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Four Mantras
I respectfully offer my three pure actions—body, speech, and mind—to all Buddhas in the ten directions, past, future, and present. In every speck of dust dwell countless Buddhas, each abiding in a pure assembly. I use wondrous sounds and pure words to praise the Buddha’s virtues for countless eons to come, and I offer robes, fragrant flowers, lamps, incense, and fruits—abundant precious treasures. I repent all unwholesome actions arising from body, speech, and mind since beginningless time, and I rejoice in the merit of all beings, sharing the merit so that the Dharma may long endure. The practice of Anāpānasati consists of sixteen exercises on mindful breathing, the first of which is to recognize the breath as mindfulness itself: breathing in, I know I am breathing in; breathing out, I know I am breathing out. This helps body and mind become one, dwelling peacefully in the present moment and transforming suffering.
In daily life—whether sitting meditation, walking meditation, driving, cooking, or watering plants—mindfulness through the breath helps us to be fully present and to offer the most precious gift to our loved ones. Four mantras, effective for practicing presence and compassion, are:
- Mother, I am here for you
- Father, I am here for you
- Dear one, I know you are suffering, and I am here for you
- Dear one, I am suffering, please help me
The energy of mindfulness, when reciting or even just directing our heart toward our loved one, will transform suffering and nourish true happiness.