Threefold Aspirations Of Non-Violence

As we begin the practice,

We first take a few deep breaths,

Allowing our body to calm down.

We then allow the breath to move freely and spend a few moments releasing all the tension from the key parts of the body.

With our body relaxed like this,

We use our ability to generate intentions,

Working with three thoughts in particular.

We generate an intention and then hold it in our mind for a while.

We can also imagine embodying this intention and applying it in our daily life,

Again and again.

The first intention is this – Today,

As much as possible,

I will work to avoid bringing harm.

The second intention is this – Today,

As much as possible,

I will work to bring benefit.

The third intention – Today,

As much as possible,

I will work to cultivate the beneficial qualities of my mind,

Work to cultivate wisdom and compassion.

We then generate a wish to recall these three intentions throughout the day and,

If possible,

Even in our dreams.

We then come back to the sensations of the body and gradually conclude the practice.