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.