Wishes on the Water

Boatman on the Ganges, Varanasi, India.

‘May those who put to sea in a boat or ship

Attain the ports that they desire,

And may they safely come to shore

And sweetly reunite with their kith and kin.’

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References ‘Way of the Bodhisattva’, Shambhala Dragon Editions: 10th Chapter on Dedication, Stanza 24

Photograph by C. J. Schake – © Copyright 2010 – all rights reserved, quality prints available on request.

Drop, Pool, or Perhaps Ocean

Said to be a sacred pool at ancient ruins in Kangra Valley, Himachael Pradesh, India.

When drops of water fill a vase,

It is not the first drop that fills it,

Nor the last drop or each drop individually;

Through the gathering of dependent factors the vase is filled.

Likewise, when someone experiences joy and suffering – the effects –

This is not due to the first instant of their cause;

Nor is it due to the last instant of their cause.

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References ‘Mind Training: The Wheel of Sharp Weapons’, Attributed to Dharmaraksita, Translated by Thupten Jinpa, 2006, Stanzas 111 & 112 (partial); published by The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation, http://www.budaedu.org

Photograph by C. J. Schake – © Copyright 2010 – all rights reserved, quality prints available on request.