I get it BodhisattvasRUs same bodies same minds without the scars or the hooks of attachment 6 senses alive unhampered by this way or that shoveling sidewalks offering food me you bodhisattva no difference except for the glow the being-here-now that throws open the world © January 26, 2016 | Carolyn White Advertisements
My husband was dying. But we didn’t know it–not yet. Daily I drove to the hospital. Walking the parking lot I focused on breathing until I turned into five streams: form and feelings, perceptions, volition and consciousness. The Buddha called them skandas. I knew them as streams pouring from me, shifting, subtle, nothing to sort … More Dharma Poem: The Five Skandas
Change the century The locale & Shakyamuni Leaves wife & child in Detroit Shaves his head & walks Highways, cafés Crowds along the beach Where to try austerities unseen? Or with like-minded?A lot more suffering in our times A lot more craving to set aside Still–lumber barons notwithstanding– The woods hold refuge White pine & … More Dharma Poem: Shakyamuni Leaves Detroit
Written by sangha member Robert Mosher Thursday, 12 March 2009 We meet together to learn how to use meditation to calm our inner thoughts and actions. We learn from each other how to live calmly in a world of stress, selfishness, and worry. Learning to help ourselves, frees us to better use our own religious … More For Newcomers: An Explanation of Our Practice
I wear a coat of many colors transparent as a rainbow a big coat that fills the universe & keeps me warm. Here! You can have it. Dotted with stars sand along the waters’ edge mountains artfully displayed sewn from my teacher’s words the only clothes that fit. © June 8, 2014 Carolyn White
Circumambulating a golden buddha, Flowers on the altar, I breathe in and take a step. I breathe out and take a second. Following my breath, Setting my foot down, I let go the past, Say no to the future, Only Here matters, Breath and step And the slow assembly of friends. A twirly young woman … More Dharma Poem: Go as a River
Buddha taught me to dance To step in when needed To step out when not To step aside When I can’t help I’m still awkward Too eager to speak Instead of opening my arms & following the lead Stepping up Stepping away Stepping in Stepping back when sure I’ve the answer Stepping in secret So … More Dharma Poem: Buddha Taught Me to Dance
How do I start? the disciple asked. Where do I enter the practice of Zen? Do you hear the stream’s murmur? the master said. There you may enter. Had they stood beside a busy road the answer is the same: enter the sound of traffic or the cry of a child or a siren’s wail. … More Dharma Poem: The Practice of Zen
Trust for Tara Where, the yogi asked, do you hold trust in your body? What a question! Mistrust is easy; in my throat and my gut. But trust in the body? Heck! Trust anywhere–in a thought or a person– is, under most conditions, suspect. Let’s try something easier. Again mistrust is clear. I don’t trust … More Dharma Poem: Trust
