Heart's Offering

Ever felt so happy you have to write it out in a long twisty poem? These are my hearts' offerings. Enjoy.

1. Dear Buddha…
For lives I have wandered adrift,
Like a ship without an anchor.
Ignorance and delusion veiled me
My life was a shade darker than ever.

The very moment I heard Your words of truth,
I knew it must be Treasure.
This awakening strikes me which such intensity,
I can’t help but listen with rapture.

Once by a twist of karma,
I found a glimmer of hope,
Upon meeting precious dharma,
I finally realized which way to go.

As I venture deeper into,
This buddhist way of life.
I notice that things start to miraculously improve,
Before my very eyes.

Your wisely-said reminders,
Constantly arise in my mind.
It has become a habit to reconsider,
If what I’m doing is fine.

The ultimate combination of both:
Great wisdom and compassion.
I’m trying really hard to keep these,
In all my speech, thoughts and actions.

You have taught me that,
All living beings are equal.
Both animals and human races of all kind,
Ought to be respected as individuals.

And of keeping in mind,
To refrain from clinging to worldly pleasures.
As plunging oneself into the sea of greed,
Would be the root to never-ending suffers.

Now I look around and see things,
With a whole new point of view.
I’ve learnt to keep myself happy,
By always embracing gratitude.

Finally I have found out how,
To rein in irritation, anger, and hatred too.
For holding a grudge against others,
Now seems to be a foolish thing to do.

You remind me of fleeting impermanence,
So I daren’t slack when cultivating the Way.
For there will be no perfect joy in life,
Until I reach blissful nirvana’s bay.

Oh, to the dearest Buddha
I shall always remain faithful.
Please guide me along this wonderful path,
So I can learn to be a little more like you.
15/3/08



2. Dews of Dharma Joy
Have you ever experienced,
A happiness that swells without reason?
Inner joy that radiates from within,
And blooms without season.

Like tidal waves of bliss,
Oh a sensation I cannot explain!
It soothes my heart and soul,
An inner state I yearn to constantly remain.

Somehow it’s entirely different,
From unstable, sky-rocketing emotions.
This doesn’t tempt you into ecstasy,
Or deludes you with mental intoxication.

It brings forth calmness and serenity,
Just like the clarity of unmoving waters.
Nowadays such peace is hard to find,
It’s a must to spread to others!

Shower dews of compassion,
And liberate beings from the sea of suffering.
Propagate the dharma of wisdom,
Dews of Dharma joy shall be your reapings.

Stay content and make life meaningful.
We are alive, breathe- be happy!
Life is short and impermanent,
Why let burdens of ignorance render us weary?

Absorb the profound Dharma,
With a sincere heart and mind.
One shall feel this supreme exaltation,
An indescribable joy that never declines.

Eight stanzas are not enough to praise,
The Dews of Dharma joy.
I sincerely pray that you will find it,
Because it’s beyond what words can imply!