The Perseverance

Plants are hardwired
to reach upward
they know
their destiny

They undergo all kinds
of hardships
to bathe in the
golden light

I see this green
amidst the snow
touch its velvet petal
speak in wonder

In its sleeping
determination
it only hears me in
its dreaming passage

I ask the nun
what is the hardest part
about retreat
what should I prepare for

She says "the perseverance"
there is nowhere else to go
just sitting
then the tormas to make

Always some work
some activity
prayer and study
very little free time

I understand that
kind of practice
but maybe not as well
as the plants.

Eclipsed

Bouncing molecules
upon the planet
configuration

Ripples of uncertainty
land in random order
internal patterns
conjugating
conversations

Limited only by
dimensions of
light follicles

An old wound
has erupted
I stem the flow
I know the steps to take
but it still hurts

Haiti is a
torn hem
of the mother's
sleeve

I am less
than a bacteria

There is a
certain measure
of content
in not being
alone.

Happy Birthday, Bodhisattva

I was just thinking about the celebration of Christmas, and the gift that Christ gave to us with his sacrifice and divine example. He not only died with his faith as his close companion, but he attained what the Tibetans call the "rainbow body" leaving nothing but a shroud to mark his place.

Most of all, he remained with us in spirit so that all who call upon him can benefit from his wish to ease our suffering and darkness.

I am so glad that at least one Bodhisattva is celebrated every year as we gather in warmth and love, and give each other gifts that symbolize the great gifts from Jesus to all of us here in our human cyclic existence on this planet.

May we truly open ourselves to his love and wisdom, and follow his example.

As the great Shantideva said,

"For as long as space endures
And for as long as living beings remain,
Until then may I, too, abide
To dispel the misery of the world."