LET IT GO (sung to the tune of Let it Snow)
Oh the world can be so frightful
But my breath is so delightful,
We don’t need a place to go, (so)
Let It Go! Let It Go! Let It Go!
We've got to stop global warming
And keep the bees a-swarming
When you crave stuff you should know (you can)
Let It Go! Let It Go! Let It Go!
Sometimes when we get off-course
If we get down about memories past
And we might start to feel remorse (We can)
Listen to a Deer Park podcast!
Even though it’s not a-snowing
Our good seeds we’ll keep a-hoeing
So compassion and love can grow
Let It Go! Let It Go! Let It Go!
DECK THE HILLS WITH WILDFLOWERS (Deck the Halls)
Deck the hills with wildflowers Fa la la la la la la la la!
Water them until it showers Fa la la la la la la la la!
Native plants they love to live here Fa la la la la la la la la!
Smiling to us they bring us cheer Fa la la la la la la la la!
In the garden we see Phap Hy Fa la la la la la la la la!
Boddhisattva of oak trees Fa la la la la la la la la!
Growing live oaks may take 10 years Fa la la la la la la la la!
When we’re gone they will still be here Fa la la la la la la la la!
Plants are our continuation Fa la la la la la la la la!
Water seeds of vegetation Fa la la la la la la la la!
Deer Park plants, they never complain Fa la la la la la la la la!
They get fulfilled with Dharma Rain Fa la la la laaaaa lala laa LAAAAA!
BREATHING IN (Silent Night)
Breathing in, Breathing out
Feel the air go in and out
Now’s the time for relaxing
Nourish your calm abiding
You don’t have to go far
Breathe and be where you are
Breathing in, Breathing out
Deep and Slow, No need to pout
Smiling lightly is good for your face
It will fill you with cosmic grace
Sangha will let you be
Smile and you will be free
Breathing in, Breathing out
Feel the space, Slow your pace
We don’t need to grasp and grab
We’ll be content with what we have
We don’t need more stuff
We have more than enough
I’M DREAMING OF A RAINY CHRISTMAS (White Christmas)
I’m dreaming of a rainy Christmas
So all the plants can drink and grow
Where the oak trees glisten
And monkey-flowers listen
To hear coyote families howl
I’m dreaming of a rainy Christmas
With every gatha I recite
May your steps be peaceful and light
And your Buddha-nature shine so bright.
THE EIGHT DAYS OF PRACTICE (The 12 Days of Christmas)
On the first day of practice the Buddha gave to us: the insight of interbeing!
On the second day of practice the Buddha gave to us: two promises, and the insight of interbeing!
Third day: Three precious jewels
Fourth day: Four noble truths
Fifth day: Five –mind—ful--trainings!
Sixth day: Six paramitas
Seventh day: Seven factors of awakening
Eighth day: Noble Eightfold Path
On the next days of practice the Buddha gave to us: Ten directions, 51 mental formations, 283 monastic precepts, 84,000 dharma doors…
HERE WE COME TO MEDITATE (The Wassail Song)
Here we come to meditate,
Among dear friends so keen,
Here we come to concentrate
our minds to be serene
Peace and joy come to you,
and some loving kindness, too
May all beings be well and have a happy new year,
May all have a happy new year.
Dear brothers and dear sisters,
As we sit encircled here
Pray think of all beings,
Share the merit and good cheer
Peace and joy come to you,
and some loving kindness, too
May all beings be well and have a happy new year,
May all have a happy new year.
THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS (The First Noel)
The first noble truth, the Buddha did say
It was certain that suffering is here or on it’s way
The second noble truth, is there is a path
for suffering to continue both day and night
There is suffering and a path to suffering
Buddha, how can we end suffering?
The third noble truth, we’re so happy to say
Is that suffering can have an ending today
The fourth noble truth, it gave great light
The Noble Eightfold Path; the way is right:
Right view, thought, speech, action, livelihood,
effort, mindfulness, concentration.
MINDFUL BELLS (Jingle Bells)
Dashing through our life
Ask the horses where we go
With suffering and strife
Tweeting all the way
But bells are inviting
us back into insight
What joy it brings to sit and sing
Here and now, tonight
Oh Mindful Bells, Mindful Bells
Breathing all the way
Thank you for reminding us
To stop and rest today
Now grounded and light
Let go while you’re young
Take the vows tonight
And chant a sutra song
Just have an open heart
With breathing and sitting
Like a snowball to your back
You’ll find Awakening!
Oh Mindful Bells, Mindful Bells
Breathing all the way
Thank you for reminding us
To stop and rest today
Breathing all the way
Thank you for reminding us
To stop and rest today
adapted by Laura Hunter & Heather Weightman