Zen Master Thich Nath Hanh is a global spiritual leader, poet, peace activist, and founder of the Plum Village Tradition. In this video he is joined by brother Phap Niem in an abiding prayer for the end of suffering, “The Great Bell Chant.”
Thich Nath Hanh explains that … “in Plum Village Practice centers worldwide, we chant the Great Bell Chant every day. The sound of the Great Bell is so beautiful and helps us to calm our mind, relax our body. We come back to our true home and generate compassion for all living beings. We send our peaceful energy through the sound of the bell and wish that they can hear it clearly so that all suffering in them cease.”
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 ceases
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 relaxed
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
More from Thich Nhat Hanh, Br Phap Niem here.