Loving Kindness at Wangapeka
Here is a meditation practice based on a broad love of nature. It could be adapted to any location. Include the categories of creatures that live in your environment. Slowly read through the text letting the words merge with a relaxed appreciation of your breathing. For example, as you savor the movements of your body breathing in and breathing out, simultaneously think; “may I be well and happy”. Then breathing in and out again; “may all my cells and organs function in joyous harmony”. Breathe mindfully and caringly with each section for as long as you wish.
This approach was adapted from a meditation composed by Lama Mark Webber. It emerged in its present form during the three week retreat in 2008 called, ‘Observation and Wonderment’. As part of their practice, participants made lists of all the living beings they encountered during the day. You could do this in the course of your daily life; around your home or at your place of work. During the day, carry with you a small notebook and pencil. Every time you see a living creature/plant/being that you haven’t noticed before, jot down its name in your book along with any observations that stand out for you. If you don’t know the official name of the creature, then make up a name that will enable you to recall it. At the end of the day, use your list to revisit all these beings. Then, linked with your breathing, do the following practice. Change the name ‘Wangapeka’ to the name of wherever you are and adjust the list of creatures appropriately. If there are no fish where you are then you wouldn’t include that category.
May I be well and happy, may all my cells and organs function in joyous harmony.
May I be a radiant manifestation of kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity and provide support for the unfolding of all life forms.
May this land called Wangapeka be experienced as a living matrix of radiant intelligence, a supportive realm for the unfolding of beings.
All atoms and molecules (uncountable numbers) may each and every one of you be happy and function well in harmony.
All single celled creatures, (list all the ones you have seen) may each and every one of you be well and happy and move in the ways of awakening.
All tiny multi-celled creatures (list all the ones you have seen) may each and every one of you be well and happy and move in the ways of awakening.
All moss (list all the ones you have seen) may each and every one of you be well and happy and move in the ways of awakening.
All shelled creatures such as snails and molluscs (list all the ones you have seen) may each and every one of you be well and happy and move in the ways of awakening.
All arthropods such as insects, spiders, and crustaceans, millipedes and so on (list all the ones you have seen) may each and every one of you be well and happy and move in the ways of awakening.
All shrubs and bushes (list all the ones you have seen) may each and every one of you be well and happy and move in the ways of awakening.
All flowers, grasses, and lichen (list all the ones you have seen) may each and every one of you be well and happy and move in the ways of awakening.
All trees, (list all the ones you have seen) may each and every one of you be well and happy and move in the ways of awakening.
All amphibians (list all the ones you have seen) may each and every one of you be well and happy and move in the ways of awakening.
All fish (list all the ones you have seen) may each and every one of you be well and happy and move in the ways of awakening.
All birds, (list all the ones you have seen) may each and every one of you be well and happy and move in the ways of awakening.
All mammals, including humans (list all the ones you have seen) may each and every one of you be well and happy and move in the ways of awakening.
May the entire community that is Wangapeka realise the great peace of Nirvana
First published on Tarchin Hearn’s website Green Dharma Treasury.
Photo Credit David Pooch