Jyoti - Bodhicitta & Devoting The Practice

Opening Intention: Devoting Our Practice Hi everyone, Here is both a short and long version of the opening intention for devoting our practice. Of course, setting an intention like this is not a prerequisite to practice, however I do feel it to be important and very helpful. Many things we do in life require us to have a vision and to set intentions and our meditation practice is no different. This does not mean that we cling to the outcome of our intention, but simply that we are clear on the basics of why we are engaging in the practice at all. In Buddhism there is a Sanskrit term bodhicitta, which basically means the awakened mind . However, it does also carry another important meaning which is our commitment to awaken for the betterment of all beings - not just ourselves. This may seem to be a very altruistic concept, but it's also simply accurate as we are all deeply connected and unified. Bodhicitta is also an important concept because when we are genuinely motivated to embark on our journey for the greater good of all, then we are supported by the universe in a deeper way. We could think of bodhiciita as a motivating force that actually energizes and supports our energy and process in many essential ways. Bodhicitta can also protect us on any spiritual path from getting too self absorbed, which is not only frowned upon, but it is a real ego obstacle on the path of healing and self realization. Devoting our practice with a spirit of bodhicitta can also be looked at as us harmonically and psychologically aligning ourselves with our true higher nature, which is indeed motivated out of a compassion for all. Regardless of bodhicitta , there is great power in intention, especially when it's sincere and from the heart. As I mentioned before, please feel free to adjust this devotion to suit you better if there is a part that you would like to add to or change. It should feel good, true, authentic, and genuinely relatable to you personally. Possibly you have another devotional or practice prayer to align and orientate you, if so then I encourage you to use it. It's ideal to print it out so you have easy access whenever you need it and feel free to share it. It's nice to read or recite this, or something like this, before your Jyoti sessions. It can help you get some clarity and shift gears from your daily lives and into your practice sessions. I personally use this kind of reading / writing as a chance to "hone" or "align" and orientate myself with my intentions. I find it can be especially helpful to read and really tune into it with a sincere heart when life is feeling hard or wild and I need to centre or ground and find some clarity. As you will see, this particular devotion is quite suited to the practice of Jyoti and I believe it is quite inclusive and relatable or applicable to most spiritual paths and cosmologies. Enjoy, Chad Quick Shortest Version May the highest and greatest good come from this practice, may I align with the most high and benevolent guidance and abilities, may all beings guide themselves to peace and bliss. Short Version I devote this practice and study to the betterment of all beings. I pray for the well being of the elements; all creatures and sentient beings, for the descendants and ancestors, and all of the sacred hoop of life. I pray for the healing and well being of all through time and space. I sincerely regret and apologize for any past wrong doings and I intend to do no harm going forward. My intention is to heal and to realize my true nature of compassion and wisdom, of peace and bliss. I am grateful for another day to practice, for this sacred body and breath, and for the clarifying wisdom, intelligence, and power of pure awareness. May all beings realize peace and bliss, blessed we be, and so it is so. Long Version I devote this practice and study to the betterment of all beings. I pray for the well being of the elements; all creatures and sentient beings, for the descendants and ancestors, and all of the sacred hoop of life. I pray for the healing and well being of all through time and space. I sincerely regret and apologize for any past wrong doings and I intend to do no harm going forward. My intention is to heal and to realize my true nature of compassion and wisdom, of peace and bliss. I understand that love is one with the heart and Source of creation, and that compassion is supreme and it guides the best of our dreams. I am willing to be, courageously and vulnerably present, with any discomfort or confusion that arises. To use the hard times of this life as my motivation to awaken from any delusion, or patterns that are causing greater suffering or disharmony. I meet my discomforts with compassion, acceptance, and the discerning wisdom of equanimity. I know that I am never alone in this process, and that playing my tiny part can serve and benefit the whole. In good faith, and in pure awe of the divine guidance I receive, I trust that I am protected, and that I will have good boundaries when needed. I understand that I cannot save anyone but simply to help them, when they are ready, to position themselves to unfold and to heal and remember they are whole. I surrender to the great and benevolent intelligence of a higher nature - which seeks to naturally liberate us all just as it guides all plants to bloom. I am grateful to all the compassionate and wise teachers and guides, seen and unseen, and for the inner wisdom and methods that align me with my greatest and truest potential. I am grateful for another day to practice and apply what I have been learning, to realize the preciousness of this human life, and for the chance to serve. I pray for the long life and protection of all who are doing the good work, and for those who are carrying on the healing ways, good visions, true wisdom, and a reverence for creation. I humbly realize that we are all walking each other home, and that we are all equal in value, beauty, and worth. That all of us, as we both give and receive, are worthy of forgiveness, health, wealth, wisdom, and a lives of both meaning and love. I intend to align with my true nature - which is like an un-stainable diamond beneath and beyond ideas like birth and death. When seen clearly, I know that my challenges can be my greatest opportunities, and my hardships can be my greatest guides, and gifts. I am grateful for another day to love and to practice, for this sacred body and breath, and for the clarifying wisdom, intelligence, and power of pure awareness. May all beings remember their true nature, and realize peace and bliss. Blessed we be, and so it is so.