Nottingham Aspirational Prayer Practice

The 12 Aspirational Prayers, written by John Crook (Chuan-deng Jing-di), are intended as something to be reflected upon in daily life, particularly when one is tempted to act otherwise. As such, they can work as an aid to mindfulness in daily life and can foster positive attitudes to the world around us. They can help progress us along the path by preventing the creation of negative karma which may keep us forever going round in circles, despite a strong meditation practice.

In the Nottingham group, we are currently working our way through these prayers, one each week. We start by discussing the meaning of a verse in relation to our daily lives. Throughout the following week when we are away from the group, we can bring these words to mind, being mindful of their intention and reflecting on our situation in relation to them. When we meet the next week, we can share our reflections on the prayer.

The prayer is included below, and we've included dates to show which prayer we will be reflecting upon in which week. If you are unable to attend the group, and wish to follow this practice, you can therefore take up the prayers away from the group.

Whether you attend the group or not, you can share your reflections via our Nottingham-based discussion list. Please send a blank email to nottingham-group-subscribe(at)westernchanfellowship.org to subscribe. We will be very interested to hear how you are getting on, and can offer our own personal reflections on this or any other practice.

Feb 20th	May I awake to clarity and throughout this livelong day sustain mindful awareness.
Feb 27th	Let me observe my karmic reactivity so that I may insert reflection before I speak or act.
March 13th	May I restrain my natural pomposity, prejudice and pride so that I may return to openness, empathy and joy.
March 20th	May my words and actions reflect consideration and understanding for the stupidities and waywardness of others.
March 27th	Let all beings be as my mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters or children and let me so care for them.
April 3rd	Let me perceive the Dharma in the life of my teacher setting aside his or her mundane characteristics.
April 10th	Let me pay attention to my teacher's words even if I disagree with them.
April 17th	May I train my thinking so that my thought corrects itself before any harm is done.
April 24th	Choosing one path with which I feel affinity let me pursue it with diligence without self-centred picking and choosing.
May 1st	Let me put all beings before me on the path to enlightenment. Setting aside my own ambition may I sincerely help others on the road.
May 8th	Leaving aside my wish for the future let me realise that life is only now.
May 15th	Homage to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Throughout my remaining life may I tread the Buddha's Way.