For a Zen Buddhist the most appropriate prayer is, “May all beings be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.” The primary purpose of this statement is to bring to the forefront of our own consciousness the causes of suffering — attachments or aversions — and to identify ways one can actively work on reducing the suffering of others. This is an internalized process and doesn’t rely on a deity to grant or deny a request.
A Zen Buddhist would not ask for any material or ephemeral benefit, which is impermanent in any event. The intent of this prayer is to look deeply at impermanence and our habits of attachments and aversions so that we may live compassionately in this very moment and serve others.
A summer heat wave
Brings joy (the lake!) or fear (fire!)
Remain unattached.
No comments:
Post a Comment