PEACE

September 12, 2004

Coordinated by Tyler & Wanda Costa

Kansho (Ringing of the Bell)

Opening Remarks

(Tyler) let us sit and be still, quiet our minds and discover our true nature.  Look within; we are the Buddha, an awakened one!

Opening Meditation

   Bell (four times)

   Meditation

   Bell (one time)

Dharma Teacher (Wanda) With deepest reverence and compassion, we are here together in the spirit of Amida Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life.  Life is One.  We are One with the Buddha.  We are one with the Teachings.  we are One in the spirit of Universal Being.

We resolve to be earnest followers of all awakened ones and to dedicate our lives to the way they have pointed out.  Then, may we like them, attain the noblest and most peaceful state of living.

Student (Tyler) When incense is burned, it is our joy to diffuse the sweet fragrance. Incense exists in a variety of colors and shapes, but when it burns, it transcends its individual shape and color and becomes one in smoke. This symbolizes the transcending of individual selfishness and ego, to become one with all others…to become one with the Oneness of Life. Each and all of us are unique and independent, and at the same time, all are interrelated and interdependent. This is Oneness.

Offerings of Flowers & Incenses by Students

Collection & Offering of Monetary Dana by Students

Opening Reading from Dhammapada "The Thousands"

Leader: Better than a thousand hollow words Is one word that brings peace.

All: Better than a thousand hollow verses Is one verse that brings peace.

Leader: Better than a hundred hollow lines
Is one line of the law, bringing peace.

All: Is it better to conquer yourself
than to win a thousand battles.

Leader: Then the victory is yours.

All: It cannot be taken from you.
Not by angels or by demons,
Heaven or hell.

Leader: Better than a hundred years of worship,
Better than a thousand offerings,
Better than giving up a thousand worldly ways
In order to win merit,
Better even than tending in the forest
A sacred flame for a hundred years—
Is one moment's reverence
For the man who has conquered himself.

All: To revere such a man,
A master old in virtue and holiness,
Is to have victory over life itself,
And beauty, strength and happiness.

Leader: Better than a hundred years of mischief
Is one day spent in contemplation.

All: Better than a hundred years of ignorance
Is one day spent in reflection.

Leader: Better than a hundred years of idleness
Is one day spent in determination.

All: Better to live one day
Wondering
How all things arise and pass away.

LeaderL: Better to live one hour seeing
The one life beyond the way.

All: Better to live one moment In the moment
Of the way beyond the way.

—translation by T. Byrom

Guiding Meditation

    Bell (four times)

    Meditation

    Bell (one time)

Dharma Sharing on "Peace is a Verb" by Wanda Costa

Reading

    Take courage friends.

    The way is often hard,

    The path is never clear,

    And the stakes are very high.

    Take courage.

    For deep down, there is another truth;

    You are not alone.

        --Wayne B. Arnason

Gatha "Hotokesama"

To my dear Amida, "Hotokesama":  When I call your name, I think of my mother dear; Just as in her arms, I'd like to be.  Held by you so tenderly, "Hotokesama."   

To my dear Amida, "Hotokesama":  When I call your name, I think of my father dear; Just as by his hand, I'd like to be.  Led by you so surely, "Hotokesama."   

To my dear Amida, "Hotokesama":  When I offer altar light and I clearly see.  Noble, gentle form, In a golden light, I feel, oh, so close to you, "Hotokesama."   

Recitation of Golden Chain of Love

    I am a link in Amida Buddha's Golden Chain of Love that stretches around the world.  I must keep my link bright and strong.

    I will try to be kind and gentle to every living things and protect all who are weaker than myself.

    I will try to think pure and beautiful thoughts, to say pure and beautiful words, and pure and beautiful deeds, knowing that on what I do now depends not only my happiness or unhappiness, but also those of others.

    May every link in Amida Buddha's Golden Chain of Love become bright and strong, and may we all attain Perfect Peace.

Closing Reading "Boundless Goodwill"

Leader: (Tyler) Let us cultivate boundless goodwill.

All:    Let none deceive another, or despise any being in any state.

Let none in anger or ill-will wish another harm.

Even as a mother watches over her child, so with boundless mind should one cherish all living beings,

Radiating friendliness over the whole world,

Above, below, and all around, without limit.

        —Metta Sutta

Awakening Bell

    Bell (three times)

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