Guide to Conduct and Ceremony > Appendix: Ceremonial Texts > Part Three: Ceremonial Texts for the Rites and Rituals of the Order > 43. Mental Affirmation at the Opening Ceremony of the Sŏn-Retreat

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Guide to Conduct and Ceremony

Appendix: Ceremonial Texts

Part Three: Ceremonial Texts for the Rites and Rituals of the Order

43. Mental Affirmation at the Opening Ceremony of the Sŏn-Retreat

Oh Dharmakaya Buddha, Fourfold Grace, today may You bestow upon us special light and power at the opening ceremony of this Sŏn-retreat so that we, having suffered from vexation, will grow stronger day by day with the power of absorption merited by Sŏn practice. May we who have been wandering in darkness be brightened day by day by the light of wisdom as it is merited by Sŏn practice. May we who have been troubled by transgression and evil deeds, become purified in our practice of the precepts day by day as it is merited by Sŏn practice.
May we transcend the realm of sentient beings to advance to the Bodhisattva path and enter the Buddha stage. During this Sŏn retreat, may there be no obstacles of Mara and may this congregation maintain harmonious and diligent practice so that the merit of Sŏn practice becomes widely revealed to the world, and all sentient beings may be delivered. This we pray for wholeheartedly.