By: Bob Zeglovitch
This morning, we conducted a full moon service. After the Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo (one translation: Life Extending Ten Line Kannon Sutra), there is a dedication, or eko, which is chanted by the doan. The point of the eko is to dedicate the energy and merit of the practice to all beings. This morning, while I had added a special portion of the eko that recognized the Winter Solstice, my printed version omitted it! After the service ended I chanted it separately for those who were in attendance. I include this portion of the eko below:
At this time of the Winter Solstice, in the midst of great darkness, may we continue our practice with diligence, opening our hearts with compassion toward ourselves and all beings, acknowledging our karma and vowing to uphold the Bodhisattva Precepts;
And may the coming light dispel greed, anger and ignorance in our heart/minds and in the heart/minds of all sentient beings.
May peace and justice prevail in this world and in all worlds, and may all beings realize their true nature, wondrously particular and wholly boundless.