Liberation from All Obstructions

In appreciation of Shodo Harada Roshi, Zen teacher Hogen Bays composed this prayer of surrender, and courage. I posted a preliminary version earlier. I find this current formulation very helpful, and I think it makes clear the meaning of "choosing to be present with what is."

In the presence of Sangha, in the light of Dharma, in oneness with Buddha--may my path to complete enlightenment benefit everyone!

In this passing moment karma ripens and all things come to be.
I vow to affirm what is:
If there's cost, I choose to pay.
If there's need, I choose to give.
If there's pain, I choose to feel.
If there's sorrow, I choose to grieve.
When burning, I choose heat.
When calm, I choose peace.
When starving, I choose hunger.
When happy, I choose joy.
Whom I encounter, I choose to meet.
What I shoulder, I choose to bear.
When it's my birth, I choose to live.
When it's my death, I choose to die.
Where this takes me, I choose to go.
Being with what is, I respond to what is.

This life is as real as a dream; the one who knows it cannot be found; and truth is not a thing, therefore I vow to choose THIS Dharma entrance gate! May all Buddhas and Wise Ones help me live this vow.