We begin each practice period by honoring the Three Refuges:

** I take refuge in the Buddha; awakened heart and mind. 
** I take refuge in the Dharma; the teachings and practices that lead to freedom from suffering.
** I take refuge in the Sangha; practicing with others inspired by the potential for freedom from suffering.

And we offer these intentions drawn from the Four Immeasurables/The Brahma Viharas:

**May all beings be free from suffering and the roots of suffering

**May all beings know happiness and the root of happiness

**May all beings live in sympathetic joy, rejoicing in the happiness of others

**May all beings live in equanimity, free from passion, aggression and delusion

The bell is rung to end the practice period followed by a dedication of merit:

** I dedicate the merit of my practice to all beings; may each being experience freedom from suffering.