Each Activity—A Prayer

In the stillness of the night, just before drifting off to sleep, I run my fingers along the smooth wooden surface of a Bodhi seed—the very same type of seed that grew into the Bodhi tree beneath which the Buddha realized enlightenment. With each breath, my fingers move to the next bead on the string of a total of 108, all made of the seeds of awakening.

In Buddhism, as well as in other spiritual traditions, particularly those originating in the Indian subcontinent, these prayer beads are referred to as mala. Practitioners typically use it for counting recitations, for example when chanting sacred sounds known as mantras. I enjoy wearing mala and find it helpful for many reasons. As I am touched by its beads, I often offer a silent prayer, such as:

May we all be happy, safe, and free from suffering.
May we all find peace.

This is my formulation of words that are commonly associated with the practice of metta, or loving-kindness.

What is the purpose of chants and prayers? I believe this varies from tradition to tradition and even from practitioner to practitioner within a same tradition. On this occasion, I’d like to focus on the primary orientation of the Path which is not about attempting to control external circumstances. It asks us to go much deeper than that, to turn toward our own hearts and minds. It’s not that what is happening in the world wouldn’t be important, neither it denies the need for systemic changes. Rather, it acknowledges that unless we ourselves come into touch with peace and compassion by understanding the root causes of unease, dissatisfaction, and suffering, or dukkha, any meaningful and sustainable transformation in the world is unlikely to occur. My understanding of a prayer is like that. Not asking for anything, there are no expectations for particular outcomes. Right here and now, heart and mind opening, I see the very moment a prayer is uttered as its complete fulfillment.

I don’t consider it a mere tool or psychological technique, though. Filled with wonder and mystery, the beauty of devotion and commitment carries over to all daily activities. Allowing whatever arises in one’s experience, not turning away and not hiding in places past or future or imagined, everyone and everything is welcome. I don’t mean complacency by that. There are certainly times when saying no is a wise thing to do. Even that can be done in an open-hearted and skillful manner though. Living in this way can feel vulnerable and challenging in many ways. It requires effort together with a great deal of honesty, patience, gentleness, and some courage, too.

So, in my understanding of prayer, ultimately its practice is not limited to certain words or sitting in front of an altar. Resting peacefully here and now, open and awake, allowing and taking care, each moment can be realized as a Bodhi seed on the sacred mala of moments we call life.