Brother Richard

These two qualities are so important as they define divine goodness and love and are at the very origin of this tradition.

By compassion, we mean the ability to be present to suffering our own and others in a way that generates empathy and love.

By mercy, we mean not just forgiveness, but the ability to walk in an open-hearted awareness, even in the midst of a difficult world.

So let's begin.

Coming to the time of meditation, we enter it deliberately and gently, choosing this time, recognizing that this time is a gift, a compassionate gift to ourselves and through our practice to others, especially those with whom we are in relationship.

For now, though, we simply sit, feeling our contact with the ground, with the chair, even with the clothes that hang around our body.

All of these points of contact happening in the present moment open the door to a deeper experience of the present moment.

Being aware now of the subtlest sensations around us, the movement of air over our bare skin, the coolness of the breath as it enters the body, the warmth of the breath as it leaves the body.

And as we sit, we breathe consciously and with awareness.

Not changing the rhythm in any way, but just noticing the rhythm of the breath.

As we move deeper into meditation, the breath by itself will slow and gentle.

We do not force anything.

For now we are just noticing.

Breathing out, we breathe out all tension, stress,

Breathing in, we breathe in warmth, light, peace.

Recognizing that with every in-breath, we are giving compassionate and merciful gifts to ourselves.

With each breath, we stabilize more fully in the present moment

With each breath, we open ourselves more fully and completely to divine compassion and love.

With each breath, we acknowledge our need for compassion and mercy.

The meditator sits at a point of absolute truth.