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As I develop the awakened mind |
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I praise the buddhas as they shine |
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I bow before you as I travel my path |
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To join your ranks, I make my full time task |
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For the sake of all beings I seek |
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The enlightened mind that I know I'll reap |
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Respect to Shantideva and all the others |
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Who brought down the dharma for the sisters and brothers |
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I give thanks for this world as a place to learn |
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And for this human body that I know I've earned |
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And my deepest thanks to all sentient beings |
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For without them there would be no place to learn what I'm seeing |
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There's nothing here thats not been said before |
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But I put it down now so that I'll be sure |
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To solidify my own views |
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And I'll be glad if it helps anyone else out too |
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If others disrespect me and give my flack |
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I'll stop and think before I react |
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Knowing that they're going through insecure stages |
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I'll take the opportunity to exercise patience |
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I'll see it as a chance to help the other person |
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Nip it in the bud before it can worsen |
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A chance for me to be strong and sure |
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As I think on the Buddhas who have come before |
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As I praise and respect the good they've done |
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Knowing only love can conquer hate in every situation |
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We need other people in order to create |
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The circumstances for the learning that we're here to generate |
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Situations that bring up our deepest fears |
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So that we can work to release them until they've cleared |
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Therefore, it only make sense |
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To thank our enemies despite their intent |
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The Bodhisattva path is one of power and strength |
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A strength from within to go the length |
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Seeing others are as important as myself |
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I strive for a happiness of mental wealth |
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With the interconnectedness that we share as one |
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Every action that we take affects everyone |
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So in deciding for what a situation calls |
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There is a path for the good of all |
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I try to make my every action for that highest good |
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With the altruistic wish to achieve buddahood |
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So I pledge here before everyone who's listening |
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To make my every action for the good of all beings |
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For the rest of my lifetimes and |
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Even beyond I vow to do my best to do no harm |
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And in times of doubt i can think on the dharma |
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And the enlightened ones who've graduated Samsara |
