by D Shapiro
Comments from 2018
A water bug scurries
Across a pond, interrupting
The reflection of a decaying tree
Nature Poems
Mind Moments in Poetry: Drizzle, Dawn, Focus , Salute, Like Breath
by D Shapiro
Drizzle
On a damp leash
a small black dog leads
a rigid unsmiling old man
Many Paths, One Mountain
by D Shapiro
LECH LECHA
(Hebrew melody meaning “Go forth”)
This poem was written during a conference in 1990 in Holland at a gathering of meditation teachers from different traditions: Sufi, Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Taoist, Buddhist
It is a poem about particular paths pointing to the Universal One. There are three stanzas of Chinese Linked verse, each stanza contexted by two words of the Shema
Shema Israel/Adonai Eloheinu/Adonai Echad
Listen to that part of you who wrestle with and toward God; God who is distant and impersonal, God who is close and near us; all these: we who wrestle, the far God, the near God…..Echad (are One).
Bali Poems
by D Shapiro
- Bubbles
- Out of Control
- Cosmic Wander Journey
- Leaping
- Dancing Clouds
- Whimsy
Returning
In fear we trust
in trust we fear
Gulping, gasping
for air….
flailing, as if trying to swim, stay afloat,
but fear sinking back
underwater,
Sh-t! Hardly poised and courageous
Breathe…remember, Lao-Tzu said
the Tao is also in the excrement
Clouds Like Rice Horses
by D Shapiro
Black droppings on white pages
Mirror
Water in
Black trashcans freckled with white bird dung
Reflecting
Tassajara
by D Shapiro
Creative words
flow downstream
with the current.
Embarrassed..
writing thoughts
in the meditation room
TASSAJARA DESCRIPTION: (from brochure):is a natural hot springs located in a remote valley in the heart of the Ventana Wilderness in California. Tassajara, also referred to by its monastery name of Zenshinji (Zen Heart-Mind Temple), is dedicated to San Francisco Zen Center’s mission, which is “to embody, express, and make accessible the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha.” Surrounded by inspiring mountain vistas, Tassajara encourages a more spacious and present way of being. The hot springs melt away the stress and dust of daily living. Carefully prepared food nourishes body and spirit. The air and the skies are crystal clear, and the stars shine brightly at night. Away from the distractions and demands of daily life, supported by the sounds of the creek and the breeze in the sycamores, the opportunity to deeply relax and connect with the natural world is readily at hand.
A POEM WRITTEN DURING MY RETREAT THERE
From the top of the mountain
I look down on the beauty of Tasahara,
From within the sanctuary of Tasahara,
I see the beauty of my home
* * *
A journal note:
At Tasahara I thought of leaving in the middle of the meditation. Is it a compulsive goal-oriented pushing it through or is it learning the discipline that’s necessary to still oneself. To leave or not to leave is a “left brain” analytical decision Adolescent rebellion? The shadow of me seemed to disappear. Was it habituation or the fact that the sun was rising and getting lighter. Very aware of the master walking with his stick — shadow on shadow. At Tasahara meditation was (no research project) — like footprints in the sand learning, possessing is a research project. Often I find myself wanting to do
I remember when talking at Tasahara with one of the monks in training about what Suzukiroshi thought during meditation. He said “That’s like asking the sky what it feels”. The monk said that Suzukiroshi once said that it’s really unimportant to discuss insights during meditation because it doesn’t make any difference anyway. Certainly it was ok to have thoughts “but just don’t invite them to have tea”.