Blessings

Two students came to the Teacher to announce that they planned to marry, and asked for the Teacher's blessing.

The Teacher smiled and said:

"From this day forward may you sustain one another on the Path."
"May each of you draw strength from the other when you are weak and tired, and each be a fountain of energy for the other when you are strong."
"When one of you loses the Way, and begins to wander, may the other offer a loving, guiding hand."
"If one loses confidence, let the other offer reassurance."
"If one falls into the darkness of self-hatred, let the other be a beacon of revitalizing love."
"May you find that peace and compassion are more readily accessible together than they ever were when you were apart."
"May your love grow unselfishly to encompass all beings, physical and energetic."
"May you jointly cast your light outward to illuminate the Path for others."
"May you each better understand your perfection as a child of God through the loving eyes of the other."
"Finally, may you realize there is no blessing greater than the one you bestow upon yourselves through continuously strengthening your practice, and your union with Spirit."
"And so it is."

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Two students brought their infant to the Teacher and asked, "What blessing should we offer for this child?"

The Teacher answered:

"Gather your friends and family, and say together these words:

"You are not alone.
"When the night is dark, we will be there.
"When the road is rough and narrow, we will be there.
"On stormy days, we will be your shelter.
"On sunny days, we will be your shade.
"The Light that shines upon us all will be your guide.
"The Spirit that unites us all will bind you to us.
"May you wander far and know that we are with you.
"And may your wanderings bring you home,
"Full of wisdom, full of strength,
"And full of love to share."

"And so it is."

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A Christmas Grace

Bless this food, and all the living energy that brings it to this table for our nourishment and joy.

Bless this celebration of the God that is manifest in us.

And bless us all, in the knowledge that we are one with Spirit, with each other, and with all the vibrant energy of the perpetual Now.

And so it is.