Moon of Refuge: A Full Moon Equinox Prayer

by Lama Rod Owens

This Friday we welcome our Full Moon of the month. Two days later the Equinox occurs: Spring is finally here. Night and day are equal, and we are coaxed out of our hibernation by the promise of more sunlight and luminous energy. This window weekend contains the energy of culmination and transitions. Name where you have grown and where you feel scarce. Name what to forgive and what to embrace.

Offering up our pain, fears, regrets, and loss affords us spaciousness. We meet ourselves where we are. Often, taking the time to witness certain truths with compassion allows us to move on. This is very much a moment for calling in and naming all of our hopes, dreams, shortcomings, our knowns and unknowns, in order to hold them up to the light. Acknowledgments can be soft spaces too. May this weekend be a kind shape of time to hold certain dualities or contrasts.

March is a bridge month, a time where honoring endings is just as important as stretching towards all that we wish to experience that nurtures our growth. The earth warms to the Sun’s gaze while that which haunts us is highlighted. This is a weekend for quiet awareness, not solution-seeking. Cultivate a mindset that values stillness as action and reflection as planning. When was the last time you honored all that is, while also naming all that could be? How can you align your actions with the quality of your energy?

The Moon and this blessed Equinox energy can support our stewarding.

If nothing else, take the time to gather yourself. Situate yourself in this present moment. Feel into the energy of what you need. Look up at the Moon and listen. Let the season help you reset. Pay attention to any inspiration returning to you, as the Sun returns and the Moon climbs high.

To read Lama Rod Owens exclusive Full Moon Prayer, download the March Guide or grab a copy of the 2022 Many Moons Lunar Planner. 

Lama Rod Owens is a Buddhist minister, best-selling author, activist, yoga instructor, and authorized Lama—or Buddhist teacher—in the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism and is considered one of the leaders of his generation of Buddhist teachers.

He holds a Master of Divinity degree in Buddhist Studies from Harvard Divinity School and was included in the 2021 GOMES STB ’68 Distinguished Alumni Honorees List. He is the co-author of Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love and Liberation. Owens is the co-founder of Bhumisparsha, a Buddhist tantric practice and study community.

Lama Rod has been featured on Good Morning America, the BBC, and Sirius XM Radio's Urban View. Has also been featured in the Washington Post Magazine and published in Buddhadharma, Lion’s Roar, Tricycle and The Harvard Divinity Bulletin. He has offered talks, retreats and workshops in more than seven countries. A book for these times, Love & Rage: The Path to Liberation Through Anger, was published in June 2020 and featured in the L.A Times Top Ten Best Sellers list for 2021. Critically acclaimed for its prophetic truth, timing and honesty and wisdom, in dealing with the multiplicity of challenges this generation is waking up to.