samsara

I awoke on this morn feeling oddly at peace with the world
as if every bird circling the newly killed carcass
and every droplet of water cascading down the rocks
and every joy and frustration of daily existence
were all part of the same eternal cycle
of birth life and death
and renewal
It must dawn upon every living being
as a sun must daily dawn upon even a cloudy earth
that life is worth its struggles
but even when the sun sets upon a fleeting life
we can know with confidence
perhaps even joy
that death is worth its pain
for what is death if not food for rebirth?
as the meat strengthens the wings
as the water cools the inside
as the sorrows allow for depth in joy
in the same way will you
my child
be another's savior after your last breath
so in death you live on

Dawn, 12/01/2009

The lights of the millions of women and men
Fill the below with a glistening glow
The moon lends her light and the Sun his splendor
As man lies together and sleeps one last hour
The power of this unity only can last
As long as each bed is still filled with its master
When every alarm clock is angrily stoned
And moaning, its owner reclaims the nightly death
We can know with great courage that there is hope yet
To rest through the rancor and pretend our own peace
Sleep, sleep my dear loves, all day if you like
The world wakes and lives with more fullness each moment
If home is a concrete rectangle, please stay
And continue your dreams of unbridled protection
As for me — I sit high on my own private mecca
And hail my Sun as he returns to the world
Come colour and light and life and warmth
To draw the unwilling ones out of their slumber
To wake them again to the glory of day
I waken again to the glory of day
And I am alive
I live

opened to an unexpected page:

Now there are many, many people in the world, but relatively few with whom we interact, and even fewer who cause us problems. So when you come across such a chance for practicing patience and tolerance, you should treat it with gratitude. It is rare. Just as having unexpectedly found a treasure in your own house, you should be happy and grateful towards your enemy for providing that precious opportunity. Because if you are ever to be successful in your practice of patience and tolerance, which are critical factors in counteracting negative emotions, it is due to the combination of your own efforts and also the opportunity provided by your enemy.

--HH Dalai Lama, The Art of Happiness