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Peace is every step

I hold your
image
here
in this
space
of loving
awareness

you, my friend
and you
my enemy – we
are all transcended
here, transformed
from the center
of grace

and your joy
is mine
your suffering mine

and as the Bodhisattva
takes the vow
to save all beings
I am saved
and you are saved

and peace
is every step

Author notes

This poem is dedicated to Thich Nhat Hanh, whose book "Peace is every step" has had a profound influence on me.
Written September 28th, 2004

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Comments

1 - 7 of 7

  • Sau
    February 5, 2005
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    I was guided to your work by Gennelle, and it feels nice to be here. Though my understanding is limited, the idea of universal oneness that I absorbed from this poem was presented in a very subtle, and effective manner.
    Regards,
    Saurabh.


  • M.A.King
    February 4, 2005
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    My favorite book of all! I have a copy and keep it close to me to re read. He is just amazing. I love this wonderful poem! It passes along the spirit of the book. I could leave no greater praise than that.

  • JoyBeingNow
    September 28, 2004
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    Thank you, MargaretG, for phrasing it exactly as I intended it to be read..
    Bodhisattva means - in the tradition I'm familiar with - an Awakened Being who decides to dedicate his/her life to helping all other "sentient beings" see the truth of who they are ("Sentient beings are numberless. I vow to save them all.")


  • Maatkara gold member
    September 28, 2004
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    Yes, I thought it was perfectly clear too. I think Margaret's right that a definition of Bodhisattva in your author's comments would be helpful.

    ~ Gennelle


  • MargaretG
    September 28, 2004
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    Elegant

    I could be superficial and vain, but it looks clear to me.
    That stanza seems to say that I and all the people that I hold as friends and enemies, in this place of loving awareness, lose our differences without losing individuality, moreover, we are changed so that there can be no more differences.
    Bodhisattva is a wonderful term, but may not be well known; perhaps an author's note would help.
    Peace is every step, breath, and thought. Good thinking!

  • JoyBeingNow
    September 28, 2004
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    A note: I'm not sure whether I should edit the poem, or if it's clear as it stands:
    "we
    are all transcended
    here" - i.e. our differences, that which separates us, is transcended. Yet "we", AS separate beings, are also INCLUDED, &
    "transformed
    from the center
    of grace"
    What sayeth the reader?

    (Also, AP does not allow me to use the original typography, which sort of weakens the poem in my opinion)
    Edited on Sep 28, 7:34 because ''.


  • Maatkara gold member
    September 28, 2004
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    And it IS so.

    ~ G

1 - 7 of 7