"Now " by Ven. Shih Jingang

“NOW”

By Ven. Shih Jingang

No past, no present, no future.  All created things arise and pass away.  All names and labels dissolve.  You can observe this in meditation practice and, in experiencing impermanence in life and so-called death.

At the conclusion of the Diamond Sutra, it is said that, this is how we should view our conditioned existence: as a star at dawn, a bubble in a stream, a drop of dew, a flash of lightning in a summer cloud, a flickering lamp, a phantom and a dream.

I had the privilege of knowing a woman who had so completely immersed herself in the Buddha’s teachings, that, by the time of her passing from this life she embodied the Dharma. What follows is a prayer of dedication to her, the Three Jewels and to all sentient beings:

Now is the time of awakening to this precious moment.

“I take refuge in the Awakened One.”

Now is the time of realising, that,

I am the Light itself, the Dharma is the light.

“I take refuge in the Dharma of the Awakened One.”

Now is the time of Compassion for all suffering beings.

“I take refuge in the Sangha of the Awakened One.”

May all beings experience the unconditional embrace of

Boundless Compassion.

May the radiant light which emanates from its heart

lead all to blissful freedom.

May all sentient beings be liberated from suffering.

Namo Amitabha!

Ven Nguyen Tang & Ven Shil Jingang at Duc Son Buddhist Center, Bothwell, Tasmania (24/5/2021)

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