Welcome to this meditation on Buddha nature.
Your Buddha nature is the part of you that's always present,
Calm,
And wise.
In Buddhism,
Buddha nature refers to the inherent qualities within each of us,
Our profound potential for compassion,
Wisdom,
And peace.
It may not be something that you're always in touch with,
But we're going to help you connect with that part of yourself.
Your Buddha nature is not something you need to seek outside of yourself.
Buddha nature is your natural state when you let go of thoughts,
Judgments,
And attachments.
In this meditation,
We'll focus on awareness and mindfulness to help you connect to that beautiful deep inner peace,
Allowing the natural qualities of your Buddha nature to emerge.
Let's start by getting really comfortable.
Allow your hands to rest in your lap or on your knees if you're seated.
Go ahead and close your eyes.
Start by taking a few deep breaths.
Breathe in fully and exhaling slowly.
With each breath,
Allow yourself to settle more deeply into the present moment.
Let go of any tension in your body,
Softening your shoulders,
Your jaw,
And your abdomen.
Inviting softness throughout your body.
Now bring your awareness to the sensation of your body as you're either sitting or lying down.
Feel the weight of your body against the ground or the chair.
Noticing the contact points between your body and the surface beneath you.
Just observe.
There's no need to judge or change anything.
Simply be aware.
Now let's shift your awareness to your breath.
Follow the natural rhythm of your breathing,
Noticing the coolness of the air as it enters your nostrils and the warmth as it leaves.
There's no need to control the breath.
Just let your body breathe and observe as the breath flows in and out.
This breath,
Just as it is,
Is a gateway to your buddha nature.
It reminds you of the simple natural wisdom of your body and mind.
When you breathe,
Your body is telling you that it knows what to do.
As you breathe,
Begin to notice the thoughts that arise.
Without engaging them or pushing them away,
Simply observe each thought as it appears,
As if you were watching clouds float across the sky.
Notice how they come and go,
How none of your thoughts actually stay for very long.
Just like clouds,
They drift by.
Your thoughts are temporary,
And beneath your thoughts is the vast open sky of your awareness,
Clear,
Still,
And untroubled.
Just take a moment to imagine the vast open sky upon which your thoughts rest,
In front of which your thoughts float by.
That open sky is a reflection of your buddha nature.
It's always there,
Always spacious,
Even when thoughts and emotions temporarily pass through.
In this moment,
Rest in this awareness.
Notice how when you don't cling to your thoughts or your emotions,
You find a space of calm within you.
That space in between the thoughts,
In between the emotions.
There's a refuge there within which you can rest.
Now bring your attention to the qualities of compassion and kindness.
In Buddhism,
Buddha nature is often described as having infinite compassion for all beings.
Take a moment to reflect on the compassion that naturally arises in your heart.
You may bring to mind a loved one,
A pet,
Or even yourself.
Connect with that deep inherent wisdom and compassion,
And silently repeat,
May I be happy,
May I be free from suffering.
Or extend the wish to the other person or animal.
May you be happy,
May you be free from suffering.
Allow this compassion to arise naturally,
Without force.
Recognize that this compassionate feeling,
However small or large it may seem,
Is a natural expression of your buddha nature.
You don't have to create it,
It is already here waiting to be acknowledged.
As you continue to sit in this mindful awareness,
Remember that buddha nature is simply the recognition of your inherent wisdom,
Compassion,
And peace.
It does not depend on circumstances or achievements.
By resting in awareness,
Free from attachment to thoughts,
Emotions,
And desires,
You are already embodying your buddha nature.
Take a few minutes now to simply be.
Rest in this awareness of what is already present within you.
Calm.
Wise.
Compassionate.
There's nothing more to seek or change.
You are already complete.
Already whole.
When you feel ready,
Bring your awareness back to your breath.
Feel that gentle rise and fall of your chest.
Slowly become aware of your body sitting.
Extend your awareness to the space around you and the sounds of the room.
As you gently open your eyes,
Carry this awareness with you knowing that your buddha nature is always present,
Always accessible,
And always guiding you towards peace.
