Hello everyone,
This is Michelle Kamboulis,
Author,
Meditation teacher,
And therapist.
I'm sharing one of the most powerful practices I know for shoring up wisdom and heart strength.
It's the Shantideva prayer.
Shantideva was an 8th century yogi and scholar,
A prince who gave it all up to become a monk.
His teachings are the through line to an awakened life.
So just getting comfortable where you are,
Turning inward by closing the eyes or resting the gaze lightly in front of you,
And coming into stillness.
You can listen to the words or repeat them inwardly,
Allowing them to move through your being,
Amplifying at the heart center and connecting in with your inner radiance.
May I become at all times,
Both now and forever,
A protector for those without protection,
A guide for those who've lost their way,
A ship for those with oceans to cross,
A sanctuary for those in danger,
A lamp for those in the dark,
And a servant to all those in need,
As long as living beings exist and suffering afflicts them.
May I too abide to dispel the misery of the world.
May I be a guard for those who need protection,
A guide for those on the path,
A boat,
A raft,
A bridge for those who wish to cross the flood.
May I be a lamp in the darkness,
A resting place for the weary,
A healing medicine for all those who are sick,
A vase of plenty,
A tree of miracles,
And for the boundless multitudes of living beings.
May I bring sustenance and awakening,
Enduring like the earth and sky,
Until all beings are freed from sorrow and all are awakened.
Gently putting the hand at the heart center,
Perhaps giving a light bow,
Honoring yourself in this moment with this body and this breath,
And may you lead with an open and steady heart.
Thank you for your presence.
Thank you for your practice.
Love to all and namaste.
