On days of sorrow I live in complete sorrow
On days of happiness I live in absolute happiness
I have walked step by step with simplicity and diligence
so now a hint of truth is in my view
Nobody lends a hand if you do not find it by yourself
This travel on a narrow path has been difficult but
I have a glimpse of an unbroken world.
With gratitude Jukich Yagi
Last evening at the Lancaster Meditation Group the donation was wrapped up in a sheet of paper. This morning taking the offering out of the Alms Bowl and unwrapping it I found this translation of a poem.
The unknown translator of this poem from the original Japanese wrote the following notes: The lecturer (on Philosophy of Education) told us that it was necessary to concentrate on the sadness/sorrow and it was important not to change it into grumbling or hatred or any other emotion. Without realizing it, when we are sad, we might end up complaining bitterly about something which actually should not be the issue. Nobody will be able to cure your soreness in your heart however at least you can give a cry. You can express yourself. The best thing is that you remain ‘clean’ and ‘pure’ in your own heart, which in itself might move someone. Keep your mind concentrated. Don’t (allow yourself to) be bothered by what your other emotions are saying. The most wonderful thing you can do for people is to really be one in yourself.
This story with photographs has been all over the internet these past days. The chap is probably back home now after having spent five years on the road walking back to his village. There is something appealing about this chap – perhaps perseverance coupled with a certain kind of humour. Thanks to my monastic walking companion for pointing me to this story.
Growing up in Sussex it was rare to see a Cowslip and I can’t ever remember seeing Wild Orchids. Picking them was completely out of the question, that might be the case still. Now the roads are lined with Cowslips and Wild Orchids, though shy, are around where I am at the moment.
Wild flowers tend to be demure items in the countryside scene. Fungus and mosses and wild flowers were the gem finds of my early years. I’d stop and gaze at them, and still do. However hard gardeners try to make their displays look natural, nature wins hands down. Ah lovely. I’m now wondering why I’m waxing on about the natural world!
I think it is about the delight of those intimate private moment while out in the fields and lanes. That silent ongoing conversation which isn’t always about words. When I was crouched down to take this photograph of the Cowslip a couple walked past on the path. I remembering feeling slightly embarrassed and muttered something to explain myself. It felt a bit like being discovered whispering appreciation of a toadstool or talking to a bird in a bush! So it is that there are moments in life which are….? Well I just don’t have the word to hand. I think such moments are close kin to just sitting. Just a thought.
