Difference between revisions of "Say a Buddhist Prayer"

[[Category: Prayer]]

#*'''Om A Ra Pa Ca Na Dhih:''' This chant is believed to help with wisdom, critical thinking, and writing. Emphasise the "Dhih" (pronounced Di) when chanting.<ref name="rf1">http://www.thebuddhacenter.org/buddhism/mantras/</ref>

#Try repeating or voicing a simple prayer for the Three Jewels. This prayer is good, short prayer that can be repeated as a mantra. Remember to focus on yourself and your own spiritual growth, not simply asking for it from Buddha:''<br><center>I take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha<br>Until I attain Enlightenment.<br>By merit accumulations from practicing generosity and the other perfections<br>May I attain Enlightenment, for the benefit of all sentient beings.''</center><ref name="rf2">http://www.beliefnet.com/Prayers/Buddhism/Morning/The-Three-Jewels.aspx#wYx60w7CoLjySm8A.99</ref>

#*'''Sangha''' translates as "community, group, or assembly." It usually refers to the community of believers in Buddhist ideals.<ref name="rf3">http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/sangha.html</ref>

#Perform simple thankfulness prayers before meals. Mealtime is a wonderful time to slow down and show gratitude for earthly blessings. Eating food is a time where you can become close to those around you and respect your physical nature.  Try out the following mealtime prayers:  ''<br><center>May this food be dedicated to the triple jewel<br>The precious Buddha<br>The precious Dharma<br>The precious Sangha<br>Bless this food so we may take it as medicine<br>Free from attachment and desire<br>So that it may nourish our bodies so we may<br>Work for the benefit of all sentient beings.<ref name="rf4">http://www.beliefnet.com/Prayers/Buddhism/Meals/Meal-Blessing.aspx#9WyQ6TfwbzH4evcF.99</ref>''

#Learn the Metta Prayer. The following prayer, adapted from a lecture by The Buddha, is an all-emcompassing and powerful prayer to repeat to yourself:''<br><center>In order that I may be skilled in discerning what is good, in order that I may understand the path to peace,<br>Let me be able, upright, and straightforward, of good speech, gentle, and free from pride;<br>Let me be contented, easily satisfied, having few duties, living simply, of controlled senses, prudent, without pride and without attachment to nation, race, or other groups.<br>Let me not do the slightest thing for which the wise might rebuke me. Instead let me think:<br>“May all beings be well and safe, may they be at ease.<br>Whatever living beings there may be, whether moving or standing still, without exception, whether large, great, middling, or small, whether tiny or substantial,<br>Whether seen or unseen, whether living near or far,<br>Born or unborn; may all beings be happy.<br>Let none deceive or despise another anywhere. Let none wish harm to another, in anger or in hate.” <br>Just as a mother would guard her child, her only child, with her own life, even so let me cultivate a boundless mind for all beings in the world.<br>Let me cultivate a boundless love for all beings in the world, above, below, and across, unhindered, without ill will or enmity.<br>Standing, walking, seated, or lying down, free from torpor, let me as far as possible fix my attention on this recollection. This, they say, is the divine life right here.<ref name="rf5">http://www.wildmind.org/metta/introduction/metta-prayer</ref></center>''

#Remember that prayer is simply a way to connect to yourself spiritually. Buddha is not a creator god, though some practices do see him as divine. That said, prayer is not meant as an offering to Buddha. Rather, it is a way to deepen your own spirituality. If you feel like praying, then you should pray, and worry about the theology later. You can, of course, make up your own specific mantras, and think about your own ways to pray, as there is no wrong way to practice.<ref name="rf6">http://www.wildmind.org/blogs/on-practice/do-buddhists-pray</ref>

#Use the beads to help count your prayers or mantras, not as a rigid amount of prayers you must say. The prayer beads, also known as Mala, are used to keep track of your prayers, not as some punishment or benchmark. They are a bit like rosaries, but know that they are there to help, not hinder, your spiritual practice.<ref name="rf7">http://www.yowangdu.com/tibetan-buddhism/malas.html</ref>

#*Some people believe the head bead has special significance, and it is sometimes called the "guru bead." This bead is your teacher, leading you through the prayer cycle.<ref name="rf8">http://www.buddhistmala.com/Mala_Manual.pdf</ref>

#*This is mostly symbolic, indicating that you would not "step-over" your teacher, guru, or head.<ref name="rf8" />

#Store your mala in a clean, high place, or around you neck and hands. There is nothing wrong with wearing your mala, keeping it with you so that you can count your prayers anywhere. If you are not carrying it, hang it somewhere out of the way or on your alter, tucked away safely.<ref name="rf8" />