My Aspiration

I bow with deep gratitude for the opportunity to walk this path of practice. I aspire to continually set things down and devote myself to cultivating the nature of my own mind, to looking more deeply into life, and into who and what I truly am — and, just as importantly, who and what I am not. I undertake this process of purification and awakening with the sincere wish to benefit others, knowing that this is the deepest motivation of the path.

I recognize that the suffering of the world — its pain, confusion, and conflict — arises from not knowing our true nature. I aspire to realize ever more clearly that all beings are intrinsically Buddhas, inseparably connected, and completely interdependent, with no independent self-existence. When this truth is not understood, beings fall into self-clinging, greed, anger, delusion, and fear. I hold this understanding as the heart of the path and the true basis for the liberation of the world.

My deepest aspiration is that, as I continue my own process of self-cultivation and transformation, I remain diligent, humble, and responsive. Wherever and whenever opportunities arise to be of benefit to others, may I recognize them and act. If I am able to help create places of Dharma, to support the Dharma, or to assist others in encountering and practicing these profound teachings, may I do so wholeheartedly and without hesitation. May my life be in service to awakening, for myself and for all beings.

Song of Aspiration

Remembering my kind and patient teacher who's True Energy illuminates the profound path 

Like the sun for this near-sided wanderer, I heed his advice, turn inward and look.

All appearances, all "this," is merely the "play of forms" in this unborn wakefulness.

In this pure union of subject, object, and action, I take refuge.

Coming home to this very life, I dwell peacefully in mind, as mind, none other than mind.

Having never left, I relax and rest. This True Unfolding Complete!

I understand that my connection with my family, children, and friends in this vast ocean of existence is not a coincidence. It is a rare and fortunate opportunity: the creative power of my own awareness manifesting as the conditions of love, care, and mutual support. Because my family and loved ones are closest to my heart and have supported me through times of difficulty, I aspire to honor and respect them as the very root of my spiritual path — recognizing and cherishing them as the living display of innate compassion.

I will constantly remind myself that every moment offers the possibility of resting in the freshness of present awareness. I hold clearly that the deepest wish of my family, my loved ones, and all sentient beings is to be free from suffering and its causes. I understand that the only true way to fulfill this wish is by entering the path of liberation myself and maturing my own practice.

Therefore, I commit to applying myself wholeheartedly to the View, Meditation, and Conduct of the Great Perfection, knowing that in doing so I am genuinely serving my children, partner, parents, siblings, loved ones, and all beings. I aspire to take responsibility for my practice with humility and confidence, holding it in high esteem as an offering of benefit beyond myself.

May I offer genuine love, warmth, and presence to my family and all those close to me — from the depths of my heart, grounded in awareness, and guided by compassion.

Aspiration Prayer

Though the Ground remains unmoved from its Primordial Purity,

Its unceasing Creative Energy appears as the form of love and affection.

To my kind parents, siblings, and dear friends

Bless them to be recognized as the ornament of self-arising Wisdom.

Upon the path to liberation from the ocean of Samsara,

May I perfect the practice of View, Meditation, and Conduct,

And may self and others be liberated together in the expanse of Awareness.

May this life see the flourishing of auspiciousness and virtue!