May beings all live happily and safe. ~ The Buddha
Unitarian Universalists may engage in prayer, meditation, silent contemplation, worship, and other types of spiritual practice as individuals or congregations. Because Unitarian Universalism welcomes a diversity of belief, our congregations are made up of individuals who engage in differing spiritual practices. Exploring examples of meditations and prayers in the Unitarian Universalist tradition may offer insight into the range of material that inspires us.
The purpose: a daily spiritual practice to help spark our moral imagination and set our moral compass as individuals (Emerson called it “provocative reading”). It can also help establish a common spiritual conversation that will further unite us as a community of faith.
The practice: sit comfortably and take a few deep breaths to remind your body that it’s time to focus—any time of day (as short or long as you like), anywhere you have time to yourself.
Reading: read the day’s text carefully several times, preferably aloud.
May beings all live happily and safe
And may their hearts rejoice within themselves.
Whatever there may be with breath of life,
Whether they be frail or very strong
Without exception, be very long of short
Or middle-sized, or be they big or small
Or thick, or visible or invisible.
Or whether they dwell far or they dwell near,
Those that are here, those seeking to exists –
May beings all rejoics within themselves.
Let no on bring about another’s ruin
And not despise in any way or place,
Let them not wish each other any ill
From provocation or from enmity.
~ The Buddha
Reflection: ask yourself which word or phrase provokes your attention. Why that word or that phrase? You may wish to jot the word or phrase in a journal. Reflect for a short time on the word or phrase and ponder what it evokes in you. Make a note or two.
Intention: ask yourself what purpose your reading and reflection suggests for you on this day. Set a specific intention that you can reasonably fulfill. Perhaps jot it down.
Contemplation: expand your awareness from intention to gratitude. Remind yourself that the world is full of untapped wisdom and your life is full of unrealized potential. Note a couple of things for which you’re especially grateful.