Seekers of The Way.

I did not want this day to pass without pausing for a moment to remember John Lennon, one of the ‘fab four’ Beatles, who was killed 25 years ago by one of his fans who turned against him. (I’ve not studied the details however that is my understanding of what happened). The song, “Revolution” had a huge impact on the direction I took in life. Namely towards working for a better world by working on changing myself although I did contribute in external ways too. And continue to do so, hopefully.

The words from the song I remembered were, “if you want to change the world, you need to change yourself instead”. Through my late teens and twenties this was my silent mantra, it kept me going, kept me focused. The other day I checked the lyrics and discovered John didn’t write my mantra, I did! Oh well.

So, I hope you will join with me in a few moments of reflection for a man who helped influence a generation. “A bird does not sing because it has answers, it sings because it has a song”. He was a ‘seeker’ of answers, did it within the public eye and could sing right down to the end of his toes and into the gravel beneath. John Lennon was ‘earthy’ and, in his own unique way, a charismatic figure.

Zen Master Dogen warns against getting involved in ‘fame and gain’ and the wisdom of not seeking out association with rich and famous people. Basically because of the potential to incite the desire to want more than one has. To ‘seek’ outside of oneself. Charisma is found in the light and in the shadows and I’m deeply sad that John Lennon and others get caught in the shadows of somebody else’s unhappiness and become a target.

Oh Buddha, going, going, going on beyond, always going on beyond.

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2 thoughts on “Seekers of The Way.”

  1. Somebody kindly sent me the words for the song mentioned in this posting. Here they are;;;

    Revolution!
    You say you want a revolution
    Well you know
    We all want to change the world
    You tell me that it’s evolution
    Well you know
    We all want to change the world
    But when you talk about destruction
    Don’t you know you can count me out
    Don’t you know it’s gonna be alright
    Alright Alright

    You say you got a real solution
    Well you know
    We’d all love to see the plan
    You ask me for a contribution
    Well you know
    We’re doing what we can
    But when you want money for people with minds that hate
    All I can tell you is brother you have to wait
    Don’t you know it’s gonna be alright
    Alright Alright

    You say you’ll change the constitution
    Well you know
    We all want to change your head
    You tell me it’s the institution
    Well you know
    You better free your mind instead
    But if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao
    You ain’t going to make it with anyone anyhow
    Don’t you know know it’s gonna be alright
    Alright Alright

    “You better change your mind instead” and, you know, it’s gonna be alright.

  2. That was lovely, thank you.

    And thanks also for saying some words for him on Wednesday.

    Though it was a sad occasion, I had a smile on my face as you spoke.

    I was happy he lived at all, and that he touched so many.

    I like that he sang, even though he didn’t always have the answer. He strove to find it and that’s the important thing.

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