Monday, June 09, 2008


The Poem of the Shramana

Since all the world must be destroyed,
I seek an incorruptible refuge.
I look with equal mind on kinsman and stranger
For longing and hatred have passed from me.
I dwell wherever I happen to be,
At the root of a tree, in temple or on hill,
I seek the good without ties or expectations,
Accepting all that is freely given.


Hope everyone is doing well. I'll be back soon. Thanks for all the lovely encouragement. It's comforting to know some people "get" where I'm coming from.

Be well. Be happy.

~*
at

16 comments:

  1. heartinsanfranciscoJune 9, 2008 at 8:04 PM

    This is lovely.

    "Accepting all that is freely given" is a gift we are able to give to those who give to us.

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  2. SJune 9, 2008 at 9:12 PM

    I love this line:

    "I seek an incorruptible refuge."

    Don't we all.

    Be well, Chani.

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  3. GirlplustwoJune 9, 2008 at 9:14 PM

    i am glad you are doing what you need to do for you.

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  4. JenJune 10, 2008 at 4:38 AM

    Beautiful poem. I hope this is an enriching time for you!

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  5. we_be_toysJune 10, 2008 at 6:41 AM

    Beautiful poem!
    Hope you are feeling better, both inside and out.

    I would take it as a compliment that not everyone "gets" you - is the mainstream really where you would feel comfortable? Let's swim in our own little pool and enjoy the space!

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  6. DefiantmuseJune 10, 2008 at 6:52 AM

    ah.
    well said.
    :)

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  7. Woman in a WindowJune 10, 2008 at 10:32 AM

    Is that your photo? Is that your spirit there in cloud form? Lovely. be well.

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  8. AnonymousJune 10, 2008 at 10:47 AM

    What a great Zen koan, Chani. I have to read the "background" of this post (basing on what I read from the first paragraph of your previous post), I suppose. :)

    I hope you're well! I visit your blog from time to time, btw, sort of a habit from the time when Mitzh was actively blogging (not sure if you remember her...?).

    Bookmarking this post for future use, I think. ;) And reading more about Shramana!

    Thanks! And take care.

    g

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  9. LittlePeaJune 10, 2008 at 10:50 AM

    Hope you're enjoying your quiet time.
    Take all the time you need.

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  10. mollyJune 10, 2008 at 12:18 PM

    Sending you a hug Chani.....

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  11. GillJune 10, 2008 at 6:16 PM

    Hang in there, this too shall pass.
    xo

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  12. UnknownJune 11, 2008 at 3:03 PM

    The poem is fabulous. It deeply touched me. Thank you.

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  13. RKKJune 11, 2008 at 9:57 PM

    Chani,

    So glad to have something from you, to round out a perfect week.

    I especially like the two lines:

    I look with equal mind on kinsman and stranger
    For longing and hatred have passed from me.

    I do not have cause for hatred, but longings are sometimes quite troublesome for me. I am learning to focus on "just being," wherever I happen to be. And learning to surrender expectations...well, that seems to make the path to "just being" much more easily traversed.

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  14. AnonymousJune 12, 2008 at 4:30 AM

    I love that poem. Peace to you, Chani.

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  15. AnonymousJune 12, 2008 at 7:21 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  16. painted maypoleJune 12, 2008 at 8:00 PM

    nice poem

    see you when you return

    ReplyDelete

No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow. - Alice Walker

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