In each of us, the yearning for goodness is often hindered by bad karma. The wish to mend one’s ways is often prevailed over by the storm of passion. And the more one struggles, the more one becomes entangled. Romance and karmic debts of daily survival weigh one down; all besiege and bind one’s life, as if impossible to be set free from the earthly prison.
“O Buddha on the radiant dais high above, I’m so lost, stumbling through the dark road! I want to be devout, but it seems beyond my reach, Wanting to be virtuous, yet always deep in blunders and mistakes.
Many times I tell myself to repent, But binding ties beckon me toward the reincarnate existence. My earthly garment tattered in the wind and lightning, How I long to clutch a corner of Buddha’s saintly raiment!
Once again, I drift aimlessly in the ocean of life Bewildered, unsure of direction... At night still dreaming of glory and achievement, Only to awake and face the reality of broad daylight’s frustration!
Nightmares are heavy curtains obscuring my wisdom, And calamities are swaying my faith. Vulnerable, I gauge every staggering step, Relying on the light of Buddha’s teaching to guide through the passageway of ignorance.
Many times I want to sever all attachments But my heart clings to old karmic bindings. Passion weaves its web, daily survival ties my limbs! The harder the struggle, the deeper the entanglement...
O Buddha on the miraculous dais, I’m so lost in countless worlds of misery. I want to be noble, but why am I so lowly? I long to be liberated, yet I’m still drowning...
Each passing day is dreary evermore The sight of Buddha as elusive as the clouds high above!”
The most beautiful time in one’s life is the school-age years. Like the moon just rising, flowers just blossoming, the spirit is pure and full of dreams:
“Adorned by a generous smile, She skips with feet light as a bird’s on a dried brook bed. That’s my sweetheart on the path this morn. Breeze is in her soul, moon is on her lips. At fifteen, her silken hair dances when she’s in town. She brings to the city the joy of the wild. On a blue bike she paints the silhouette of a festive boat.
Giving garden flowers and birds the eyes of serenity. Through the resonance of her footsteps, she sends melodies. In her youthful arms, the azure clouds embraced. Cascading into my barren soul the loving voice of faith. The sea is within her hands, and so are the waves, So that I turn into an island, surrounded on all sides. And her eyes, like the rising tides, are ever more romantic. Like a cricket with injured wings at the crack of dawn, I gaze at her and absorb every nocturnal dewdrop. Unexpectedly, I feel the pulse of the earth under my feet. And suddenly, I remember a pair of white wings within my soul... Adorned by a generous smile, She skips with feet light as a bird’s on a dried brook bed. That’s my sweetheart on the path this morn. Breeze is in her soul, moon is on her lips.”
Throughout the ages, feelings of affection and yearning have stirred deep in our hearts, yet finding true love is often a different matter. Our family and friends, much as they are cherished and important, cannot replace the love of our life.
“To the Queen of Hearts is the Ace of Sorrow. She’s here today. She’s gone tomorrow. Young men are plenty, but sweethearts few. If my love left me, what shall I do?
I love my father. I love my mother I love my brothers. I love my sisters. I love my friends and relatives too. But I forsake them all, to go with You.
If there are treasures in yonder mountains, where gold and silver are there for counting, I could not count for thought of thee, my heart’s so full I could not see.”
Life has much sorrow in all its reality. One can only dream of soothing a heart that has gone through stormy skies and misty memories. “Last night, I dreamt Of leaving life’s dust behind. Light-footed to paradise, Carefree for once”
“From the depths of illusion, one is released from life’s bindings to return to the lightness of carefree clouds and wind.
Last night, I dreamt Of restful sheets and pillows, As fragrant sandalwood wafting through the air. Heartfelt was the time When we were still together, When our love was still forever, When our love was still forever.
Last night, I dreamt Of leaving life’s dust behind, Light-footed to paradise, Carefree for once. On the fragrant hillside -- Anguish and sorrow no more!
Tonight, I’ve come home, Mountain rain trickles ceaselessly, Wheels roll over the lonely path. Clouds hang miserably Inviting dreams, Exquisite visions To forget about the illusory human realm.
My darling! My beloved! The river flows tirelessly Searching for a cherished harbor of old, Where long days will be delightful, A human’s lot content, And all complaints silenced
Last night, I dreamt I was a swan, Soaring above mountains, Drinking in the snow, Bathing in the rainbow. Feeling free again.”
