unlockthedoortolearning

A friend brought in a bunch of books this morning to the zendo to share and for us to take if we wanted them.  One little book of poetry caught my eye, The Poetry of Zen, translated by Sam Hamill and J.P. Seaton so I took it in my hands, quickly opened it at random, and read.

When I got  home I made myself a delicious iced coffee with hazelnut creamer and sat down with great expectations.  I was not disappointed, as usual!  The poetry of the great Zen and Taoist masters is profound. I hope you enjoy this small sample as much as I did.

Shih Te

(8^th Century)

Five Poems

You say, “If you want to be happy

There’s no way, but to be a hermit.

Flowers in the grove are better than brocade,

Every single season’s colors new.

Just sit by a creek and turn your head

To watch the moon’s ball roll.”

And me? I ought to be at joyous ease,

But I can’t help thinking of the people in the world.[1]

It seems as though if I am part of the “people in the world” and I want to be happy all I need to do is to stay in the moment, appreciate the flowers, the season’s colors, the moon, appreciate everything that comes within my vision or my grasp.  Choose to really see it, really experience it, and really let it penetrate my mind, body, and spirit.  Allow myself to be at ease and joyous.  If not, forever, at least for this moment.

Then what?  Remember that there is only “this moment” so “if you want to be happy” and have a peace filled life simply allow yourself to be happy!  Be at peace with yourself, your thoughts, and your surroundings and the happiness will spontaneously appear. Don’t try to force it or manipulate it or even hope for it, just be it.

Peace to the people in the world starts with me—right here, right now.

[1] Hamill, S. and Seaton J.P. (2007). The Poetry of Zen.  Shambhala: Boston, MA