Daily Practice for Refuge Level Sangha
Waking Affirmation
Today I am fortunate to be alive, To have a precious human life,
I will not waste it,
I will use all my energies to develop myself,
To expand my heart out to others,
To achieve awakening for the benefit of all beings,
Today I am going to have kind thoughts towards others,
I am not going to get angry or think badly about others,
Today I’m going to benefit others as much as I can.
Morning Community Affirmation
Today, as I awake, I know I am not alone,
I know that I am a member of a kind community,
A community of like-minded practitioners dedicated to goodness and improvement,
A community that respects, supports, and cares for me,
A community of equals bound together through friendship and shared path,
A community that is a family, a home, and a refuge from the storm.
Affirmation of My Path
Today as I awake, I reflect on and appreciate my path,
A middle way path of moderation and balance, of reason and virtue,
A path aimed at attaining clarity, objectivity, and right perspective.
Today I will engage wholeheartedly with my path,
Accepting and embracing reality, while working to reduce my reactivity.
Today I work to transcend my limitations through training my mind,
With the aim of gaining the contentment and mental freedom that is awakening.
Motivational Affirmation
Just as the Buddha clarified that self-punishment was not an aspect of his teachings,
Asserting that the comfort of his middle way to be the best foundation for practice,
I too cultivate and embody joy, contentment, and comfort within my path.
Today I embrace the beauty, delight, and wonder of my experiences.
I will enjoy my life, making time for fun and laughter,
While deeply appreciating the miracle of my existence.
The Five Remembrances
I am of the nature to grow old; I cannot avoid aging.
I am of the nature to become ill or injured; I cannot avoid illness or injury. I am of the nature to die; I cannot avoid death.
All that is dear to me and everyone I love are of the nature to change; There is no way to escape being separated from them.
My actions are my only true belongings; I cannot escape the consequences of my actions;
My actions are the ground upon which I stand.
Mental Discipline Affirmation
I will no longer allow my emotions to dictate my state of mind.
I will no longer allow my desires and impulses to covertly shape my life.
I will no longer allow my habits to blindly direct my life's course.
I will no longer allow my fears to rob me of opportunity and happiness.
I will no longer allow others to manipulate my emotions and self-worth.
I will be strong, energetic, and confident.
I will cultivate clarity and remain truthful with myself.
I will develop diligence and an unwavering resolve for improvement.
I will make conscious mature choices; and hold myself to those choices.
I will become wholly responsible and in full control of my life from this day forward.
Abiding on the Breath Affirmation
Today, I commit myself to awakening by practicing Abiding on the Breath.
To focus and anchor my awareness on the inflow and outflow of my breathing.
I do this to train myself in harnessing the full power of my mindfulness,
Allowing me to be fully present, within the present moment.
Altruistic Affirmation
May all be healthy, may all be prosperous, may all be well.
May all be present, free of past regret and future worry.
May all abide in constant appreciation, which is the source of great joy and contentment.
May all realize their true nature and the true nature of reality, which is awakening.
Four Gifts Affirmation
May my stability, nurture maturity, wisdom, and self-control in others.
May my calmness, soothe the wounds of those waged in life's daily battles.
May my care, bring hope and inclusion to those feeling vulnerable or marginalized.
May my happiness, inspire others to seek out their highest potential and greatest good.
The Four Steps of Acceptance Affirmation
The Four Steps of Acceptance is a method for dealing with life’s adversities.
A practice aimed at accepting reality without embellishment or rejection.
To fully embrace life, in both its joys and sufferings.
To transcend our endless resistance and struggle against reality,
And our compulsion to control our experiences and the outcome of events.
The Four Steps of Acceptance
- Presence – being present, objective, patient, and nonreactive
- Acceptance – acknowledging and embracing the reality of the situation
- Assessment – applying reason to gain perspective and understanding
- Action – if moved, act to improve the situation
Appreciation Affirmation
Today I abide as the observing witness to the present moment.
I appreciate myself, my vast potential, and the good fortune I have known,
I appreciate the beauty and love that are always available to me,
I appreciate the wonders of human ingenuity, skill, efficiency, and technology,
I appreciate the miracle of biological evolution that I am,
I appreciate the precious, uncertain, and mysterious nature of my existence,
Today, I fully appreciate my life, in each and every moment.
The Four Expressions of Softness Affirmation
Today, I will be mindful of the style in which I live my life.
Embodying goodness, beauty, and joy throughout my day.
Through the cultivation of:
A soft and beautiful mind,
Soft and beautiful speech,
Soft and beautiful behavior,
And soft and beautiful actions,
I do this with the wish to bring peace, stability, and contentment to all.
Affirmation to Shine
Today I will appreciate my true value and the miracle of my existence.
I will embrace awakening as the true purpose and consummation of my life.
I will delight in the freedom and potential available to me in every moment.
Today I will stop struggling against reality and embrace the mystery and wonder of life.
I will use my breath to ground myself in the stillness of the present moment.
I will recognize, cultivate, and radiate my innate goodness in everything I do.
I am the bird, I am the flower, I am that which requires no embellishment.
From this realization, my awakened activity spontaneously and effortlessly shines forth.