Winners over the conflict June 6, 2009

My conflict arises a question: whether I want to simply to help or encourage people or I want to have a better job or reputation. The old sayings from Japanese forefathers show me the way to go forward:

     

One does not need buildings, money, power, or status to practice the Art of Peace.

Heaven is right where you are standing, and that is the place to train

   

by Morihei Ueshima “The Art of Peace” (translated by John Stevens)

 

 

Who says my poems are poems?

My poems are not poems.

When you know that my poems are not poems,

Then we can discuss poetry!

 

by Ryokan “Dewdrops on a Lotus Leaf: Zen Poems” (translated by John Stevens)

   

  

When I feel that “the grass is greener on the other side,” I recite this poem;

If someone asks

My abode

I reply:

“The east edge of The Milky Way”

Like a drifting cloud,

Bound by nothing:

I just let go

Giving myself up

To the whim of the wind.

  

by Ryokan “Dewdrops on a Lotus Leaf: Zen Poems” (translated by John Stevens)

   

  

Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969): Japanese greatest martial artist – Aikido

Ryokan (1758-1831) was a Japanese Zen Buddhist monk.  He wrote poetry which includes a lot of wisdoms of life and the essence of  Zen life.