Question

Rosemary was talking about the usefulness of memorizing a Triple Gem short form to use while bowing. Is it better to have just one short form for bowing to the Triple Gem? I often do three different short reflections. Is it better to do one to aid in strengthening the internal refuge?

Answer

For me personally I only have one. One short form that I use when I do my bowing to the Triple Gem. I like it, if feels comfortable, if is very inspiring to me, it gives me a feeling of respect, gratitude. It makes me feel a bit connected with the Buddha and the Sangha in particular. So I find it is very favorable to have only one, I am not confused then. I don't have to get on my knees and start thinking, "What should I say this time?" I don't have to do that. In many ways just as with the Compassion/Lovingkindness wish we encourage the same phrase for everyone. You are not going to sit there and think, "Oh, what should I wish this person, what should I wish that person?" By keeping it exactly the same we can fall right into it, we can blend into it, we feel comfortable, it can steady the mind. Since bowing is often at the beginning of a sitting period, that can be a starting point that centers your mind. And if you center it the same way every time then maybe you can flow into your meditation a bit easier every time. Whereas if you are confused in the beginning and you are thinking of this and what should I say and all that, then you are simply starting the session confused to begin with. That may continue and then you may be confused in the sit perhaps. So we would recommend having the same Triple Gem short form reflection to do before every sit. Make it personal and something that you find inspiring to help you feel a connection with the Triple Gem to help settle and prepare your mind for meditation.

Our apologies if there are any errors in the above text. If anything seems to be wrong or confusing in any way, please feel free to contact the teachers for further clarification.