i overheard the moon talking

the sun was shining and i overheard the moon whispering in a language i could not understand, suddenly, tenderly a zephyr caressed me and i understood a language not my own the dawn of infinity was beating in my heart, my skin was covered with ashes and snow gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha ~A "Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood." T. S. Eliot

Thank you for asking, Cat. Its literal translation is: "Gone, gone, gone beyond, gone utterly beyond, Enlightenment, hail." For more info: http://www.wildmind.org/mantras/figures/gategate My favourite *sutra* is the Heart Sutra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2D8epuXla8&feature=related#watch-main-area "when pursuing the deep prajñaparamita, recognized the five skandhas as completely empty and passed beyond all vexations and distress. Shariputra, appearances are not different from emptiness, emptiness is not different to appearances. Appearances are emptiness, emptiness is an appearance. Impressions, thoughts, associations and knowing too, are also like this. Shariputra, all dharmas are empty of appearances, are not created, are not extinguished, are not defiled, are not pure; do not increase, do not decrease. For this reason, amidst emptiness there are no appearances, nor are there any impressions, thoughts, associations and knowing, There is no eye, ear, nose, tongue, touch, ideas. There are no colors, sounds, smells, tastes and touch dharmas. There is no eye-element up to no imagining nor knowledge element. Neither is any non-understanding, nor is there any end to non-understanding up to no old-age and death. Neither is there any end to old-age and death. There is no suffering, cause, extinction or path. There is no knowledge nor anything to find. Because there isn’t anything to find, the bodhisattva is free because of relying upon prajñaparamita: a heart without any obstruction. Because there are no obstructions, there is no fear. Abandoning, overturning dreams and concepts, finally reaches nirvana. Because all the Buddhas of the three times have relied upon prajñaparamita, they have found anuttarasamyaksambodhi. For this reason, know prajñaparamita is the great spiritual mantra. The great understanding mantra. The supreme mantra. The unequaled mantra, able to cut through all vexation because in reality there is no emptiness." Peace. ~A "Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood." T. S. Eliot

Not really Cat... I have met *real* Buddhists and Hindus who are *scholars* and *practioners" I am not an academic in any field, but have always had an insatiable curiosity about life. I have, however, taken the Bodhisattva vows. Dharma... in the context of daily life means one's righteous duty, or virtuous path.. particularly Buddha's teachings.. How I like to describe it is the Way of Zen.. It equates to being yourself without any hindrances--the art of being compassionately wise. Buddha smiles, Anna "Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood." T. S. Eliot

"I have saved it...hope you didn't mind..." Duh. I have tons of saved poems... they're called poetry books. ROFL. Love you, Anna "Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood." T. S. Eliot

oooooooooahhhhhh Brian!!!!! your poem is so......er....intoxicating...downright, hot & spicy. ;-) "Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood." T. S. Eliot