If one says he’s enlightened, seek his shadow,
his ego’s subtle veil clings to his soul,
still grazing on his mind’s illusive meadow,
there’s “someone home”, still playing Buddha’s role.
The concept of enlightenment loved dearly,
attached to methods, rituals and rules,
his mortal eyes betray him, can’t see clearly,
his thoughtful teachings are a trap for fools.
So kill the Buddha(-concept) ! Keep His Presence,
for Buddha-nature’s not a pot of clay,
but formless, timeless no-thing, empty essence,
once Karma’s clay dissolves in Maya’s play.
The thought of medicine is not the cure,
the Buddha’s nature’s Buddha-less and pure.
The Buddha’s subtle smile projects no shadow,
his silent presence leaves no trace on wall;
and while we stroll on mind’s entrancing meadow,
into confusion’s trap we risk to fall.
Engaged in quest for godliness, we wander,
forgetting omnipresence of the One;
upon illusive mysteries we ponder,
seek blissful state that, in a glimpse, is gone.
Yet, who has seen the Buddha’s maskless face,
that radiates with formless, timeless presence ?
No eyes can see, no mind can grasp that space,
this all-embracing Void – immortal essence.
The Buddha’s faceless face is but our own.
When form and shadow fade, the Truth is known.
Author notes
this is a video-recital of these two english sonnets combined:
"The Buddha's Shadow 1" http://allpoetry.com/poem/5092521
"The Buddha's Shadow 3" http://allpoetry.com/poem/5123279
***
watch the video:
http://s247.photobucket.com/albums/gg123/poetmaa/?action=view¤t=37thebuddhasshadow-1.flv
my constantly updated video-poetry :
http://allpoetry.com/poem/show/3791503
***
In a list
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 38 of 38
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This is a beautful poem. I am really glad I read it. The last two lines are so comforting for all to hear. This is truly a work of art. - Bonita
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Beautiful
"If you meet the Buddha on the road kill the Buddha". You've taken the precepts behind Zen sayings such as this one, and of course others (too many to point out in a comment) and merged them with your own words to make something that is really your own.
I loved the opening line "If one says he’s enlightened, seek his shadow" it set the entire tone. For if one says he is enlightened then he is still clinging to that concept of "Enlightenment" and there for is still a far cry from it.
And getting to hear it read through the Voice of the Poet, really sold it all to me. You've made a sort of musical koan. Which was really quite lovely. I won't go on, because as I said before this is just a comment, and I've already run on long. Thank you for an interesting read.
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thank you so much, dear james, for your insightful and profound feedback ...
maa
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I loved reading your poem and it was very much enhanced by the video recital. The poem flows beautifully with a very serene tone. A great message delivered. I love the phrase "his ego's subtle veil"---much too easy of a trap to fall into. A privilege to read.
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thank you for your words of appreciation, dear poet-friend ...
I must admit that I might be more at ease with expressing these concepts through poetry than with integrating and fully living their inherent message ... but it seems that what's realized on the subtle level of the timeless spiritual body, needs some "time" to fully manifest in the physical dimension ...
so in the meantime, I guess I will be the first to fall into those ego-identification-traps I'm warning about ...
but we all preach what we need to learn - or rather un-learn
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Way to go!
Excellent!
You revealed this thought in a simple way that all can understand. Your dead pan delivery was appropriate for its seriousness in reflection.
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hahaha, deadpan ... I have learned a new word ... funny, I was surprised myself to see this strange bird-lady talk in such a way ... it's very unusual for her, usually she's really silly and immature (people's feedback) ... so I guess, I am getting to know this girl and her multitude of facettes composing her (hopefully de-composing) personality ...
it was a great joy to connect with you again, amazira dark otter gregory ...
much love
marion
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wow!
been awhile, i have not forgotten you my friend, this was amazing, and very deeply effecting.. i love tone of your voice it only enhanced this exceptional piece, reading it/ hearing it is an amazing experience..thank you sweet friend!
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haven't forgotten you neither, my friend ...
merci beaucoup for your most appreciated visit and generous words ...
marion
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beautiful!!!!!!
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thank you for your kind feedback, my dear ...
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This is absolutely wonderful. I am in the minority of people who believe that having something to say enhances poetry a thousandfold. You have so eloquently captured this message in flawlessly constructed sonnets that my mind is just floating on your words in bliss. I have stolen the first stanza to use as my signature on another site, complete with your name and a link to this page so they can read the rest! it is an extremely important message, more important than the math and history we teach at our schools!!!
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thank you my friend, for playing the role of a creative cyber-robin-hood, and thus sharing some vibrational essence-transmissions in this way ...
your visits are always a joy for me ...
for whom ?
... thought there was no one home ?
hmmmmm ...
let's get those little devils out of the closet then !!!
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This world class and very special to me. Your voice reading this poem is so very soothing and deeply spiritual. I smile as I watch the little bird intently listening to you; it makes me think he understands every word.
Love,
Amera♥
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yes, I guess garuda understands everything I say and think ... she picks up on my thoughts and feelings and often responds in the most amazing manners ...
thank you sweetie for stopping by ...
much love
marion and garuda
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I think what I am coming to adore most about your work as I read them in the contest is the lack of religion. The spirituality is there full force as it should be and religion left for fools so to speak. To me this piece has voiced that mightily with a solid, adept voice (as it should be). Very impressive to say the least. Bravo!
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thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful comment, my friend ...
I very much appreciate your lucid attention ...
marion
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Love n Peace x
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thank you, quill ...
returning your kind wishes and blessings ...
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silent
it is silent but magnificient....I like these lines more...his thoughtful teachings are a trap for fools.and The Buddha’s faceless face is but our own.
When form and shadow fade, the Truth is known
you did a great job expecting more from you
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thank you for your kind visit from the blessed motherland india ...
I am always happy to connect with some of her children ...
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Marion - the fact that this is expressed so brilliantly in perfect poetic form is really something! I have missed your work here.
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I have missed it, too ...
no way to make this lazy muse work when she doesn't want to ...
I guess she's either on a sabbatical or definitely hit the road to nirvanic fields of bliss ...
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thank you, my brother venu, for your one-pointed reminder and the precious clappies of the cheering yogis ...
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much love, my sister !!!
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a world where we live in freedom
when we accept, it is trust in what is
to simply be
what the world needs now
well I am wordless my
sister
stunning
God bless you my friend...
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thank you for your warm and loving rainbow-blessings, my sister ...
much love
marion
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Sweet (little) sister, it is so good to "see" your face and truly hear your voice as it echoes the voiceless Voice. Beauty wihin beaty within beauty....
Thank you for sharing, thanking for Being....
Rahad
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yes, your little sister with her little sister - the birdie garuda assisting the recital - are really happy about your visit ...
much love to you and the not very sad hannah !!!
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Marion, what can I say to comment on this, words are usless, this is beyond words. You are the teacher, I will treasure this poem
Love David
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thank you, my dear friend david, for stopping by to drop the blessed petals of your kind words upon this page ... in fact, the true teacher is my birdie garuda, did you realize her degree of detachment while sitting on my shoulder?
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My bird garuda shows me how.
For it is She lives in the NOW!
And as I sing with all my will.
She sits observing sitting still.
And when I've sung with all my might.
My little bird will take to flight.
All that is born is bound to die,
then just like birds our souls will fly.
Love David
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kudos
sweet rendering
kudos -
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thank you, my dear friend purush, for your kind words and for your flower-blessings upon this page ! you look wonderful on this pic !
much love
marion
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