Thought
A noble prince was born this day,
Foretold by an auspicious dream.
The garden in which he came to be,
Was symbol of his luxury.
His future greatness as a king
Was challenged by his destiny.
Flaws removed or screened away,
And every ill was kept at bay.
Every wish was his to make,
Three palaces for him to take.
Fine princess in a contest won,
And they had a fine young son.
Ready to rule beyond the gates,
“Channa bring fine chariot drawn!”
Four told things they could not hide,
Sickness, old age, death outside
Why does this man look so strange?
Bodies suffer because they change.
Why is this toothless man so bent?
His youthfulness has all been spent.
Where do they take this sleeping man?
Death comes to all; we know not when.
Who is beggar with keen sharp look?
Searching for truth and life forsook
Resolving strong the truth to find
He left his palace life behind.
Farewell to dear ones lying there.
In forest soon cut off his hair
No compass, map or scripture read,
Eschewing tortuous austerities
He found compassionate middle way,
In which mind can in calmness stay.
On just one hand four fingers tell
That suffering can be managed well.
Eight fingers held will simply say,
Change the direction, here’s the way.
Prayer
O Lord Gautama Siddhartha who came blazing forth as the Enlightened One. Grant us Your simplicity and compassion.
תגובות