Vow of the Awakened Mind- from Jazz to Buddhism

The following vow comes from Darren Littlejohn's Black Samba Blog, which deals with the topics of Buddhism and recovery. Darren was the force behind the Portland Jazz Jams web site, which hosted a lot of good original Jazz content. Darren produced a lot of podshows as well as TV programs before he decided to devote more time to his Buddhist practice. He was responsible for talking me into creating this blog almost two years ago.

the Bodhisattva refuge vow (Vow of the Awakened Mind)

With the wish to free all beings
I shall always go for refuge
to Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha,
Until I reach full enlightenment.

Inspired by wisdom and compassion,
Today, in the Buddha's presence,
I generate the mind of full awakening
For the benefit of all sentient beings.

As long as space remains
As long as sentient beings remain
Until then may I too remain
And dispel the miseries of the world.

-His Holiness the Dalai Lama