Everyday Gathas/Recitations

Kanzeon Offertory

Wholeheartedly do I/we engage in this practice.
We offer the merits thereof to Kanzeon, the Great Compassionate Bodhisattva, who is our example.
Whenever practice is undertaken, Great Compassion is with us and we are searching for it within ourselves.
We pray for peace in all the world; we pray that evil ay be overcome by good; we pray for the peace of this household [place] and for the cessation of all disaster.

Hymn to Fudo

Hail to the Mandala!
Let us so be engulfed within its praises evermoer that, by our own wills and vigilance, may we our fetters cut away.
May we within the temple of our own hearts dwell amidst the myriad mountains. Hail!

Hymn to the Cosmic Buddha

Hail, the beneficent Mystic Truth, the Treasure! Hail!

Homage to Kanzeon

Homage to Lanzeon the Great Compassionate Bodhisattva!
or
Namu Kanzeon Bosatsu

Mettabhavana

We surround all people and all forms of life with infinite Love and Compassion. Particularly do we send our compassionate thoughts to those in suffering and sorrow; to all those in doubt and ignorance, to all who are striving to atain Truth, and to those whose feet are standing close to the great change called death, we send forth oceans of Wisdom, Mercy and Love.

Bodhisattva Vow

Beings are numberless, I vow to free them.
Delusions are inexhaustible; I vow to end them.
Dharma gates are boundless; I vow to enter them.
The Buddha Way is unsurpassable; I vow to realize it.

Confession Verse

All past and harmful karma,
Perpetrated by me from time immemorial
Caused by beginningless greed, hate and delusion
By my body, speech and mind
I know fully avow.

The Five Thoughts (Mealtime Gatha)

We reflect on the effort that brought us this food and consider how it comes to us.
We reflect on our virtue and practice and whether we are worthy of this offering.
We regard it as essential to keep the mind free from excesses such as greed.
We regard this food as good medicine to sustain our lives,
For the sake of enlightenment, we now receive this food.

Toothbrush Gatha

(Before) I take the toothbrush that all living things may profit.May they understand the Truth quickly and become naturally pure.
(After) our teeth have been cleaned so that all living tings may profit. Since we control the fang of delusion, let us crush delusion as this toothbrush has been crushed in the mouth.

Toilet Gatha

Adoration to all the Buddhas. Adoration to the limitless teaching. Peace! Speak! Blaze! Up! To the glorious, peaceful one
For whom there is no disaster, hail!

Bath Gatha

(Before) As I cleanse my body, I pray that I may cleanse my heart.
(After) Now I have bathed my body, I pray that I may cleanse my heart.