Prayer from Buddhism

Zen Poem

So our tenth wedding anniversary is next year, and Mrs. Mehta (Trupti) has been suggesting all sorts of ideas of how we ought to renew our vows in a unique way to celebrate this milestone.  The leading candidate right now for this ceremony, is doing a Buddhist themed wedding, as we are both big fans of Zen and the teachings of the Buddha.

Of course, this meant Trupti went scouring the internet for information and soon she found the following beautiful Buddhist Prayer, can be recited at Buddhist weddings.  After hearing and enjoying it last night, I immediately felt it ought to be shared with all of you.

This particular prayer is attributed to the Buddha himself, and although it is said to be used at weddings, I see it really as a great source of Buddhist teachings and philosophy.  It is really quite inspirational and offers a great deal of guidance as to how to live simply and lovingly.

So here is the prayer.  The original article where she found it was here: Buddhist Wedding Poem.  It is called Unlimited Friendliness, and if we want peace in our world and peace in our hearts, the advise given in this prayer ought to be followed.

Unlimited Friendliness

This is what should be done by the man who is wise,
who seeks the good, and who knows the meaning of the place of peace.
Let him be strenuous, upright, and truly straight, without conceit of self,
easily contented and joyous, free of cares;
let him not be submerged by the things of the world;
let him not take upon himself the burden of worldly goods;
let his senses be controlled; let him be wise but not puffed up,
and let him not desire great possessions even for his family.
Let him do nothing that is mean or that the wise would reprove.
May all beings be happy and at their ease!
May they be joyous and live in safety!
All beings, whether weak or strong—omitting none—in high, middle, or low
realms of existence,
small or great, visible or invisible, near or far away, born or to be born–
may all beings be happy and at their ease! Let none deceive another, or
despise any being in any state!

Let none by anger or ill-will wish harm to another!
Even as a mother watches over and protects her child, her only child,
so with a boundless mind should one cherish all living beings,
radiating friendliness over the entire world, above, below, and all around
without limit.
So let him cultivate a boundless good will towards the entire world,
un-cramped, free from ill will or enmity.
Standing or walking, sitting or lying down, during all his waking hours,
let him establish this mindfulness of good will, which men call the highest
state!
Abandoning vain discussions, having a clear vision, free from sense
appetites,
he who is made perfect will never again know rebirth.

~ The Buddha

Buddhist Prayer for Peace Highlights: 

So this prayer is trying to make some clear points as to how the man ought to conduct his life and thinking.  Here are those highlights:

1. Master Your Body and Senses:

The parts of this prayer that speak of being straight and speak of not being a slave to your senses are saying that for higher living, this mastery over the body is important.  This same sentiment is echoed in the teaching of Sri Krishna in the Bahgavat Gita, where the first steps to spiritual evolution involve control of the senses.

Another aspect of being straight and upright, has to do with mindfulness.  Zen masters will point out that if you cannot maintain awareness of your body, there is little chance of going to the deeper levels on the mind.  So sit up straight, walk tall and do it to promote awareness, not arrogance or grandeur.

2. Be Simple and Carefree:

Don’t chase material possessions and don’t overwhelm your mind with all sorts of useless desires.  The more you clutter your mind with desires, the less space there will be within, the less you will be your natural self and the less stable and composed you will be. Here is a popular article discussing desires and their place in human life:

4 Key Universal Laws for Manifesting Desires If You Absolutely Must

3. Live Peacefully:

This is the focus point of this prayer.  Live peacefully and compassionately.  Not just with friends, but even with enemies.  Peace with everyone, even the unborn and unseen .  The following 2 articles explore the importance of peace in greater detail:

5 Key Principles of Living an Enlightened and Good Life

How to Live Life

4. Drop Your Ego:

And of course the hallmark of all profound spiritual teachings.  Don’t focus on the small self, don’t obsess with our tiny ego and tiny little life.  Realize the great Oneness of everything and put aside your sense of separation and false identity.   

So our Zen wedding ceremony has taken its first step and most certainly will include this wonderful prayer .