This Jisei, or death poem by the 19th century Japanese poet Kiba captures so poignantly the ephemeral effervescence that is a human life. Life is so fleeting. My old body: a drop of dew grown heavy at the leaf tip Kiba, 1868Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of DeathYoel […]
Life’s Fleeting Nature: Kiba’s Poignant Jisei Death Poem Read Post »
One thing that’s been coming into view lately in meditation is how my common sense notions that ‘I’ am somehow taking the decisions and choices and thereby the active agent of my life is not actually backed up by experience. My conventional notion is that, for example, when I decide to switch my focus in
Nobody is Running this Show Read Post »
The birds have vanished into the sky,and now the last cloud drains away. We sit together, the mountain and me,until only the mountain remains. from Endless River: Li Po and Tu Fu: A Friendship in Poetry, Translated by Sam Hami. This is so evocative. A truly beautiful image, of Li Po sitting *with* the mountain,
Li Bai / Li Po – The Birds Have Vanished Into The Sky Read Post »
I bow down at the feet of the supreme lama! It’s the mind fixated on objects that causes samsara.If you recognize as spontaneousThe luminous self-awareness, free of fixation,You’ll taste the fruit of the first yoga, one-pointedness. Some talk and talk about union, yet their meditation is all conceptual,They talk and talk about cause and effect,
Reflections on Milarepa – The Song of Distinguishing the Four Yogas Read Post »
Bestower of uncontaminated, coemergent bliss;Radiant with the full splendor of sixteen-year-old youth;Leader of every assembly of dakinis in the three locationsVenerable Accomplishment of Bliss [Sukhasiddhi], to you I pray. You manifested in a pauper’s home in KashmirAnd trained in realization on the path.Having completed the force of faith and great compassion,You diligently gave gifts without
The Melody of Great Bliss : A Supplication to the Wisdom Dakini Sukhasiddhi Read Post »
Some reflections on a dialogue between Chinul (also known as Bojo, and Jinul), a 12th century Korean master and one of his students: Question: In our case, what is this mind of void and calm, numinous awareness? Chinul: What has just asked me this question is precisely your mind of void and calm, numinous awareness.
Reflections on Chinul – Pointing to your Original Mind Read Post »
Space is designated as empty, Yet its exact nature cannot be verbalized. Similarly the mind is designated as luminously clear, Yet its exact nature is empty, with no ground for definition. Thus the self-nature of mind is and has been From the very beginning like that of space. Saraha … and how blessed I am
Reflections on Saraha, originator of Mahamudra Read Post »
Since no essence exists anywhere, Its expression is completely unobstructed and manifests everything. Pervading all of samsara and nirvana like space, It is the ground of all confusion and liberation, With its self-luminous consciousness And its alaya-vijnana. As for the cognitive aspect of this neutral state, Its essence is empty and its nature is luminous.
Reflections on Ground Mahamudra – Jamgon Kongtrul – Vajra Song Read Post »
Because of the unobstructed nature of the mind, there is a continuous arising of appearances.Like the waves and the waters of the ocean, which are not two (different things),Whatever arises is liberated into the natural state of the mind.However many different names are applied to it in this unceasing process of naming things,With respect to
The limitless expanse of emptinessIs luminous with all-pervading light,In clear mind sky, free from complexities,The rainbow of phenomena shines forth. Where neither confusion nor freedom has ever existed,The father and mother of all, Universal Goodness,Dwell in the secret great bliss beyond thoughtYet reveal the miracles of love’s unceasing play. Whatever the eye sees is sacred
Aspiration of Great Perfection Read Post »
