The Mule

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Imagine trying to generate even the slightest bodhicitta -- the intention to become fully enlightened in order to benefit all sentient beings most effectively -- in a prison environment. It's similar to generating compassion in hell! Although we are all prisoners of our negative karma, negative emotions, and disturbing attitudes, we still have this precious human life. Nothing can ever take away our Buddha potential. Ven. Chodron and the prisoners with whom she corresponds offer practitioners insights into how they can benefit themselves and others in even the most difficult situations.

The Mule
By Bryan Taylor ©

Sometimes it happened
That I was a mule.
My stubbornness, it seems,
Made me act like a fool

I paid no attention
To any good word.
I kicked and I brayed
I wouldn’t run with the herd.

One day I discovered
In a field all alone
Just how very far
That I’d strayed from my home.

Hungry and tired
And ridden with pests,
I yearned for a pasture
Where I could find rest.

It is many years later
And my goal is in sight.
I no longer struggle
Over what’s wrong or what’s right.

I’m thankful today
Because I’ve found a new start.
I’m no longer mule-headed
Because I think with my heart.

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