Liturgical Mashup

Some time ago, I remember Pope Benedict XVI warning about the dangers of 'Do It Yourself Religion'. Getting past the fact that the current Pontiff has been known to be rather critical of Buddhism, my reaction to his comments were, well, hysterical laughter. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to trash the Catholic Church (an organization which I think gets a little too much bad press). The laughter came from the fact that Buddhism in the West at this point, really is a 'Do It Yourself Religion'.

In Asia, the 'Buddhist spiritual infrastructure' has been in place for thousands of years. Teachers and practitioners are working with and adapting all of the various Buddhist traditions flowing in from Asia to suit the unique setting of The West but there's really nothing that we can point out to as distinctly Buddhist although some interesting trends are beginning to emerge.

As an example, I'll use an aspect of my own practice: liturgy. As you'll see, it's quite the mashup, reflecting the many teachers and traditions that have influenced me over the years:

Wake Up/Going to Bed Verses:
I Take Refuge in the Buddha and I wish that all sentient beings will awaken to the Great Path and make the Supreme Resolution.
I Take Refuge in the Dharma and I wish that all sentient beings will delve into the Sutras, their wisdom as deep as the Ocean.
I Take Refuge Sangha and I wish that all sentient beings will be brought together in Great Harmony, without any obstructions at all.
(Refuge Chant from the Bodhi Monastery Liturgy)

For as long as space endures and living beings remain,
So too shall I remain to dispel the miseries of the world.
(from Shantideva's 'Way of the Bodhisattva', ch. 10 v. 55)

May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness.
May all beings be freed from suffering and the causes of suffering.
May all beings never be parted from the supreme joy that is beyond all sorrow.
May all beings abide in equanimity, free from attachment and aversion.
('The Four Immeasurables', popular in the Theravada traditions)

Sentient beings are numberless. I vow to save them.
Delusions are inexhaustible. I vow to put an end to them.
Dharmas are boundless. I vow to master them.
The Buddha Way is unattainable. I vow to attain it.
('The Four Great Vows', translation used by the Mountains and Rivers Order of Zen Buddhism)

Before a Meal:
This offering is the work of fruit and care,
I reflect upon my conduct. Have I truly earned my share?
Of the poisons of the mind, the most destructive one is greed.
As a medicine cures illness, I take only what I need.
To sustain my cultivation and to realize the way,
So I contemplate in gratitude on this offering today.
('The Five Contemplations' translation by the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association)

Before Tea:
This cup of tea in my two hands,
mindfulness perfectly held.
My mind and body,
dwell in the very here and now.
(Tea Gatha, from the Plum Village Sangha)

Looking at the current 'state of the liturgy' I can say that this is not something I planned. For me, whatever I found very useful that resonated strongly with me was picked up and used. Lately, I've been delving a lot into the Plum Village liturgy called 'Chanting from the Heart'. Right now I consider it by far the the best English language Buddhist liturgy I've encountered. The perfect balance of precise spiritual language with deeply human and poetic tones: everything a liturgy should be!

Not sure if there ever will (or if there should be!) a 'universal' liturgy but it will be very interesting what people will come up with.