The extinguishing of fires
The extinguishing of fires
-
D. J. L. -
Prison Poetry
-
Jun 18, 2011
Mindful,
waking to greet the day,
to still the mind—
restless
from tossing and turning
amongst the tempest of dreams,
the playground of the subconscious
awash in discord and dissatisfaction.
Practice
the stillness of mindful breath,
slowing both pulse and pace
to examine thought
the sensory delusions
to which we cling,
ever the source of anxiety,
suffering and pain.
Recognize
the impermanence of these
transitory phenomena,
which appear only in our delusions—
lacking a being or self
outside our dissatisfied, suffering mind.
Follow
the course of each breath
and examine the source
of each restless thought,
then let it go—
watching breath,
observing the mind,
never clinging…
ever growing steadfast and calm,
content.
Contemplate
the benefits of mindfulness,
the joys of peaceful stillness
and a silent mind.
Endure with patience
and understand the
perfection of this simplicity.
Extinguish
the fires of sensual craving,
dissatisfaction and discontent
through disciplined, focused practice,
living simply and naturally
in the moment
and ever with giving,
devoted and selfless morality.
Experience
Contentment, wisdom, peace,
liberation and enlightenment.
Nirvana…
Venerable Thubten Chodron
Venerable Chodron emphasizes the practical application of Buddha’s teachings in our daily lives and is especially skilled at explaining them in ways easily understood and practiced by Westerners. She is well known for her warm, humorous, and lucid teachings. She was ordained as a Buddhist nun in 1977 by Kyabje Ling Rinpoche in Dharamsala, India, and in 1986 she received bhikshuni (full) ordination in Taiwan. Read her full bio.
