“Gathas are short verses which we can recite during our daily activities to help us dwell in mindfulness.” They are poem-like verses used in Buddhism, recited during everyday tasks, to bring our attention back to the present moment. “We often become so busy that we forget what we are doing or even who we are.” Sometimes, we even forget to breath! “When we focus our mind on a gatha, we return to ourselves and become more aware of each action.”

Here are a collection of gathas written by Thich Nhat Hanh, Viatnamese Buddhist monk and Nobel Peace Prize Nominee. I hope they will inspire you to fill everyday tasks and mundane moments with meaning and joy.

Looking in the Mirror

Awareness is a mirror

Reflecting the four elements.

Beauty is a heart that generates love

and a mind that is open.

Turning on the Water

Water flows form high in the mountains.

Water runs deep in the Earth.

Miraculously, water comes to us,

and sustains all life.

Washing your Hands

Water flows over these hands.

May I use them skillfully

to preserve our precious planet.

Brushing your Teeth

Brushing my teeth and rinsing my mouth,

I vow to speak purely and lovingly.

When my mouth is fragrant with right speech,

a flower blooms in the garden of my heart.

Sweeping

As I carefully sweep the ground of enlightenment,

A tree of understanding springs up from the Earth.

Eating Food

In this food,

I see clearly the presence

Of the entire universe

supporting my existence.

Turning on the Light

Forgetfulness in the darkness;

mindfulness is the light.

I bring awareness

to shine upon all life.

All gathas and quotes taken form “Present Moment, Wonderful Moment-Mindfulness Verses for Daily Living” by Thich Nhat Hanh