To the Holy Spirit O Thou, far off and near, whole and broken, Who in necessity and bounty wait, Whose truth is light and dark, mute though spoken, By Thy wide grace show me Thy narrow gate. ~ Wendell Berry * …
Something Marvelous & Superb
Here's a treat: a full three-week retreat's worth of Dharma-talks on the topic of Samantabhadra, via Tarchin Hearn. A friend who recently returned from this retreat—which was held in New Zealand—sent me a link. I've been enjoying them greatly, so thought I'd share the wealth, so to speak. In Dzogchen, Samantabhadra is a representation of our true nature, the Primordial Buddha: the innate wisdom …
Practice Notes: Perceiver & Perceived
A True Story Recently underwent a minor outpatient surgical procedure (nothing serious, thankfully!) that was going to involve some amount of physical discomfort. I was informed that the standard protocol was to administer a sedative cocktail—featuring the uber-potent opioid painkiller fentanyl—which induces drowsy relaxation as it masks the pain-sensations. While the sedative/painkiller …
To Gather Paradise
I dwell in Possibility – A fairer House than Prose – More numerous of Windows – Superior – for Doors – Of Chambers as the Cedars – Impregnable of eye – And for an everlasting Roof The Gambrels of the Sky – Of Visitors – the fairest – For Occupation – This – The spreading wide my narrow Hands To gather Paradise – ~ Emily Dickinson * …
Where The Air We Breathe Is Love
To a Singer My soul is an enchanted boat, Which, like a sleeping swan, doth float Upon the silver waves of thy sweet singing; And thine doth like an angel sit Beside a helm conducting it, Whilst all the winds with melody are ringing. It seems to float ever, forever, Upon that many-winding river, Between mountains, woods, abysses, A paradise of wildernesses! Till, like one in slumber …
If Equal Affection Cannot Be
The More Loving One Looking up at the stars, I know quite well That, for all they care, I can go to hell, But on earth indifference is the least We have to dread from man or beast. How should we like it were stars to burn With a passion for us we could not return? If equal affection cannot be, Let the more loving one be me. Admirer as I think I am Of stars that do not give a …