"Each wisdom path points to ideals of ethical, even altruistic behavior and
communion with the Absolute. According to the Buddhist teachings, unless
one has the proper motivation, one will  never advance on the spiritual path
or attain enlightenment. A person may do various higher meditational practices,
but if he or she does not have bodhichitta, the altruistic intention to practice and
gain liberation for the benefit of all beings, the practice will come to naught.
Spiritual artists should have compassionate aspirations to benefit others with
their art. Art becomes a service to the divine by being an uplifting assistant
to a suffering world. By alignment of the artistic will with the divine will it is
possible to make art with the intention of a bodhisattva. Buddhist texts
describe the bodhisattva as an enlightened being who has chosen to
remain in the samsaric world of suffering, the wheel of life, in order to
help bring wisdom and happiness to all living creatures. This unreasonable
vow distinguishes the mission and extends the intention of the bodhisattva
beyond the limits of a single lifetime.  If one wishes to work with the
bodhisattva intention, then one internally scrutinizes: "Is what I am
doing solely for myself and my own benefit, or am I seeking to benefit
as many beings as possible while attaining my own needs?" Can this
altruistic motivation be applied to art without corrupting the internal
freedom and creativity of the artist?" *

*Excerpt from The Mission of Art by Alex Grey

PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR
Creator of the Universe
All powerful infinite Oneness
Transcendental Force of Love
Networked through All Beings & Things
Thank you for the precious gift of Life!

Everlasting One, safeguard us in the coming year.
Protect, shelter and supply us
With thy grace and sufficiency.
Preserve our bodies, souls, and faith,
All Merciful,  sustain and embrace our families,
Our loved ones, our communities,
Our state and our Nation.

Protect Humanity and guide us all
Toward harmony with each other
And the web of Life.
May we each be a blessing
To the world now and in the year to come.

May your boundless creative force
Work through us to inspire and uplift
Our brothers and sisters,
Creating a holy zone of peace, and kindness
In all our relations.
May the creatures of the world
Live in balance with a healing environment.
May radical breakthroughs in
Compassionate relief for the suffering
Dawn this year.

May each of us fully surrender to
God’s plan in our lives
And enjoy the amazing journey
Wherever our path leads us.
May God grant us success in our
Creative and spiritual lives,
Removing all obstacles to the
Highest realization and liberation,
Establishing each of us in thy Transcendental Joy
And granting us wisdom and skillful means
To implement God’s plan of Love and Light
For all beings.

Happy 2011!
love,
Allyson and Alex