Poem by Thich Nhat Hanh

[Guest guest]

This was published in Hanoi in 1965:

 

Contemplation

 

Since the moon is full tonight,

let us call upon the stars in prayer.

The power of concentration,

seen through the bright, one-pointed mind,

is shaking the universe.

 

All living things are present tonight

to witness the ocean of fear

flooding the Earth.

 

Upon the sound of the midnight bell,

everyone in the ten directions joins hands

and enters the meditation on Mabakaruna.

 

Compassion springs from the heart,

as pure, refreshing water,

healing the wounds of life.

>From the highest peak of the Mind Mountain,

the blessed water streams down,

penetrating rice fields and orange groves.

 

The poisonous snake drinks

a drop of this nectar

from the tip of a blade of grass,

and the poison on its tongue vanishes.

 

Mara's arrows

are transformed

into fragrant flowers.

 

The wondrous action of the healing water -

a mysterious transformation!

A child now holds the snake in her innocent arms.

 

Leaves are still green in the ancient garden.

The shimmering sunlight smiles on the snow,

and the sacred spring still flows toward the East.

 

On Avalokita's willow branch,

or in my heart,

the healing water is the same.

 

Tonight all weapons

fall at our feet

and turn to dust.

 

One flower,

two flowers,

millions of little flowers

appear in the green fields.

 

The gate of deliverance opens

with a smile on the lips

of my innocent child.

 

 

It is reprinted in Thich Nhat Hanh's book Call Me by My True Names.

Love, Mark