Peace

Poem by THICH NHAT HANH (1926 – 2022) chanted by BROTHER PHAP NEIM

May the sound of this bell penetrate deep into the cosmos
Even in the darkest spots
Living beings are able to hear it clearly
So that all suffering in them cease
Understanding comes to their heart
And they transcend the path of sorrow and death.
The universal dharma door is already open
The sound of the rising tide is heard clearly
The miracle happens
A beautiful child appears in the heart of a lotus flower
One single drop of this compassionate water
Is enough to bring back the refreshing spring to our mountains and rivers.
Listening to the bell
I feel the afflictions in me begin to dissolve
My mind calm
My body relax
A smile is born on my lips
Following the sound of the bell
My breath brings me back to the safe island of mindfulness
In the garden of my heart
The flowers of peace bloom beautifully.

(The creators of this audio track were Gary Malkin, the composer/arranger, producer, and collaborator Michael Stillwater for a CD/book called Graceful Passages: A Companion for Living and Dying. Used with acknowledgment)

THE GREAT BELL CHANT: A PRAYER FOR THE END OF SUFFERING