1. Generosity
Countless candles can be lit from a candle,
yet it will not lose its brightness.
Happiness never decreases when shared.
May we be more generous to one another.
2. Morality
Just as we prefer others to be good to us,
others prefer us to be good to them too.
Why not be good to one another then?
May we better ourselves for one another.
3. Renunciation
By applying the antidotes
of generosity, loving-kindness and wisdom,
we will be giving up our poisons
of greed, hate and ignorance.
May we renounce our faults for one another.
4. Wisdom
By learning to see things clearly as they are,
instead of what we imagine them to be,
we will be wiser.
May we be wiser in helping one another.
5. Energy
May the bad has not arisen not arise.
May the bad that has arisen fall away.
May the good that has not arisen arise.
May the good that has arisen grow.
May we be more energetic in helping one another.
6. Patience
When we are patient with others’ impatience,
we practise patience with our impatience too.
May we be more patient when helping one another.
7. Truthfulness
When we are lose our truthfulness,
we might secretly harm others,
thinking we can simply lie about so,
though the truth will catch up in time.*
May we be more true to one another.
8. Determination
With determination to perfect our compassion and wisdom,
we will be able to become perfectly enlightened Buddhas.
May we be more determined in helping one another.
9. Compassion / Loving-kindness
Beginning with loving-kindness for oneself,
compassion will protect and heal one and all.
May we be more compassionate to one another.
10. Equanimity
When we free ourselves
from the heat of attachment and aversion,
we will feel the calming cool of peace in the moment.
May we have equanimity despite whatever happens.
Bonus: Responsibility
When it is everyone’s shared responsibility,
is it no one’s personal responsibility?
When it is no one’s personal responsibility,
is it not everyone’s shared responsibility?
May we be more responsible towards one another.
* Inspired by this from the Buddha:
For the person who transgresses in one thing, I tell you,
there is no evil deed that is not to be done.
Which one thing? This: telling a deliberate lie.
The person who lies, who transgress in this one thing,
transcending concern for the world beyond:
there’s no evil he might not do.
– Iti 25