Refuge Prayer by Thich Nhat Hanh

REFUGE PRAYER

At the foot of the Bodhi Tree,

Beautifully seated, peaceful and smiling,

The living source of understanding and compassion,

To the Buddha I go for refuge.

The path of mindful living,

Leading to healing, joy, and enlightenment,

The way of peace,

To the Dharma I go for refuge.

The loving and supportive community of practice,

Realizing harmoney, awareness and liberation,

To the Sangha I go for refuge.

I am aware that the Three Gems are within my heart.

I vow to realize them.

I vow to practice mindful breathing and smiling,

Looking deeply into things.

I vow to understand living beings and their suffering,

To cultivate compassion and loving kindness,

And to practice joy and equanimity.

I vow to offer joy to one person in the morning

And to help relieve the grief of one person in the afternoon.

I vow to live simply and sanely,

Content with just a few possessions,

And to keep my body healthy.

I vow to let go of all worry and anxiety

In order to be light and free.

I am aware that I owe so much to my parents, teachers, friends and all beings.

I vow to be worthy of their trust,

To practice wholeheartedly,

So that understanding and compassion will flower,

And I can help living beings

Be free of their suffering.

May the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha support my efforts..

-- Thich Nhat Hanh --