Prayer

May the precious Bodhicitta arise where it has not arisen

And where it has arisen may it not decay

But increase further and further.

May the precious view of emptiness arise where it has not arisen

And where it has arisen may it not decay

But increase further and further.

May the precious conduct of non-violence arise where it has not arisen

And where it has arisen may it not decay

But increase further and further.

Prayer is not only a devotional supplication to enlightened beings: it can also serve as a powerful reminder, and that is why repetition is so important. This prayer mentions 3 words: bodhicitta, emptiness and non-violence.

Bodhicitta is working for the benefit of all sentient beings. This also means accepting all suffering, and thereby being able to empathise with others.

Emptiness is our absolute essence.

Non-violence is causing no harm, or over-reacting.

We may think we understand these already, but I can’t emphasise enough how profound these aspects are, within every moment of our lives. It’s remembering to rest in empty clarity, which can encompass everything and everyone. Of course, we fall short of this, but it’s like a ruled line, where one can wander off from side to side, but return to the main guide when we remember. Any prayer you choose can have the same effect: we are sentient, and governed by the three negative emotions of desire, aversion and ignorance, and so need some strong medicine.

The more sensitive we become, the more everything becomes more meaningful. However, it also makes us more vulnerable, but in that vulnerability, we can either lose our way, or return to our essence. We can become over-sensitive, and turn the illusion into a solid reality, when all we have to do is let go. This is just our habitual pattern that we have to recognise – and that’s why daily repetition of prayer is so important.

We may think we have got rid of our emotions, but they will always be there at some point. Those demons are our guides!