We usually follow the pattern below for our shrine room and online practice sessions.
We begin in silence so people can settle in.
Welcome
Dharma Glimpse by a member of our community
Silent Meditation
Nembutsu Practice
Refuges
Trad. & K. Thompson & S. Robyn
(repeat after the celebrant)
For refuge I go to the Buddha
The one who is awake and full of love
Namo Buddhaya
For refuge I go to the Dharma
All that guides us to wisdom and compassion
Namo Dharmaya
For refuge I go to the Sangha
Those who live in the Buddha’s light
Namo Sanghaya
For refuge I go to the Earth
The holy ground of awakening
Namo Bhūmyai
Precepts
(repeat after celebrant)
With faith in the three jewels
and in light of my human tendencies
I pray that I may become aware / of when I take life
I pray that I may become aware / of when I take what is not freely given
I pray that I may become aware / of when I fall into sexual misconduct
I pray that I may become aware / of when I fall into wrong speech
I pray that I may become aware / of when I become intoxicated
Three Active Virtues
Terry Keanan
(repeat after the celebrant)
No blame
Be kind
Love everything
Bodhisattva Vows
Zhiyi
(call and response)
| Innumerable are sentient beings: Inexhaustible are deluded passions: Immeasurable are the Dharma teachings: Infinite is the Buddha’s way: | we vow to save them all we vow to transform them all we vow to master them all we vow to fulfil it completely * |
Dharma Talk by one of Bright Earth’s teachers
Prostrations
We do three prostrations, bowing our bodies to the ground as a way of taking refuge in the Buddha, whilst chanting Namo Amida Bu.
Closing verse
(Everyone on Zoom can unmute for this bit!)
Blessed by Amitabha’s light
May we care for all living things
and the holy Earth