Buddhist Wedding Ceremony

The wedding was lovely. We used the Kwan Um Marriage Ceremony, which is short, yet beautiful. Here are the vows, which are based on the Eightfold Noble Path:

Views We vow in our married life together to continually break through our pre-conceived views of each other and see clearly.

Thoughts We vow to let go of feelings that arise from selfish desires, attachments, and fears, so that we can open our hearts to one another.

Conduct We vow to be compassionate with one another and with all beings.

Speech We vow to refrain from speaking harshly or deceptively to each other or about one another to others.

Livelihood We vow to practice peaceful and ethical occupations and to support each other in our work.

Effort We vow to support one another in creating a compassionate and loving home.

Mindfulness We vow to always be mindful of each other and to let go of our ideas and beliefs so that we can see each other clearly.

Meditation We vow to encourage each other to walk the bodhisattva path together.

During the ring exchange, Margaret and I made the following additional vows, which are taken from the Book of Ruth:

"Where you go I will go. Where you lodge I will lodge. Your people will be my people. What you hold sacred I will hold sacred. When you die I will be there. Nothing but death shall divide us."

Thanks to everyone for their kind wishes.