“Imagine that every person in the world is enlightened but you.

They are all your teachers, each doing just the right things to help you learn perfect patience,
perfect wisdom, perfect compassion.”

Ancient Buddhist Practice.

The Belsen Prayer

O Lord remember not only the men and women of good-will, but also those of ill-will.

But do not only remember the suffering they have inflicted on us.

Remember also the fruits we reaped, thanks to this suffering.

Our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, the courage, the generosity, the greatness of heart which has grown out of all this.

And when they come to judgement, let all the fruits we have reaped be their forgiveness.

( Found in the crematorium at Belsen in the coat pocket belonging to a young Jewish girl)

 

The Narrow Gate

Life’s burdens, be they big or small,
Are not supposed to be a well
Impassable, unfair, un-meant,
But by the hand of Love are sent,
To balance, test and purify,
And help us through the needle’s eye.

At dark times, then, when you’re
alone,
Don’t let yourself be turned to stone.
But look within, and see what’s there.
How bright the light! How clear the air!
Your friends are, truly, all around.
Helping higher powers abound.

It only seems as though it’s night.
The test is: will you still see Light,
And in It trust, though all seems grey,
And keep faith in the coming Day?
This is the narrow gate, my friend,
The journey’s start, the journey’s end.

You will pass through? Then leave behind
The outworn clothing of your mind:
Attachments, fears, obstructions all,
That keep you in illusion’s thrall.
‘Surrender’ is the password here:
to Life, to Love, to Wisdom clear.

You think this will be hard to do?
A burden that’s too great for you?
Then just have courage! Do your best!
And higher powers will do the rest.
The smallest effort to choose Love
Is met with help from Those above.

For thus we carry out life’s task:
Through choosing Love, to break the mask
Of separation, death and fear
Imprisoning those dwelling here,
So that, as One, we may ascend
To Life abundant, without end.

Ann & Geoff Napier

St. Theresa's Prayer 

May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly  where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones,
and  allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.