I bow down to the Lord of the Universe

I bow down to YOU my dear friends and enemies

I bow to everyone like you who has ever lived or ever will
I bow to your reactive patterns
I bow to your distractions
I bow to your emotions and complex thoughts and stories
I bow to your dream of a permanent happy self
I bow to the knots in your stomach, the choking in your throat
I bow to the contraction in your heart
I bow to the tears in your eyes
I bow to your anger, your hunger without end
I bow to your stupidity, your busy silly life
I bow to your fearful arrogance and blissed out pride
I bow to you who know them all

I bow down to the Lord of the Universe!
the Hermaphroditic King and Queen of Great Compassion
with as many faces as the Stars
as many arms as the rays of the Sun

Please look here!
I wander the Six Realms
lost and confused with my enemies and friends
Please let me never forget them!

When you place Your Certainty in the soles of my feet
let me never forget we are hesitant, doubtful and indecisive

When you nest in the Palace of Bliss in my loins

let me never forget we are pained, frustrated and obsessed

When you take your Seat of Power and satisfaction in my gut

let me never forget we are hungry, weak and helpless

When you sit on the warm Flower of Peace and Love in my heart

let me never forget we are angry, bitter cold and resentful

When you sing the Angelic Chorus in my throat

let me never forget we are hoarse, tongue-tied and stupid

When you gaze from the Not-Two Eye of insight in my forehead

let me never forget we are duped by division and decision

When you open the Clear Sky above my forehead

let me never forget I must stay here with my enemies and friends

Radiant Lord, Kind Heart of my Teacher
once more I touch my forehead to the ground
Please visit me here
please look on us all with your eyes of Love
and please grant your Grace
that I might live and die for the benefit of others

OM MANI PADME HUNG

[edited from The Universal Bow for my own daily practice. - john o.]