Today is World Mental Health Day and this article in The Independent ends with the words ‘through the simple power of compassion’.
So with that in mind, here’s an offering for compassion, spoken by Shantideva, Indian Buddhist Sage in 700 A.D.
“May I be a guard for those who need protection
A guide for those on the path
A boat, a raft, a bridge for those who wish to cross the flood
May I be a lamp in the darkness
A resting place for the weary
A healing medicine for all who are sick
A vase of plenty, a tree of miracles
And for the boundless multitudes of living beings
May I bring sustenance and awakening
Enduring like the earth and sky
Until all beings are freed from sorrow
And all are awakened.”
Shantideva 700 A.D.