The Way Of Oneness
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Kansho Bell
Calling us to listen! Chairman: Let us sit and be still, quiet our minds and discover our true nature. Look within; thou art the Buddha, an awakening one! Bell Silent Meditation Bell Dharma Teacher: With deepest reverence and compassion, we are here together in the spirit of Gautama, the Buddha, the Enlightened One. Life is One. We are One with the Buddha. We are one with the Teaching. We are One in the spirit of Universal Being. We resolve to be earnest followers of all awakened ones and to dedicate our lives to the Way they have pointed out. Then, may we like them, attain the noblest and most peaceful state of living. Chairman: When incense is burned, it is our joy to diffuse the sweet fragrance. Incense exists in a variety of colors and shapes, but when it burns, it transcends its individual shape and color and becomes one in smoke. This symbolizes the transcending of individual selfishness and ego, to become one with all others…to become one with the Oneness of Life. Each and all of us are unique and independent, and at the same time, all are interrelated and interdependent. This is Oneness. Incense offering Dharma Talk for the Children Chairman: Everyday is a new day and a new life. All things arise and subside, appear and disappear. Nothing is permanent. This very dynamic state—continuously changing, continuously becoming—is called life. These core tenets of Buddhism are expressed in the teaching known as the Heart of the Great Wisdom Sutra. Although it is the shortest of all the sutras, containing only 632 characters in the traditional Chinese translation, it explains the essence of Buddhism, which is KU, or Emptiness. While the English translation of the Hannya Shingyo may sound unusual the actual meaning is that by letting go of your preconceived notions, opinions, and attachments, you can become open to all the wonders of our life. All things are empty. This is the realization of nothingness. But, emptiness or nothingness does not just mean nothing. It means not being attached to anything—especially your own perceptions and ideas—so that you can see our life clearly. We will now chant an English translation of Heart of Wisdom Sutra Bell The Maha Prajna Paramita Hrdaya sutra The Heart of Great Wisdom Sutra All: Avalokitesvara BodhisattvaBell Guided Meditation Bell Gatha: Meditation as Nourishment Gatha Breathing in, breathing out. Breathing in, breathing out. I am blooming as a flower. I am fresh as the dew. I am solid as a mountain. I am firm as the earth. I am free. Breathing in, breathing out. Breathing in, breathing out. I am water reflecting, what is real, what is true, and I feel there is space deep inside of me. I am free, I am free, I am free. Repeat Reading "Meditation" From The Center Within by Rev.Gyomay M. Kubose Leader: Meditation means serenity in life. All: Many people think that meditation is to sit cross- legged. That is only a small part of meditation. Nor is just being quiet necessarily serenity. Leader: For instance, when a person gets angry and decides not to talk, externally it may seem quiet but internally it is not quiet at all. All: True serenity is dynamic, like a generator revolving at a speed of thousands of revolutions per minute-very stable, very quiet, but very dynamic. Leader: In our life the serenity of meditation is not simple quietude, but a real strength that comes deep from within. All: When it is expressed as quietness it is deep and serene. When it is expressed as action it is dynamic and harmonious. To maintain this serenity of mind is central to our lives, for it enables us to see clearly the truth of life. Leader: If a pail of water is still and serene the surface will reflect the moon. But if the pail is unsteady and the surface is not still there will be no reflection. All: Our minds, when we are serene, are able to reflect the truth about life and all things. Leader: When we are upset we cannot see clearly the truth about ourselves or others. All: When our minds are disturbed, as in anger or disgust, even a small stone on the road seems to frustrate us. Leader: We kick it in anger whereas the stone is faultless, and we are only reflecting our own distorted mind. All: A calm mind makes the greatest difference in the way we live. The right kind of serenity is essential to our lives, and this we call meditation. Bell Silent Meditation Bell Dharma talk Loving Kindness Invocation All: May all beings be free from enmity.Minister: We surround all people and all forms of life with Infinite Love and Compassion. Particularly do we send forth loving thoughts to those in suffering and sorrow; to all those in doubt and ignorance, to all who are striving to attain Truth; and to those whose feet are standing close to the great change called death, we send forth oceans of Wisdom and Love. All: May the Infinite Light of Wisdom and Compassion so shine within us that the errors and vanities of self may be dispelled; so shall we understand the changing nature of existence and awaken into spiritual peace. Minister: To all Enlightened Ones … All: … who are present in their teachings, we pledge our loyalty and devotion. We dedicate our lives to the way of life they have laid down for us to walk. We resolve to follow their example and labor earnestly for the enlightenment and welfare of all mankind. Bell (THREE TIMES) Announcements: |
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