Refuge Prayer

by Thich Nhat Hanh 

At the foot of the Bodhi tree,

beautifully seated, peaceful and smiling,

the living source of understanding and compassion,

to the Buddha I go for refuge. 

The path of mindful living,

leading to healing, joy, and enlightenment,

the way of peace,

to the Dhamma I go for refuge.

The loving and supportive community of practice,

realizing harmony, awareness, and liberation,

to the Sangha I go for refuge.

I am aware that the Three Gems are within my heart.

I vow to realize them.

I vow to practice mindful breathing and smiling,

looking deeply into things.

I vow to understand living beings and their suffering,

to cultivate compassion and loving kindness,

and to practice joy and equanimity. 

I vow to offer joy to one person in the morning

and to help relive the grief of one person in the afternoon.

I vow to live simply and sanely,

content with just a few possessions,

and to keep my body healthy.

I vow to let go of all worry and anxiety in order to be light and free.

I am aware that I owe so much 

to my parents, teachers, friends and all beings.

I vow to be worthy of their trust,

to practice wholeheartedly,

so that understanding and compassion will flower,

and I can help living beings

be free from their suffering. 

May the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha support my efforts.