Blessing Poem by Roshi Robert Althouse

Blessing Poem on occasion of Eye-Opening ceremony for Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva for Opening of Zen Life & Meditation Center, Chicago at 46 Lake St. in Oak Park, on Saturday, June 29, 2019.

“We come here together today with deepest respect for our teachers, ancestors and families and sanghas who make our lives possible. We invoke and invite all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to come and witness this joyous occasion of the opening of this zendo at (name and place and date). Let compassion be born in our hearts today to use our wisdom and skills in the service of freeing others from suffering.

We are grateful for the dark earth that cradles the seed.

For the waters that bring forth the green leaves.

For the stars that bring form to flowers

For the sun that ripens the fruit

For the beauty and goodness and wonder of life and death

And all the relationships that bring us together at this place, at this time.

Let us explore new ways of living

Letting go of that which keeps us from learning,

May we be open.

Let us use our gifts freely

Knowing that our life exists because of all beings.

Let each of us know intimately the wholeness of our being.

Sending love to every home in this community, this state, this country and our troubled planet.

May our love fill the smallest particle to the largest space.

May we be generous.

Let us see ourselves as the child without food, separated from her parents,

The woman without a home, the man without tears, the land poisoned and sick, the oceans rising, the sea coral dying, and all the myriad forms of suffering.

Let us not look away from our pain

But have the courage to face it fearlessly

Let our love manifest in simple acts of caring

And in words that soften and warm the heart

May we be kind.

Let us appreciate all the life with which we share this precious earth.

All beings, bathing in the same moonlight, touched by dawn’s subtle colors, sun struck at noon, laughing, crying, singing.

May we appreciate our lives.”

Roshi Robert Joshin Althouse

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYMmTUR60ng