Praising the Buddha | Thich Nhat Hanh Memorial

Praising The Buddha, Thich Nhat Hanh Memorial Day 5, 2022/01/26

Featuring cello, violins, guitar, and drum, as part of the ceremony for Day 5 of the Thich Nhat Hanh Memorial ceremonies, the monks and nuns of Plum Village, France, chanted "Praising the Buddha", a chant written by Thay and with music by Brother Phap Linh.

LYRICS

The Buddha is like the fresh full moon

that soars across the immense sky,

when the river of mind is truly calm

the deep waters perfectly mirror the radiance of the moon.

The countenance of the world honored one

like the full moon or the orb of the sun,

shines forth bright wisdom’s halo,

embracing all with love, compassion, joy and inclusiveness.

May the Way of the Buddha grow ever more bright

and all beings receive the Dharma rain,

May compassion cool the flames of the world,

and wisdom shine through the clouds of confusion

revealing to all the path.

May Mother Earth be protected and safe,

May the people in the world be equal and free,

May the winds and the rains be in harmony,

May the land be at peace in all directions

and the people embrace the path.

May the Sangha practice diligently,

showing love and concern for one and all,

just as for our very own family,

transforming our hearts and minds

we aspire to follow all great beings.

With one heart we vow to practice

the way of all Bodhisattvas, of Samantabhadra

and Avalokiteshvara the way of perfected wisdom.

Sheet music can be found here: https://plumvillage.org/library/chants/praising-the-buddha/