The Four Paramitas

Four children stood before us this morning. They placed offerings on the altar. They took refuge in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. They took on six precepts. They received Buddhist names. Each child was named after one of the Six Paramitas. They received cedarwood malas and mindfulness bells. The ceremony was incredibly moving. I can't think of a better way to begin Mother's Day.

My daughter's Buddhist name is Ksanti. We also have a Virya, a Sila, and a Prajna.

Ksanti means patience or forbearance. In the Meditation on the Six Paramitas, we say:

May I be patient! May I learn to bear and forbear the wrongs of others!

For me, this is always the hardest practice of all the paramitas. Sometimes it is just hard to forgive, hard to let go. So far, my daughter has been the perfect example of this level of patience. I hope she carries it with her always.

This morning, before leaving for Still Point, we talked a bit about practice. I mentioned that I want to get back into the Intensive Practice routine. We did some bows. We sat for about five minutes. We talked about keeping a Precepts journal. Her decision to begin a practice makes me deeply committed to mine. Whatever reasons I had for not sitting, now bowing, not "getting off it" and forgiving someone... they were quashed today. I think it is a good thing that I'm not alone in my practice anymore. Sangha extends to home now, and we can take refuge in each other.

Ksanti... she always encourages me... to do my workout when I don't want to... to play when I'm tired... to just be present. She will be a good partner in the Dharma. I'm sure she will be a teacher for me more than I will ever be a teacher for her.

Comments

[Seekr]

This might not be the most relevant, but I've recently come across an article on Buddhistchannel.tv about the growth of African American Buddhism in America. I tought I would post a link:

African American Buddhism in America

[chalip]

Thanks Seekr... I will definately check this out. BTW, nothing is irrelevant. Thanks for sharing.

[Mermaid]

This is inspiring and beautiful!

[Chodpa]

How wonderful to hear your story of your daughter! And what a beautiful name too :-)

I can certainly agree with you on the centrality of patience and parenting ... and how much I've learnt from my kids ... and how much still to learn!

How old is your daughter, if I might ask?

take care, and best wishes in the Dharma

[chalip]

Thanks Mermaid & Chodpa...

Chodpa, to answer your question, My daughter is eight years old, going on 16.