these merits in the best way, that I may follow their perfect example.

Whatever dedication the victorious ones gone to bliss of the three times have admiredas best, I shall also perfectly dedicate in the same way all these roots of virtue so that I

may perform good works.

Milarepa's AspirationMay we live long

and be free of illness;

Enjoy freedom, great resources, and happiness.

Next life, may we meet in the pure realm

May we always practice Dharma

and benefit beings.

Sarva Mangalam

Happiness to everyone!

liturgy for use in prison settings (buddhist)

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