Practice Poems (Gathas)
Verses to recite silently during daily activities to support the cultivation of mindfulness.
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Verses to recite silently during daily activities to support the cultivation of mindfulness.
Memorising these poems can help us cultivate the energy of mindfulness and arrive in the present moment, whatever we are doing. When we can touch the present moment deeply, we can touch the ultimate.
Thich Nhat Hanh suggests we breathe in mindfully with the first line of each poem, and breathe out mindfully with the second; breathe in with the third line and breathe out with the fourth. You may also like to smile.
Arranging Flowers Gatha0:10
Watering the Plants Gatha0:09
Changing Water in a Vase Gatha0:09
Gardening Gatha0:07
Washing Your Feet Gatha0:06
Drinking Tea Gatha0:08
Throwing Out the Garbage Gatha0:08
Cleaning the Meditation Hall Gatha0:05
Planting a Tree Gatha0:07
Opening the Window Gatha0:09
Using the Telephone Gatha0:09
Finding a Stable Posture Gatha0:14
Walking Meditation Gatha0:10
Watering the Garden Gatha0:09
Sweeping Gatha0:06
Serving Food Gatha0:05
Lighting a Candle Gatha0:08
Cleaning the Bathroom Gatha0:06
Waking Up Gatha0:10
Greeting Someone Gatha0:03
Calming the Breath Gatha0:08
Using the Toilet Gatha0:07
Washing Your Hands Gatha0:06
Taking the First Steps of the Day Gatha0:07
Impermanence Gatha0:15
Stepping out of Bed Gatha0:10
Looking in the Mirror Gatha0:08
Turning on the Light Gatha0:06
Turning on the Water Gatha0:10
Looking at My Hand Gatha0:06
Bathing Gatha0:06
Looking at Your Plate or Bowl after Eating Gatha0:11
Making a Short Journey Safely Gatha0:07
Cutting a Flower Gatha0:07
Beginning to Eat Gatha0:12
Driving the Car Gatha0:08
Turning on the Computer Gatha0:13
Entering the Meditation Hall Gatha0:08
Rinsing Your Mouth Gatha0:11
Sitting Down Gatha0:06
Washing Vegetables Gatha0:06
Holding an Empty Bowl Gatha0:07
Brushing Your Teeth Gatha0:11
Adjusting Posture Gatha0:05
Smiling at Your Anger Gatha0:10
Before Eating Gatha0:07
Practice Poems (Complete)5:16