Sample Buddhist Wedding Ceremony 2
Opening Words
We have come together in the presence of spiritual beings to witness, celebrate and bless the joining together of [Bride] and [Groom].
A spiritual life is a path of transformation of one’s inner potential, a path dedicated to serving others, and helping others to awaken their own potential. Marriage is a vehicle for the practice of serving others.
Unconditional love is the wish that others have happiness and the causes of happiness. Marriage is the equal commitment to the happiness of your partner, toward their awakening.
[Bride] and [Groom] dedicate their marriage to the happiness of all living beings. All of those gathered here today are the representatives of all living beings.
The bond and covenant of marriage is established by previous positive actions, and blessed by spiritual beings. It signifies to us the union of [Bride] and [Groom] in this Holy Place.
[Bride] and [Groom], do you pledge to help each other to develop your hearts and mindsg compassion, generosity, ethics, patience, enthusiasm, concentration and wisdom as you age and undergo the various ups and downs of life and to transform them into the path of love, compassion, joy and equanimity?
“We do”
Recognizing that the external conditions in life will not always be smooth and that internally your own minds and emotions will sometimes get stuck in negativity, do you pledge to see all these circumstances as a challenge to help you grow, to open your hearts, to accept yourselves, and each other; and to generate compassion for others who are suffering?
“We do”
Understanding that just as we are a mystery to ourselves, each other person is also a mystery to us, do you pledge to seek to understand yourselves, each other, and all living beings, to examine your own minds continually and to regard all the mysteries of life with curiosity and joy?
“We do”
Do you pledge to preserve and enrich your affection for each other, and to share it with all beings? To take the loving feelings you have for one another and your vision of each other’s potential and inner beauty as an example and rather than spiraling inwards and becoming self absorbed, to radiate this love outwards to all beings?
“We do”
When it comes time to part, do you pledge to look back at your time together with joy– joy that you met and shared what you have–and acceptance that we cannot hold on to anything forever?
“We do”
Do you pledge to remember the disadvantages of ignorance, anger and clinging attachment, to apply antidotes when these arise in your mindsd to remember the kindness of all other beings and your connection to them? Do you pledge to work for the welfare of others, with all of your compassion, wisdom and skill?
“We do”
Do you pledge day to day, to be patient with yourselves and others, knowing that change comes slowly and gradually, and to seek inspiration from your teachers not to become discouraged?
“We do”
Exchange of Rings
The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in partnership.
Do you, [Groom], promise to love, cherish and work day and night to bring total happiness to [Bride]? Do you promise to practice generosity, morality, patience, and joy in all you do; mindfulness and wisdom to treat [Bride] and all others with loving kindness and compassion, for all the time you are together, knowing that this marriage can only be as good as the two of you make it.
“I do.”
Please place the ring on [Bride]’s finger.
Do you, [Bride], promise to love, cherish and work day and night to bring total happiness to [Groom]? Do you promise to practice generosity, morality, patience, and joy in all you do; mindfulness and wisdom to treat [Groom] and all others with loving kindness and compassion, for all the time you are together, knowing that this marriage can only be as good as the two of you make it.
“I do.”
Please place the ring on [Groom]’s finger.
Pronouncement
By the power vested in me by the State of Arkansas, and through the wishes of [Bride] and [Groom], as well as the blessing of the lineage of our Spiritual Friends, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife.
You may kiss the bride.
Closing
The Four Immeasurables
May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness.
May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.
May all beings never be separated from the supreme joy
that is beyond all sorrow.
May all beings abide in equanimity, free from attachment and aversion which hold some close and others distant.
Unision Reading of the Dedication Prayer (Bride, Groom, and Guests)
May all beings everywhere,
Plagued by sufferings of body and mind,
Obtain an ocean of happiness and joy
By virtue of my merits.
May no living creature suffer,
Commit evil or ever fall ill.
May no one be afraid or belittled,
With a mind weighed down by depression.
May the blind see forms,
And the deaf hear sounds.
May those whose bodies are worn with toil
Be restored on finding repose.
May the naked find clothing,
The hungry find food.
May the thirsty find water
And delicious drinks.
May the poor find wealth,
Those weak with sorrow find joy.
May the forlorn find hope,
Constant happiness and prosperity.
May there be timely rains
And bountiful harvests.
May all medicines be effective
And wholesome prayers bear fruit.
May all who are sick and ill
Quickly be freed from their ailments.
Whatever diseases there are in the world,
May they never occur again.
May the frightened cease to be afraid
And those bound be freed.
May the powerless find power
And may people think of benefiting each other.
“Kataks” are offered to the bride and groom to signify good luck, health, happiness, and prosperity.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. ___________________________
