When Taking Photographs (poem)

When taking photographs,
I merely record what is on the canvas
provided by the world around me.
Whether it is a gorgeous sunset
or city lights dancing on the water,
my purpose is capture the moment.
Even though these pictures are mine,
they are shared freely with my circle of friends.

I Look (poem)

I look outside and see the sun
shine on the workers on the street
i look around the living room
and see the works of art
the roommate makes
as she works out "issues".
i look into my aching heart
as i sit here quietly waiting
until the sunset glows brilliant
orange across the horizon
and the stars come out and
the moon shines over everything.
I look up at the night
sky filled with stardust
and think, "it's all a miracle,
my life, your life, our life!"
I look in the mirror as
I dance, feeling wonderful...

After Sunset (picture)

This picture was taken an hour after sunset when astronomical sunset ends.

Pure Land Sunset

Today I saw sunset approach, and was reminded of the glorious sunset I dreamt about the night before, which lit up the sky with its redness.

Rather than reach for my camera, I just looked at it, and reflected on my dream.

Why is it that that dream stays in my mind at that time, but I did not spend more time gazing at that glorious sunset?

If it is because reality pales before the monkey mind, then it is due to me treasuring my mind over the five senses.

For I value my mind because of the desire that it be prepared for the next life.

According to Vajrayana, the color red is associated with Amida Buddha and the Pure Land.

Thus my dream of the red sunset symbolizes the afterlife, and future rebirth in the Pure Land.