The feast of the Three Kings commemorates their visit to the newborn babe in Bethlehem with offerings of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

In our present day we can make valuable offerings also, through thoughtful gifts of kindness, generosity, and meditation - generosity in the form of sharing our worldly goods; kindness in helping those in need; meditation for personal and world peace.

Meditation

Start out by sitting straight in your favorite meditation spot facing a little table or altar. Light a candle with its bright flame to represent the gift of gold, and burn two cones or sticks of incense to represent the offerings of frankincense and myrrh.

Begin regular even breathing such as 2 counts to breathe in and 2 counts to breathe out, and continue this pattern for a minute to calm your body and mind.

Turn your thoughts to how you can incorporate into your daily life the three practices of 1. kindness, 2. generosity, and 3. meditation for peace.

1. Some ideas are to begin right upon rising in the morning by being kind to those nearest and dearest - family and friends. Your kindness helps put them in the mood to be kind to others - it is contagious.

2. During the day give generously of your ideas, wisdom, and material help as you can.

3. At the end of the active part of the day with a meditation on the breath to calm your thoughts and body, and then mentally send thoughts of harmony to people of all lands - our large world family.

Finish your "Three Kings" meditation with a deep breath, stretch out, and go forth with lightened energy!

Meditation on the Breath
Kindness Meditation
World Peace Meditation

For offline reading

Meditation Lessons for Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.

Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.

Article and photo of Vedanta Temple garden with sage, pampas grass and eucalyptus trees in Montecito, California by Susan Helene Kramer.