prayer for the journey.

Sitting in mediation today. Embarking on the phowa practice.

She is here, immediately.

Tara, benevolence and compassion.

She holds my father in her hand. He is small and frail like a baby bird; delicate.

He cries and is soothed, he curls into the palm of her hand.

and, no matter how many ways I see it, I see it; he evaporates.

He dissolves into a soft mist.

She breathes him in and inside of me there is a sensation of gold and tears; joy and grief.

He is breathed into Her and he emerges, first as tears, second as breath.

He is that wind that is delightful; he is happy.

He is that single tear of Hers that is a daylong downpour for us; he is dancing.

I sing to his heart.

I surrender what has come before and hold my father with compassion and presence.

Now is all there is.

The past is grieved and gone.

Dad, I wish that you be free from suffering and the causes of suffering. I wish that you may be happy and know the causes of happiness. I forgive you. I ask for your forgiveness. I love you. I pray that you feel and be held by the Goddess; that you know you are held, loved, protected, guided and comforted by Her. May you be unafraid as your soul transitions and your body is left to dissolve. May joy and peace and love surround and infuse you with radiance and transcendence. I love you, Dad.