Giving
The expression of the Dana
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Kansho Bell Calling us to listen!
Opening Meditation Chair: Let us sit and be still, quiet our minds and discover our true nature. Look within, and meet the Buddha. you are the Buddha, an awakening one. Silent Meditation Bell Reading: Buddha’s Gift from The Center Within by Rev.Gyomay M. Kubose Incense Offering (First adults; next children and adults with children, who can then sit on the floor by the teacher.) Chairperson: Incense comes in varied colors and shapes. But when we burn incense together, we are mindful that when it burns, it transcends its individual shape and color, and becomes one in the smoke . . . It signals the transcending of individual selfishness or ego, to become one with all others . . . to become one with the Oneness of Life. Chanting Chairperson: We will now chant an English translation of The Heart of the Great Wisdom Sutra Bell The Maha Prajna Paramita Hrdaya sutra
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva The Heart of Great Wisdom Sutra when practicing deeply the Prajna Paramita perceives that all five skandhas are empty and is saved from all suffering and distress. Shariputra, form does not differ from emptiness, emptiness does not differ from form. That which is form is emptiness, that which is emptiness form. The same is true of feelings, perceptions, impulses, consciousness. Shariputra, all dharmas are marked with emptiness; they do not appear or disappear, are not tainted or pure, do not increase or decrease. Therefore, in emptiness no form, no feelings, perceptions, impulses, consciousness. No eyes, no ears, no nose, no tongue, no body, no mind; no color, no sound, no smell, no taste, no touch, no object of mind; no realm of eyes and so forth until no realm of mind consciousness. No ignorance and also no extinction of it, and so forth until no old age and death and also no extinction of them. No suffering, no origination, no stopping, no path, no cognition, also no attainment with nothing to attain. The Bodhisattva depends on Prajna Paramita and the mind is no hindrance; without any hindrance no fears exist. Far apart from every perverted view one dwells in Nirvana. In the three worlds all Buddhas depend on Prajna Paramita and attain Anuttara Samyak Sambodhi. Therefore, know that Prajna Paramita is the great transcendent mantra is the great bright mantra, is the utmost mantra, is the supreme mantra, which is able to relieve all suffering and is true, not false. So proclaim the Prajna Paramita mantra, proclaim the mantra which says: gate, gate, paragate, parasamgate, bodhi svaha gate, gate, paragate, parasamgate, bodhi svaha gate, gate, paragate, parasamgate, bodhi svaha Bell Reading: The definition of Dana Dana is translated from the Pali language as giving. It is associated with the personal quality of generosity known in Pali as caga. The relationship between these two is subtle and rich. Generosity (caga) is the inner disposition to give. Giving (dana) is the outwardly manifested act. The inner disposition (caga) leads to openness, compassion and outward actions (dana) of generosity. The inner disposition (caga) strengthens the inner disposition (caga) and the outward act (dana) strengthens the inner disposition (caga). Dana is not a virtue imposed by society. It is an experiential quality of heart "inherent in the functioning of the cosmos". It serves as a basis and preparation in the endeavor to free the mind from the selfishness and attachment that obstruct compassionate concern for others, our environment and ourselves. It is therefore of value to cultivate intimacy with the personal experience of dana. Bell Dharma Talk Sharing Gatha: Put A Little Love In Your Heart Closing - Loving Kindness Invocation All: May all beings be free from enmity. May all beings be free from ill treatment. May all beings be free from troubles. May all beings be free from suffering. May all beings protect their own happiness. May all beings be happy. May I be happy. Bell (Three times) Announcements |
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