Gathas

[disastermouse]

Re: Gathas

And another for my biggest non-problem Zen problem, gossip:

When I catch myself assigning reasons and motives
I vow with all beings
To find and expose all of my most private reasons and motives
Before guessing anyone else's.

Ooh, that's a good one!

Chet

[Taylor]

Re: Gathas

Hearing my alarm
I vow with all beings
To wake up to this world
Instead of remaining in deep slumber.

These are much easier when one doesn't try to make them happen, this one came as I almost fell down the stairs :idea:

[Taylor]

Re: Gathas

Unpacking boxes
I vow with all beings
To unpack my preconceptions and judgements
And leave my mind open and free

[Risho]

Re: Gathas

I love these Gathas. I never knew you could make your own

[Rimon]

Re: Gathas

Yeah. Neither did I.
Guess I'll start writing my own soon.
Are there any formal rules, like number of syllabes or something?

Gassho

Da5id

[CraigfromAz]

Re: Gathas

I think other types of practice actually use Gatha's during meditation as an object of mind. I assume that is not what is being recommended in this thread, correct?

Thanks,

Craig

[Jundo]

Re: Gathas

I think other types of practice actually use Gatha's during meditation as an object of mind. I assume that is not what is being recommended in this thread, correct?

Thanks,

Craig

Correct!

We do no think of Gatha when sitting Zazen.

On the other hand, rising from the cushion (or before we sit), we may bring "Zazen mind" into reciting a Gatha ... a feeling of non-gaining wholeness in the recitation, and in the act described in the recitation (that when we brush our teeth it is all of time and space brushing, and there is not another thing that one had better be doing in that moment)!

Gassho, J

[Rimon]

Re: Gathas

I agree. Gathas help me to prepare myself to do a task more mindfully.
There is a gatha from Thich Nhat Hanh which I like to recite before starting zazen:

Entering the meditation hall,
I see my true self.
As I sit down,
I vow to cut off all disturbances.

And this one about washing teeth is also nice

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.


Gassho

Da5id

[Shokai]

Re: Gathas

May this offering bring peace to all sentient beings;
May our thoughts and meditations contribute to the harmony of the universe;
And, may all hearts and minds be opened to the present.

[Yugen]

Re: Gathas

Shinkai,
A Gatha for coffee! Thank you! This is an altar at which I spend considerable amounts of time in reflection :wink:

Grinding fresh afternoon coffee
I vow with all beings
to inhale each moment
dropping likes and dislikes.

Wonderful!

Gassho,
Yugen

[Ankai]

Re: Gathas

The local Zen group by me adopted one of TNH's, and it's become the first part of my early morning practice upon waking up. I have a pinecone on my night table to remind me.

"Waking up, I smile.
Twenty-four brand new hours stretch out before me!
I vow to live fully in each of them,
And to view all beings with the eyes of compassion."

[Kaishin]

Re: Gathas

Here is one that I chant at work sometimes, especially when I'm feeling frustrated or catch myself starting to have a pity-party. It helps center me and remind myself that I am one of the lucky, miniscule few who are gainfully employed in this world:


Master Baizhang imparts, "A day without work is a day without food"
It is through this work that I sustain myself, my family, and all living beings
It is through this work that I convey the Boddhisattva Vows
I dedicate today's work to all those who have taught me
And all those who I may teach in turn
With great admiration and gratitude
All Buddhas throughout space and time

[Nenka]

Re: Gathas

When I panic at losing my bearings
I vow with all beings
to acknowledge the error is panic,
not losing familiar ground.

Man, do I need this one. A lot. Thank you.

Gassho,

Jen

[ChrisA]

Re: Gathas

What a great resource! Thanks to everyone thus far.

Today, I'll be working on one that starts,

"When my attention is disrupted by another
I vow with all beings..."

Feel free to suggest away!

[Al]

Re: Gathas

Reviving this topic, I will be committing to writing a gatha every day for Ango. If anyone would like to join me, please do.