remain serene in the unity of things


 

The perfect Way’s like boundless space

Nothing lacking, nothing extra

It is because of choice

That its absolute truth is lost.

Don’t pursue externals;

Don’t dally in the interior void.

When the spirit remains serene

In the unity of things

Dualism vanishes by itself;

When that unity is not clear

There is loss in both directions.

 

Sengcan

more

 

life has some possibility left

joy from the archives

 

If you suddenly

and unexpectedly feel joy,

don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are

plenty of lives and whole towns destroyed

or about to be. We are not wise, and not very often

kind. And much can never be redeemed. Still life has some

possibility left. Perhaps this is its way of fighting back, that sometimes

something happened better than all the riches or power in the world.

It could be anything, but very likely you notice it in the instant

when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the case.

Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid

of its plenty. Joy is not made

to be a crumb.

 

Mary Oliver