November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving





With blessings to one and all on Thanksgiving Day and throughout the holiday season.
This is a view of Gogo-an earlier this week when we received our first snowfall of the winter.  Frigid temperatures followed and the landscape remains wintry and picturesque. 


On Wednesday evenings, we always chant the Heart Sutra, and following this we offer a dedication of our practice.  On this Thanksgiving Day, I'm including here, in brief, those expressions of gratitude as they have deep meaning and intention for us all.   


For Our Many Benefactors



We celebrate the teachings of the Buddha Dharma which bring light and hope to the many realms of suffering, and lead to ease and joy.  These teachings are offered here at Ryoko-an because of the goodness and generosity of all our many benefactors.

 We offer the merit of this chant to all those who aid and support our temple through myriad expressions of generosity.  May all our benefactors gain wisdom and compassion from all they meet and may our sincere vows to practice together be realized in the Enlightened Way.

For the Welfare of Families and Children


We celebrate the teachings of the Buddha Dharma which bring light and hope to the many realms of suffering, and lead to ease and joy.  These teachings are offered here at Ryoko-an in recognition of the many families who support our practice.

We offer the merit of this chant to all families and particularly to the health and welfare of children.  May all families receive the protection of the Dharma and be shielded from misfortune and disaster.  May we in our sincere vows to practice together, exemplify the teachings of Buddha and realize the Enlightened Way.


For Those Courageous Enough to Lead Us in Governments Throughout the World


We celebrate the teachings of the Buddha Dharma which bring light and hope to the many realms of suffering, and lead to ease and joy.  These teachings are offered here at Ryoko-an in recognition of the effort of all those courageous enough to lead us in governments throughout the world.

We offer the merit of this chant that those who take leadership positions may be led by wisdom and truth.  May our nations learn to live in peace.  May we in our compassionate practice keep the mind of hope and dignity alive in support of justice and equality and may our sincere vows to practice together be realized in the Enlightened Way.