Anybody who has ever observed a lotus flower emerging from a murky pond cannot fail to see the beauty of this exquisite plant. (Anon)


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The pond shimmers and shines
as the sun descends into the horizon.
Colourful creatures glide below
Casting their shadow to the surface.
A frog skips about from lily pad to lily pad
Gracefully landing lightly on each one.
Night begins to fall and insects sing their night song.
The tall grass sways to the melody,
The wind sighs peacefully.
(Elvia Rodriguez)

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This painting by Albrecht Durer 1471-1528

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One day a young student came to Zen Master Bankei with a problem.

“Master,” he said, “I can‘t control my temper and I go into a terrible rage. What can I do?”

“Show me what happens,” replied Bankie.

The young man shook his head and explained that it just happened unexpectedly.

“Well,” said the master," This bad temper can’t be the real you. If it was, you’d be able to show it to me at any time. What’s more, you didn’t have it when you were born, and it didn’t come from your parents. Why don’t you go away and think about that.”

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Thanks to Louie Schwartzberg for uploading this video

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Most people are afraid of suffering. But suffering is a kind of mud to help the lotus flower grow. There cannot be a lotus flower without the mud. (Thich Nhat Hanh)

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Namasté

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