Teachings of the Compassionate Buddha --Read by Joseph Aieta
The follower of the law, even if he can recite only a small portion of it, having forsaken passion and hatred and foolishness, possesses true knowledge and serenity of mind. It is good to tame the mind, which is difficult to hold in and flighty, rushing wherever it lists; a tamed mind brings happiness. Let the wise man guard his thoughts for they are difficult to perceive, very subtle, and they rush wherever they list; thoughts well-guarded bring happiness. If a man's faith is unsteady he does not know the true law, if his peace of mind is troubled, his knowledge will never be perfect. He who drinks in the law lives happily with a serene mind; the wise man rejoices always in the law. Wise people, after they have listened to the laws, become serene, like a deep, smooth, and still lake.
--The teachings of the Compassionate Buddha, from "The Twin Verses," "Thought," and "The Wise Man."
A Prayer for Peace --Read by John Gibbons
What shall I ask You for, God? I have everything. There's nothing I lack. I ask only for one thing And not for myself alone; It's for many mothers, and children, and fathers-- Not just in this land, but in many lands hostile to each other. I'd like to ask for Peace. Yes, it's Peace I want, And You, You won't deny the single wish of a child. You created the Land of Peace, Where stands the City of Peace, Where stood the Temple of Peace, But where still there is no Peace... What shall I ask You for, God? I have everything. Peace is what I ask for, Only Peace. --Shlomit Grossberg, age 13, Jerusalem (translated by Dov Vardi)