Thich Nhat Hanh Healing in Vietnam The Wonderful World of Gathas

in MEMORIAMDyingPoems will die.Ten-thousand-year-long loves will also die.Clouds swirl, obscuring the whole sky.On life’s journey, there are ups and downsBut one day I will shake free from all my worldly debt.Formless SamadhiClear water on one side,Urine on the other,All will return to sky, clouds, oceans, and rivers.There is sunlight during daytimeAnd moonlight at nightShining my way.Being SickProclamationAs a wanderer who has no homeBy chance I met youWhile wandering from place to place.My younger brothers and sisters from Vietnam,You are green mountains, rivers,Morning sunlight, and dewy flowers.You are joyful, innocent, and light,As white clouds drifting in the deep blue skyAlong with the first light of a new day.If in youthful folly,You lose your way, falling into steep gorgesDeep in the mountains,All you need is a gentle breezeOf understanding and loveTo bring you backTo the lofty sky and vast oceans.You do not need raging stormsOf anger and hatred.Please do not scold or blameMy younger brothers and sistersFor I fear that the gray color of sadnessWould darken their pure hearts.My skin and flesh are wasted,My body is withered,But my heart is still joyful as spring flowers.Rivers, mountains are extensive.Why hesitate to give up this tiny body?I return it to the immense earth and sky.Background photo by David Nelsonthe Mindfulness Bell 33