Song of Ten Practices and Cultivations
At the request of Guang Ming Temple in Orlando, FL, I created this interpretation of Venerable Master Hsing Yun's "The Song of the Ten Practices and Cultivations", integrating input from community members with my own Dharma practice and understanding. My intention was to create lyrics and music that reflect and underscore the innate beauty, timelessness and promise of these wonderful and beneficial practices. I hope you'll sing along!
Lead Sheets + Charts:
Please note: If you'd like the song in a different key, let me know via email and I'll be happy to send it to you!
These sheet music downloads are freely offered, but if you're moved to offer a donation to support my work, please use the button below. Thank you!
Lyrics:
1. (Don’t be calculative)
Peace of mind and body will come
When we're free from expectations of others
And allow them to truly be
2. (Don’t compare)
We’re each unique, yet the same at the core
Oh no one’s less and no one’s more
Compassion - not comparing - is the key
3. (Be polite)
So can we act with consideration
Humility, respect, and love
Be courteous and kind to all we meet
CHORUS
Oh, this I vow to practice
With my whole heart
4. (Always smile)
When you want to brighten someone’s day
Just share a smile you know the way
You know your smile might become the source of your very own joy
5. (Don’t worry about being disadvantaged)
And when life brings us a challenge
Can we grow can we learn and show up for it
And be grateful for the suffering that transforms
6. (Be honest and kind)
Oh can we be kind and honest too
Forgive, let go, when we see the truth
That we are all one family
CHORUS
Oh, this I vow to practice
With my whole heart
7. (Be carefree)
Let us lessen our attachments
Our jealousy, greed and selfishness
Our delusion and resentments
And be carefree
8. (Speak good words)
Let us use our voices
To lift each other up, our words like a flower
Encouraging and comforting
9. (Befriend honorable people)
May we choose to be in the company
Of those who inspire and and those who teach us
How to create beloved community
10. (If everyone tries these ten practices, we shall live in the Buddha’s Pure Land of joy and carefreeness)
Enlightenment is in the here and now
And these practices will show us how
To be joyful, loving and carefree
In peaceful pure tranquility
The buddha everyone will be
The buddha everyone will be
CHORUS
Oh, this I vow to practice
With my whole heart
Oh, this I vow to practice
With my whole heart
Credits:
​Charity Kahn: Songwriting, vocals, piano, strings, engineering
Daryn Roven: Final mix/master
Copyright 2022 Charity Kahn