The great Indian sage Shantideva ... said that if you raise even one hand in a gesture of reverence to anything or anyone, all the Buddhas clap, rejoice, and rain down blessings. Shantideva lived in a world where people regularly put two hands together and bowed. Yet he taught that even one hand could make a difference. In a practical sense, raising a hand in reverence means that we must put down our weapons. After all, it's difficult to harm or manipulate someone when you are bowing to them.

Lama Surya Das in Awakening the Buddhist Heart by Lama Surya Das

 

To Practice This Thought:
Raise your hand or hands in reverence to someone or something.

 

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