the tree of life sangha

Incense Offering Verses

Incense offerings
(the first may be used for tea or flower offerings, with appropriate words inserted)

In gratitude we offer this incense
to all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
throughout space and time
May it be as fragrant as earth herself
reflecting our careful efforts
our whole-hearted awareness
and the fruit of understanding
slowly ripening
May we and all beings be
companions of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
May we awaken from forgetfulness
and realise the Pure Land

*****

The fragrance of this incense
permeates our practice centre
and goes forth to worlds beyond
In the sincerity of our training

the Sanghakaya is revealed
hearts and minds bow in gratitude
Offerings multiply like the action
of the all good one
and the light that knows no obstacle
fills the Dharma realm.

Mealtime verses

Pureland Buddhist Verses

Infinite benefits bless the breakfast food.
All beings profit greatly therefrom
Since the results are limitless and wonderful
The pleasure is ours for eternity

*****

This food is the gift of the whole universe
The earth, the sky, all sentient beings
In this food is much joy, much suffering, much hard work
We accept this food so that we may follow the path of practice
And help all beings everywhere

*****

The first bite is to cut off delusion
The second bite is to grow in faith
The third bite is to help all beings
We pray that all may be enlightened.
We pray for peace in this world
And the cessation of all misfortune

*****

The Buddha invites us to eat in mindfulness
Of the food, the earth, the world around us
We pray that our minds may not become dull
Nor our attention scattered
And that we may realize the deep significance of life

 

Community of Interbeing Verses

Holding the Empty Bowl

Looking at this bowl, I see how fortunate I am to have enough to eat to continue the practice.

*****

Serving Food

In this food, I see clearly the entire universe supporting my existence.

 

Before Eating

Beings all over the Earth are struggling to live.

I aspire to practice deeply so all may have enough to eat.

 

Beginning to Eat

With the first taste, I offer joy.

With the second, I help relieve the suffering of others.

With the third, I see others’ joy as my own.

With the fourth, I learn the way of letting go.

 

29 Looking at Your Plate or Bowl after Eating The meal is finished, and I am satisfied. The four gratitudes are deeply in my mind.

dear mother earth

Dear Mother Earth, I bow my head before you as I look deeply and recognize that you are present in me and that I’m a part of you. I was born from you and you are always present, offering me everything I need for my nourishment and growth.

You are the mother of all beings. I call you by the human name Mother and yet I know your mothering nature is more vast and ancient than humankind. We are just one young species of your many children. All the millions of other species who live - or have lived - on Earth are also your children. You aren’t a person, but I know you are not less than a person either. You are a living breathing being in the form of a planet.

I promise to keep the awareness alive that you are always in me, and I am always in you. I promise to be aware that your health and well-being is my own health and well-being. I know I need to keep this awareness alive in me for us both to be peaceful, happy, healthy, and strong.

- Thich Nhat Hanh

Teachings on Mindfulness and Gratefulness