In the gentle light of dawn, I awaken with gratitude for another day. I am here, I am now, I am alive. In this moment, I am pure and present, in the embrace of the Dhamma.
I recollect the wisdom of the Buddha, his teachings in the sacred Dhammapada. I contemplate chapter nine, verse one hundred and twenty-eight. It reminds me of life’s impermanence, that death is inevitable and ubiquitous.
“Neither in the sky nor in mid-ocean, nor by entering into mountain clefts, nowhere in the world is there a place where one will not be overcome by death.”
Understanding the truth of this verse, I strive to live fully, to live mindfully, to live compassionately. I accept the reality of death, and by doing so, I embrace the beauty of life.
May I use this day wisely, knowing it is a gift. May I cultivate kindness and wisdom, understanding and compassion. May I generate merit for the benefit of all sentient beings.
As the Buddha taught, there is no refuge from death, but there is refuge in the Dhamma. So, let me take refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha.
May my actions reflect the Noble Eightfold Path. May my mind be filled with Metta, loving-kindness, for all beings. May I live in the light of the Dhamma, free from fear, free from delusion, free from the suffering born of ignorance.
As I go forth into the day, I carry this wisdom within me:
"Live fully, Love fully, Understand deeply."
May this mantra guide my thoughts, my words, and my actions. May it be a beacon of light in the darkness, a source of comfort in the face of life's inevitable impermanence.
"Live fully, Love fully, Understand deeply."
With heart serene and mind at peace, I bow in gratitude for this new day, for the teachings of the Buddha, for the wisdom of the Dhamma, for the fellowship of the Sangha.
So be it.
