Gatha Practice
One way to help us dwell in the present moment is to practice reciting gathas or mindfulness verses. When we practice with gathas, the gathas and the rest of our life become one and we live our entire lives in awareness. There are many gathas, you begin with one or two and learn more over time.
Waking Up
Waking up this morning I smile
24 brand new hours are before me.
I vow to live fully in each moment
And look upon all beings with the eyes of compassion.
Sitting Down
Sitting here is like sitting under the Bodhi tree.
My body is mindfulness itself,
Calm and at ease,
entirely free from distraction.
Walking Meditation
I have arrived, I am home
In the here, in the now
I am solid, I am free
In the ultimate, I dwell.
Letting Go
Hearing the bell,
I am able to let go of all afflictions.
My heart is calm, my sorrows ended.
I am no longer bound to anything.
I learn to listen to my suffering
and the suffering of the other person.
When understanding is born in me,
Compassion is also born.
Experiencing emotions
Feelings come and go
like clouds in a windy sky.
Conscious breathing
is my anchor.
Looking in the Mirror
Awareness is a mirror
reflecting the four elements.
Beauty is a heart that generates love
and a mind that is open.
Turning on the Tap
Water comes from high mountain sources.
Water runs deep in the Earth.
Miraculously water comes to us and sustains all life.
My gratitude is filled to the brim.
Brushing your teeth
Brushing my teeth and rinsing my mouth,
I vow to speak purely and lovingly.
When my mouth is fragrant with right speech,
a flower blooms in the garden of my heart.
Drinking Tea
This cup of tea in my two hands,
mindfulness held perfectly.
My mind and body dwell
in the very here and now.
Turning on the Light
Forgetfulness is the darkness;
Mindfulness is the light
I bring awareness
To shine upon all life.
Using the Toilet
Defiled or immaculate,
increasing or decreasing
these concepts exist only in our mind.
The reality of interbeing is unsurpassed.
Good Night Gatha
Breathing in, I let go of my worries, my tensions.
Breathing out, I touch Peace