for Guardianship

A modern addition to an

ancient tradition

In Mahayana Buddhism, the bodhisattva
(one-on-the-way-to-enlightenment) acts
for the welfare of all beings, and spiritual
practice is strengthened by recitation of
the Four Bodhisattva Vows. In a zendo in
Ashland, Oregon, thanks to Dot and John
Fisher-Smith, participants in the Nuclear
Guardianship Project, a fifth vow on
the "Poison Fire", toxic radioactive material,
has been added to the customary four:

Sentient beings are numberless;
I'll do the best I can to save them.

Desires are inexhaustible;

I'll do the best I can to put an end to them.

The Dharmas are boundless;

I'll do the best I can to master them.

The Poison Fire lasts forever;

I'll do the best I can to contain it.

The Buddha way is unsurpassable;

I'll do the best I can to attain it.