Non-Sectarian Lam Rim
The foundation of all good qualities is within my Higher Self. Understanding that dependence upon this innate wholeness and openness to experience is the heart of the path to good fortune, may I depend upon it with great respect and continuous effort.
A human life with leisure is rare in this world of so many living creatures. May I always keep this in mind so that I treasure the adventure and privilege of being human.
The fluctuation of my body and life is like a bubble in water. I should keep in mind that I might die at any time, without warning. If I contract a terminal illness, I will be tormented by my bad deeds and have only those good memories and deeds I am responsible for to comfort me when I am alone.
There is nothing that will ever give me a sense of permanent happiness in this world, and hanging on to the hope of finding it only creates more misery for me and for others. Let me instead be intent on liberating myself from my own fantasies and thus living more contentedly and realistically. If I remember that life is continuously changing, this can allow me to relax my agenda to control what can’t be controlled.
Even the thought of being contented and realistic gives me a sense of peace and makes me more mindful of everything that I do to create my world. May I live in the world kindly and gently, taking an inner vow not to kill, steal, lie, use harsh words with others or commit acts that violate the sanctity of any loving partnerships.
Once I see that everyone else suffers as I do, may I aspire to help others to understand how connected we all are with one another, and just how important it is to practice kindness, caring and mindfulness in each moment.
Generating this idea alone isn’t enough. It is very important that I have a strong sense of what I value, that I act within the principles of my Higher Self, and that I purposefully engage in acts to assist others in releasing themselves and others from the relentless suffering that we all experience. There are many others who have taken this inner oath of peace and love. I am proud to be counted among them.
May I keep these vows as if my life depended upon them, because, in fact, my living a worthwhile life DOES depend upon them.
I will make it point to spend time in quiet meditation and reflection, so that I master the ability to concentrate effectively on what is real instead of my fantasies of permanence. May I find that my inner self grows to encompass all that exists with an attitude of love, gentleness and responsibility.
When I feel strong in these efforts, let me become a leader among humankind, one who wishes to obliterate even the traces of believing that things on planet earth are unchanging. One who acts with conscience, with love, commitment and integrity to assist every living being in living in harmony here.
Let me keep in mind that should I become such a world leader, my ethics must be even more pure than before. The eyes of the world will be upon me, and letting those who depend upon me believe that I would give up principled living is unconscionable.
May every living being who understands this great sacredness of life live a long time, without difficulty; and may my companions who walk with me feel inspired by me and by one another each and every day.
May I completely obliterate my selfish, narrow minded ideas and fantasies about having things stay the same. May I live fully in love, peace and connection with all life.