In the tranquil light of dawn, I sit in quiet reflection,
Acknowledging the primal fear that spurs man's misdirection.
To hills, to woods, to sacred groves, men hasten in their plight,
Seeking refuge in the world, shunning inner light.

May I not be driven by fear, nor by false refuge be bound,
But seek the Buddha's wisdom, where true sanctuary is found.
With mindfulness and clarity, may I see the world's illusion,
And pierce through the veil of fear, dispelling all confusion.

Just as the lotus rises, from the murky depths, pure and bright,
May I rise above my fears, guided by the Buddha's light.
In every breath, in every heartbeat, may I find the Buddha's grace,
In every step, in every moment, may I see the Buddha's face.

For it is not in distant places, that refuge can be sought,
But in the silent depths within, the Buddha's wisdom is caught.
In compassion and in kindness, in the equanimity of the mind,
In the impermanence of all things, may I true refuge find.

With this prayer, I set my intention, as the new day unfolds,
To live in mindful awareness, as the Buddha's teaching holds.
May I walk with gentle wisdom, may I speak with loving truth,
May I act with conscious kindness, in my old age and in my youth.

And as I journey through the day, a simple mantra I'll embrace,
Repeating with each mindful breath, in every time and place:

"Beneath the Buddha's watchful gaze, fear has no hold on me,
In every thought, in every act, may I embody peace and be free."