Suffering and sorrow is
all this floating world knows.
Yesterday, today and tomorrow,
we have no concept of Now.
In our delusion, we think
we are free, caught up
in strife, ignorant of history.
No one knows what, when,
where, who, why, or how.
Yet there is a Light boundless
from across the Ocean of Peace,
a bright and shining beacon,
where both gods and men confess:
"Boundless Life is He."
With open arms does He beckons,
offering compassion and mercy to all.
All we need to do, all we need to say
to attain birth in the Pure Land, is:
"Namu amida butsu."
Then truly are we assured,
and all our worries cured,
that Nirvana is our path.
Suffering and sorrow is
all this floating world knows.
Forget yesterday and tomorrow!
Live for here and now!
Cut through delusion, and become free.
Take a hold of your life, and abandon misery.
For there is a cure to
suffering, and here is how:
All we need to do, all we need to say,
to join the land of Bliss, is:
"Namu amida butsu."
Then truly are we assured,
and all our worries cured,
that Nirvana is our path.
Showing posts with label floating world. Show all posts
Showing posts with label floating world. Show all posts
20051206
First Noble Truth: Life is Suffering (A Poem)
1) Suffering and sorrow is
all this floating world knows.
Yesterday, today and tomorrow,
we have no concept of Now.
In our delusion, we think
we are free, caught up
in strife, ignorant of history.
No one knows what, when,
where, who, why, or how.
Yet there is a Light boundless
from across the Ocean of Peace,
a bright and shining beacon,
where both gods and men confess:
"Boundless Life is He."
With open arms does He beckons,
offering compassion and mercy to all.
All we need to do, all we need to say
to join the Land of Bliss, is:
"Namu amida butsu."
Then truly are we assured,
and all our worries cured,
that Nirvana is our path.
2) Suffering and sorrow is
all this floating world knows.
Forget yesterday and tomorrow!
Live for here and now!
Cut through delusion, and become free.
Take a hold of your life, and abandon misery.
For there is a cure to
suffering, and here is how:
All we need to do, all we need to say,
to join the land of Bliss, is:
"Namu amida butsu."
Then truly are we assured,
and all our worries cured,
that Nirvana is our path.
When I wrote this poem in January 1998, I'd reflected long about the First Noble Truth of Buddhism. Today, it still holds true.
For suffering is what provides each of us with challenges in life.
Although life is full of suffering, it is what each of us does in our life for the good of others which helps us all.
The "ocean of peace" refers to the concept that samsara is nirvana i.e. that this life provides the spiritual answers to resolving the challenges each of us faces.
Thus, the resolution of the First Truth -- life is suffering -- is found through the sudden revelation of spiritual enlightenment (nirvana).
My faith in Amida's mercy and compassion is validated by mindful reading of the sutras, and diligent, mindful practice of both chanting and meditation.
For in doing so, I am mindful of the Buddha -- through Amida comes the Buddha's blessings.
As well, the devotee ends each day with a quiet look over what had been accomplished.
all this floating world knows.
Yesterday, today and tomorrow,
we have no concept of Now.
In our delusion, we think
we are free, caught up
in strife, ignorant of history.
No one knows what, when,
where, who, why, or how.
Yet there is a Light boundless
from across the Ocean of Peace,
a bright and shining beacon,
where both gods and men confess:
"Boundless Life is He."
With open arms does He beckons,
offering compassion and mercy to all.
All we need to do, all we need to say
to join the Land of Bliss, is:
"Namu amida butsu."
Then truly are we assured,
and all our worries cured,
that Nirvana is our path.
2) Suffering and sorrow is
all this floating world knows.
Forget yesterday and tomorrow!
Live for here and now!
Cut through delusion, and become free.
Take a hold of your life, and abandon misery.
For there is a cure to
suffering, and here is how:
All we need to do, all we need to say,
to join the land of Bliss, is:
"Namu amida butsu."
Then truly are we assured,
and all our worries cured,
that Nirvana is our path.
When I wrote this poem in January 1998, I'd reflected long about the First Noble Truth of Buddhism. Today, it still holds true.
For suffering is what provides each of us with challenges in life.
Although life is full of suffering, it is what each of us does in our life for the good of others which helps us all.
The "ocean of peace" refers to the concept that samsara is nirvana i.e. that this life provides the spiritual answers to resolving the challenges each of us faces.
Thus, the resolution of the First Truth -- life is suffering -- is found through the sudden revelation of spiritual enlightenment (nirvana).
My faith in Amida's mercy and compassion is validated by mindful reading of the sutras, and diligent, mindful practice of both chanting and meditation.
For in doing so, I am mindful of the Buddha -- through Amida comes the Buddha's blessings.
As well, the devotee ends each day with a quiet look over what had been accomplished.
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