The Way of Truth
In All things ~
Cannot be Learned
Without Experience
Cannot be Taught
Without Example
Of greatest example there is but One
And you that Example must become
The Greater shall not
Come down to
Lesser
Until
The
Lesser will grow up to Be the Greater
Only in true Release
Can one I N C R E A S E
Author notes
"There is no religion higher than Truth"
~ There is no power greater than Love ~
Many teach, some educate, few edify.
~ G
Written November 10th, 1986
In a list
What did you think
Comments
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i dont get it
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Love the ending, like a dove, wanting to spread its wings.
Brilliant.
x
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Deeply profound truths
The Greater shall not come down to
Lesser Until The
Lesser will grow up to Be the Greater
Very true of life I can see places in my life where I have fallen short of my life journeys expectations.
Love the quote about the need to edify.
Beautiful wisdom contained in each word.
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Of greatest example there is but One
And you that Example must become
These are my favorite lines of this poem, until I got to the last two, which are just as brilliant. This is truly inspiration- and I need to read it as a mantra daily!
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i loved the 1st stanza
simply exquisite and short but it's just the right words which made it so good
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Genelle, the first stanza says it all ..the truth in wisdom...the wisdom in truth.
I definitly am impressed with this thoughtful piece
Excellent job
Dee
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breathtaking
yes this is breathtaking, very cool, very "i can fly reading this sweet and true poem" and i cannot say much more, i am driven speechless by this tantalizing, genius write, maatkara, u have the wonderful talent, this write is mature and SUPERB!
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Ah, my Blessed Poet, I could sit at Your feet all night, adrift in the eternal comings and goings of standing still... content with all things but the chattering monkey between my ears. How lovely to find this gem to give rest to the spirit of a weary traveler. Bless You, my Friend, may all that is Holy and True rest within Your Beloved Soul.
OM Shanti OM
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deep
Hey this was so very deep.I am finding that I really like reading your works such as these. Thanks for sharing
Kari -
A Pleasure :)
Hi Gen,
Trying to find a poem of yours I was missing and I think I did. I love these type of writings, especially the second stanza about the lesser and Greater. Well said. I likes
Tommy -
How beautiful and truthful the piece u have put in here! yes truthfulness is the greatest of the values one can posses! and the path to truth is lessons,experiments! it does not matter how we find the way to truth but its more impt to keep that quality within u intact and constant! the poem has done a fantastic job saying this!
keep it flowing!
preets -
Great! Your words remind me of Gandhiji. Have you read his book "My expirements with Truth"? This poem reminded me of that one. But this was just so beautifully written. A Third applause (I have hardly ever applauded anybody more than twice on the same day).
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Truth is true, after all, and cannot be budged away from what it is. Nice, succinct piece of truth you share with us here, Maatkara.
peace
doug
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Very nicely done. I agree... the only true happiness that a person can experiance is the honesty they give to themselves. Lies are only walls built around problems. And no matter how strong you build those walls they will most certainly come crashing down.
Be honest to yourself... and be honest to the person you will become.
Great job! *hops on applaud button* -
Thank you, Sanya! You are a very wise young lady
"Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children."
~ Kahlil Gibran
Namaste,
~G
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lovely
You have conveyed such a meaningful message through this poem. The sprituality in you shines brightly in each piece of your work. I especially liked the lines-
Of greatest example there is but One
And you that Example must become
How true1!
Only if we are honest and sincere to ourself God can dwell in our heart -
Thank you for your comment As they are actually three different pieces, they are presented in separate 'windows' so as not to be read as run-ons or stanzas.
~G
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What you had to say was great. I feel you left too much space between your sections because I nearly missed them. Sp[ace is great but I think the reader need to see the next bit just in sight each time. Just my opinion..
Hugs
Jan -
Truly words of wisdom,
wisdom comes from learning, that in turn brings wisdom, then, that wisdom will benefit each and every one of us if we act upon it!
Well Done!
|Katie|
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Aaw, thank you for your confidence!
Most appreciated
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ohhhh we have a winner .............. ill congratulate you now
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very educated
what a very educated and well thought out poem -
Today I particularly like the second one.
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Thank you, papergirl! I'm so glad you liked it.
~G
Edited on Apr 26, 2:35 because ''. -
It was really beautiful , your really right with this poem style. * I'm falling in love with your poetry*
:-) awesome , its so wonderful !!!! great !!!! nicely !!!! beautiful !!!!
I'm speechless now , because your poem is just so perfect !!
Hug & Kiss ,
~ papergirl ~
Edited on Apr 26, 2:24 because ''. -
Perhaps if you read the replies to comments on this from the beginning (click 'View All'), you would better understand. A more careful study of the Gospel of John, would help also.
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Maatkara, you said,
"The Greater shall not Come down to Lesser Until The Lesser will grow up to Be the Greater"
...There is a bit of truth in what you say. Yes, you must allow God to cultivate you into a better person spiritually.
HOWEVER...If God were to wait until you grew up spiritually, than He would have to throw you into hell because as humans, we enjoy disobeying God.
Now this is where the confusion lies....If God is to help you become better spiritually, than how come he can't come down until you grow up? Did He not already come down when you asked Him for help? .....
Also the idea that you can have the EXACT STATUS of God is false! For, if God is a "Supreme Being" then He cannot allow someone to be equal to Him or higher than Him. For if this were so, than God would not be in Supreme Authority--you would be. Then, God would cease to be God--which will NEVER happen!
We are gods in the fact that we have power in the tongue, our job rank can increase, and when we are higher than someone else, we can boss the person lower than us around.
We can be LIKE God--but we cannot BE God Himself!
Edited on Apr 22, 10:24 p.m. because ''. -
...A man can obtain the whole of the earth's wisdom, and yet, never really understand anything at all. Just as I can look at a lot of foreign language, read it, and yet, not understand what it is saying--just the fact that it's saying something.
What will it prophit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? This includes wisdom...
What is the conclusion? Learning is good--however, one must EXPERIENCE what one has learned. Or, it does him no good--just as a one hundred dollar bill blowing down the street, doesn't benefit the man who grasps it--and then, never uses it. -
And if you read carefully, without projection or presumption, you would see that IS what I have essentially said.
~G
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True release comes through meditation on God and on what He is like--not on self and not on repetition of words that dull the spirit-man within.
And how in the world can a human change on his own? Buddha himself even struggled with problems that he couldn't fix on his own? Humans, through Dyva Vileenam, receive the avatara of who God is and what the essence of Him is. And finally...God Himself will GIVE us the ability to be like Him.
Edited on Apr 22, 10:11 p.m. because ''. -
Thank you, Andy! The Greater and Lesser are our higher and lower selves. The operative words are 'shall' and 'will'; only those who are willing and choose to raise their consciousness can atain anything higher. We all have free will, and not even God/Christ can or would take that from us.
G
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I am always in favor of truth seeking and I think being an example of truth others may follow is wise. The lesser becoming the greater sounds good, but I am not sure I understand that. These seem good to me.
Thanks for your comments and applause on "A Woman Early".
Andy -
Wow. This is awsome. It is so true though. I love the way you wrote it as well, like putting one paragraph on one page and stuff, it really gets the reader going, and actracts alot of attention. Awsoem job.
I love your wrok. Check out mine sometime, tell me what you think.
Tina
BuTtErFlY
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this was beautiful....full of wisdom...really lovedthis pieve...and i like the last line in your author comment box....beautiful...xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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the title attracted me and the poem rox!
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goody
Hell yes, definnilty my favorite of all your poems that i read, excellant job at capturing the image, relaying from your mind to your pen and eventually down to your paper, and to more importantly, your audience, keep it up -
good
wow. a very good seletion. it almost confused me but i figured it out...i think. lol. it was really a great write and i liked the last 2 lines alot so take care and keep up the good work. bye -
Powerful
I love the lines
:"Of greatest example there is but One
And you that Example must become"
How simply true is that! I like the short style and powerful wisdome in the poem. Good work and good luck with the contest! -
Truth is true. This is the hardest lesson we will ever learn and in the end the only one
Beautiful Poem! -
Thank you for your wonderful comment and understanding, Saurabh!
Namaste,
~G
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The more I read your works, the luckier and happier I feel. Indeed, love is the essence of everything. Your words "Of greatest example there is but One/And you that Example must become" mesmerised me. The concept of 'release by increase' brought to my mind the idea of surrender, where one embraces the present, and marvels at the joy in it. In fact, the ideas of the poem are the echoes of the timeless wisdom, which is the essence of all religions and philosophies. I hope that these ideas ultimately translate into an eternal realization in us.
It was a privilege to read.
Regards,
Saurabh.
Edited on Jan 31, 1:38 because 'typos'. -
Good Piece
This is a great and wonderful piece. the eastern influence in your writing accenuates its grandeur. I enjoyed this piece very much, like your others. Keep up the good work, dear Maatkara! -
Thank you, Windworder! Your great comment reminded me of a grook I recently found by Piet Hien:
The road to wisdom?
Well, it's plain and simple to express
To err and err and err again
But less and less and less
~G
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Unfortunately the way to truth must come from experience, the experiences of failure, hopelessness and humility, if we are to learn sucess, hope and self satisfaction. More food for thought than I thought possible on such a brief menue! Hahaha, Provocative and mind massaging.
Edited on Jan 25, 4:46 p.m. because ''. -
Thank you so much for that 'confession', Uwe!
It means more than I could say...
~G
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I always loved this poem. I think perhaps this was THE poem that put you on my poetry radar more than a year ago - it was then posted on leonardcohenfiles.
The worst part is: I'm not sure I ever told you this...
This poem convinced me of your profound insight; a conviction that has not since wavered.
All love, as always
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Thank you, Mary!
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This is not only a deep wisdom but also beautifully stated. I have become so disillusioned by discord in religion lately but this right here is the heart of it all, simple truth that is nearly startling in its grace. A much needed reminder to all who read it.
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That's a good thing then.
~G
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I just happen to agree with this.
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It was great to read this again. I need to make these my daily mantras.
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Thank you, Whisper! Excellent comment; Truth IS, indeed!
~G
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Truth is....learned or not, taught or not, sought or not....
Truth is!
Nicely penned piece, and I think the formatting lends a mystical touch, allowing each thought to be absorbed slowly and deliberately...creates a nice impact... -
Thanks Cat! Hehe! We were talking about the words and terms people will be either turned off by, or have their own presumptions about. It's like the word 'gay' being hijacked, if you will.
One cannot limit truth to a name, or a term.
I was inspired by a very pithy quote I read once, but unfortunately forgotten the author,
"He that will not when he may,
he shall not when he will."
I also liked the line MargaretG coined for mine,
"Seek and ye shall be found."
Love & Light,
~ Gennelle
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Oh for shame on both of you.. lol and Two of my Fav to read no less. I disagree, but then the both of you have been here longer. Do you mean that your ability to impart fresher wisdom becomes harder because of limitaions maybe? Ugh now I have sat here and over thought this whole thing lol. All of this is said with laughter and light heartedness as I am truly trying to figure your's and Ramblers comment out. BACK to your write. I loved it and took from it exactly what I thought you meant.Even when you think you are lesser by striving to greater heights you are in all reality becoming better yourself. By living in God's "likeness and image" which is what I have always taken his words in the bible to mean. He doesn't expect us to be perfect, and if fact that is why we learn from our lessons. Great and wonderful read and well as the comments. I love comments most often because they are just as stimulating as the writes. Take Care Sweet, Catressa
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Oh, yes, absolutely! Too many terms have become so over-used, abused and misused it does make it difficult. Nothing new either, there are even Biblical references bemoaning how people's ears had become "dull of hearing" the same old things.
So many words have become 'loaded' with the accretions of learned associations and preconceptions.
I guess that's the challenge for any aspiring poet - to try to present a fresh perspective on old truths.
~ G
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Do you ever feel that the words we use when we want to express spirituality have become worn and that, because people are apt to prejudge them when they see them (thus possibly short-circuiting our attempt to transmit some truth) we have to find ways to infuse fresh meaning into them? I often feel this way when I'm trying to write along these lines. Was just wondering if others mught feel the same. It seems like these days a lot of energy is put into dragging down the greater, supposedly to make it easier for the lesser. They don't understand that in doing so they make the greater useless because part of the growth process is the effort to stretch toward the greater.
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Oh, I see what you mean. The key to that is the difference between 'shall' and 'will'. He did not impose His will; only those willing to raise their consciousness (or be lifted) can reach, or be reached.
~ G
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Sorry. I did not see it as intended. I saw it more self-centered that Christ-center. The greater descended that he may lift up the weaker. While we were yet sinners, he did. He did not wait for us to pull ourselves up. You may not have intended it but I saw these lines "The Greater shall not
Come down to
Lesser
Until
The
Lesser will grow up to Be the Greater" as contradicting that.
However, I do agree that He is our greatest example and we are to become like Him.
Edited on Oct 07, 9:54 because ''. -
You surprise me, melphleg! With what do you disagree?
That the greatest Example of all was the Christ?
As He said (in John 14,15 & 17): "He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit..". "I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one.." . "..he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do,.."
So should we not strive to follow and become one with the greatest example of all?
~ G
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Nice write. While I don't agree with it all, you have penned it well.
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masterpiece
amazing so many things said in so few words
masterpiece no less -
Very beautiful Maatkara, I love the way you have written it out and spaced it. Wonderful words of wisdom my friend~Love~Joan
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False hopes and lies are the standard for most societies, but truth will out with faith. It is true that to show by example, if a parent is bad mouthing a different race, chances are the child will also become a racist. Your words of wisdom are etched for all to see. Thanks fopr sharing
take care
sanity
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Hi Maatkara. Nice to read this again. Still as powerful as the first time!
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Thank you, Drew! Yes, the spaces in between were intentional so each can be read separately in its own 'window'.
~ G
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Interesting poem. Did you mean to have such a big blank in the middle.
I puzzle over. Well written poem quite packed with insight. -
Profound
It's a pleasure to read your words again, Gennelle, and I feel that they are so self-evident that nothing more can be said. We do have to grow up a little before we can grow up more.
M
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Very wise words, indeed. I feel that the greatest gift we can give or receive is TRUTH; for truth shall set us free. And, there is no better way to teach than to first set the living example, just as Jesus did. There is no doubt He taught but He also lived what He preached and so should we.
The other truth you presented here so well: we cannot and must not step down to the lesser level; rather, we should lift them up to be greater. Jesus never succumbed to wickedness; instead, He pointed out where they were in error, then taught and lived the way as an example for them to follow.
I feel you have fulfilled the requirements of this contest quite admirably; so, GOOD LUCK!
Love and hugs, BonnieQ
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This indeed is a warming contest to the heart. Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom with us. May they touch each and everyone who reads.
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1st may I say your artistry on the page
Is stunning and graceful as always
You continue 2 inspire all of us all ways
Your simplicity makes me see deeply
Where less is more
Where every word has impact
I love your use of spacing timing meter
Feels like I am drifting in outer space
As I read this kiss 3 words fuse within me
ONE TRUTH LOVE
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Thank you so much for your wonderful comment, ELd Unfortunately, this is not my entry
. I withdrew this one in favour of my other poem, 'First & Last', when I realized only one prewrite was allowed. (This one still appears on the list, but doesn't have the contest details at the top). I did send you a message at the time, to explain which one was my entry.
~ G
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I really like the spaces here, actually. All the space...it just lets these few, powerful words BREATHE...they just EXPAND when you read them. This poem just feels alive. It feels full of joy for life, and full of that energy, that power, all controlled by wisdom, by knowledge, by the will of the speaker. A wise and elegant poem. The spaces really allow the reader to pause and ponder and rethink...the words end up not on the page, but in the reader's mind. Great structure. And although this is more abstract than I usually like to read...I still loved reading it. Philosophy and theology and just spirituality in general...these are topics that fascinate me to no end. Thank you for your thoughtful and unique entry. Best of luck!
~EL d -
Thanks Mike! Yep, that's pretty spot on. You're a good surfie philosopher.
~ G
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smiles . . i see. . that only one existence or creator exists, no matter how many religions think that just they are the ONE
dont judge, just believe, the truth shall reveal itself, we exist!
Edited on Sep 11, 11:54 p.m. because 'because'.
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Well of course it does, Tahuti! That is my name, remember?
And, that's where I came from.
~ Ma'atkara
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Are you SURE you're not a kemetic pagan? this sounds like Ma'at to me.
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It's lovely just lovely. Soft tones to it, I think the form brings that on. nicely done.
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awsome
wonderfully inparational i am glad i read it -
Thank you for your comment, Tamara If you saw my page, you can see I have featured the Collection: 'Wisdom' that this is in, instead of my latest (which you could see by clicking 'View All'). This one was only posted end of December last year, but I wrote it in '86.
My latest are: 'Beyond the Pale' [August 8], and 'Colour Clues (senryu X2)' [August 9].
~ G
Edited on Aug 16, 1:14 because 'more info'. -
only in true release,
can one increase
how valid and true
I did notice you have not posted a piece in the year of 2004
any chance of you creating something new to share?
I did agree with your philosophy on most area's in this
Tamara
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I think you grew a gray hair on your head when you wrote this, LOL jk. This poem was very wise and had alot of truth in it. I can tell your very itelligant just by reding this poem. Thanks for sharring this!
DJ -
I read this again like it was the first time reading it. Why can't everyone think like this? It would make life so much easier
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wooh. Another powerhouse, again drawing out the heart of the matter that most religions just cover up, and complicate. Nice work.
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Presented so much thought and perception in so few words. Written very well and it was deep.
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I think this poem really says so much. Our desire to increase is what drives us each day and so many are looking inside themselves for the answer on what the purpose of life is and how to reach that place of greater value and it is only through the One that we can let go of the things that hold us back from reaching our true potential. I think there has to be a reason that I have waited so long to read these poems. Lately I've been reading "The Purpose Driven Life" in order to better understand God's purpose for me. Your poetry seems to go hand in hand with that book. I think it is His way of using all the tools at His disposal to turn me away from the self-centered idea of what do I want in my life. Thanks for sharing. zee
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As far as I'm concerned it is a great lesson to be learnt despite what
thinks. It's wonderful and I love it
angelica
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Very, wise, I agree that experience is key, good poem.
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Well, "Grasshopper Mojo" as Wildman called you (he forgot to click the 'reply' to you), you first have to understand a "message" before you can "disagree" with it.
'And you that Example must become'...goes both ways.(As Christ taught) The Me in you; the You in me. You have to become that, and that must become you.
The rest was evidently beyond you.
Now, see if you can 'snatch the pebble from my hand'
~ Maatkara
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DeeeeeeeP :)
Drop the selfish attitude, to be wise, you must first be the fool and then your eyes open to God's school. Thank you!!!
Tommy -
there is much to be said about simple and lightly worded poems... this form is, in my opinion, the most powerful of all poetry. great job with this. good luck in everything you do...
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Ah..Grasshopper Mojo... Confucius say "man who try change anothers foundation has rocks in his head..."
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well i disagree with moslty the first part, u say,
"Cannot be Taught
Without Example
Of greatest example there is but One
And you that Example must become"
how can one teach with example about something that is a mystery? at the heart of life and the search for "truth" it is a mystery..no one knows what lies there, and if one does know, it is innexpressible, as many many religious men have exclaimed. And to want to become an example is to move further and further away from the truth, the truth which lies in the self, the I, the nothingness, which cannot be taught. a striving for something will only hurt someone, it is rather an awakening...if i want to be like some example than either i will fall short and be dissapointed but even if i make progress at becoming an example i will be moving further from myself. it is a crutch that will only further injure the injury. and the whole thing about "increasing" or becoming "greater" is total bullshit, it is just a human mind placing comparative values upon life, a human mind which has been shaped and shifted according to how you grew up. and not to mention, "and you that example must become," which is horrible grammar.
but like i said, i enjoyed the mosaic, i just disagree with the message, you obviously have a talent.
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Wisdom by Example
This is an excellent example of the way of Truth. You have to keep your eyes open and stay on your toes. If you become too routine you can miss opportunities and if you hang your head down too long blessings meant for you can come and go without notice. Yes, in life we must be fully aware and present.
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This has great spiritual validity; it is advice for a seeker more than the children.
Thanks for entering this second poem in our contest.
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Excuse me? "Grammer mistakes" (sic)?
Also, I would appreciate an explanation regarding that with which you claim to disagree.
~ Ma'atkara
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interesting short mosaic, i like the style, but I disagree with the wisdom...also grammer mistakes, but who cares about them anyway? the man's out to get us.
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Interesting piece. Some deep words of wisdom here. It's a good thing to read and ponder on. I'm glad I stopped by. Thanks for your comments, of course, I think you saw the real point in that poem. Nice work on this.
Peace,
Lo
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This is indeed the way of truth. It does not exclusively coil through green pastures and over comfortable avenues or boulevards. Along barren and desolated, hostile places, in raging tempests that batter us with cutting debris and poisoned rains, the barely noticable path goes, without any sign, without any guide. Some do not want us to find the way of truth. It must be terrifying for them to know that we are immortal and that killing us will not stop us from finding truth at the end of this path.
Rage
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