In Plum Village Practice centers worldwide, we chant the Great Bell Chant every day. The sound of the Great Bell is so beautiful and helps us to calm our mind, relax our body. We come back to our true home and generate compassion for all living beings. We send our peaceful energy through the sound of the bell and wish that they can hear it clearly so that all suffering in them cease.
We would like to invite you to listen to the Great Bell Chant with a reading by Thay (Thich Nhat Hanh) and chanting by Br Phap Niem.
The album of Plum Village chanting, “Chanting As a River” is available to listen to on Youtube music and Spotify. (Also available on other music streaming/download services.)
Audio by Gary Malkin
May the sound of this bell
penetrate deep into the cosmos
Even in the darkest spots
Living beings are able to hear it clearly
So that all suffering in them cease
Understanding comes to their hearts
And they transcend the path
Of sorrow and death.
The universal Dharma Door
Is already open
The sound of the Rising Tide is heard clearly
The miracle happens
A beautiful child appears in the heart of a lotus flower
One single drop of this compassionate water
Is enough to bring back the refreshing spring
To our mountains and rivers.
Listening to the bell
I feel the afflictions in me begin to dissolve
My mind calm, my body relaxed
A smile is born on my lips
Following the sound of the bell
My breath brings me back to the safe island of mindfulness
In the garden of my heart
The flowers of Peace
Bloom beautifully.
