Tag: Dogen

To What Shall I Liken the World

A summer storm moved through the area yesterday, tearing the newly formed lilac blossoms from security of their limb.

At first, I was angry at such a loss to the garden. The fence, once replete with the lilac’s treasure – now barren. I worried for the hummingbird who seemed quite transfixed by her imminent metamorphosis.

Could she find joy without them?

As if on cue, she flew past the fence – and, never looking back, paused at petals of an English Rose. I smiled realizing her courage and the resilience carried by such tiny wings.

It reminded me of a passage from Dōgen Zenji. With your permission, I’d like to share it with you here today.

“To what shall
I liken the world?
Moonlight, reflected
In dewdrops,
Shaken from a crane’s bill.”

Impermanence is the cornerstone to the Buddha’s teachings; everything that is, can not be grasped. When we understand the truth in this fundamental simplicity – only then, can we finally know peace.

In this way, all of life becomes the garden’s ‘everlasting’.

In peace, my sweet friends..

Namaste ❤

The World as a Dewdrop.

I once read the most thought provoking haiku:

“The world is a dewdrop
A dewdrop
And yet, and yet…”

It was written by the poet, Issa to commemorate the one-year anniversary of his firstborn’s death. In such simplicity of prose, it illustrates the inherent transience of our human world. At least, that which we perceive as ‘bounded’ – the song of death serving our only escape.

But there’s so much more, now isn’t there?

Just as Dogen’s drop encompassed the spirit of ‘moon’ – so, too, are we likewise encouraged.

In this life we are continuously challenged; the constructs of our self awareness shifting as the delicate process of unfolding begins. And, we may face unimaginable ‘tests’ of will. Though always…

“…and yet, and yet…”

There is always something more, my loves; something which often can not be named. It is the fullness of life, itself.

“Who can leap the world’s ties and sit with me among white clouds?” Hánshān once asked. In time, my loves – all of us can.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️