Buddha in Glory

Center of all centers, core of cores,

almond self-enclosed, and growing sweet–

all this universe, to the furthest stars

all beyond them, is your flesh, your fruit.

Now you feel how nothing clings to you;

your vast shell reaches into endless space,

and there the rich, thick fluids rise and flow.

Illuminated in your infinite peace,

a billion stars go spinning through the night,

blazing high above your head.

But in you is the presence that

will be, when all the stars are dead.

By Rainer Maria Rilke

(1875 – 1926)

René Karl Wilhelm Johann Josef Maria Rilke , better known as Rainer Maria Rilke,

was a Bohemian–Austrian poet.

He is considered one of the most significant poets in the German language.

English version by Stephen Mitchell

compiled by : ram0ram

from

http://www.poetry-chaikhana.com/

fire of friendship

“Once upon a time, there was a poor but very brave man called Ali.

He worked for Amir, a rich old merchant.

One winter’s night Amir said, “Nobody can spend a night like this on top of the mountain without a blanket or food.

But you need money,

and if you can manage to do that you will receive a great reward.

If you don’t, you will work for thirty days without pay”.

Ali answered,“Tomorrow I shall do this test.”

But when he left the shop, he saw that a really icy wind was blowing and became scared,

so he decided to ask his best friend, Aydi, if it was crazy of him to accept that bet.

After reflecting a while, Aydi answered, “I shall help you.

Tomorrow, when you are at the top of the mountain, look ahead.

I will be on the top of the mountain next to yours,

where I will spend the whole night with a bonfire lit for you.

You look at the fire and think about our friendship, that will keep you warm.

You will manage, and later on I shall ask you something in return.”

Ali won the test,

got the money, and went to his friend’s house,

“You told me you wanted some payment.”

Aydi grabbed him by the shoulders,

”Yes, but it isn’t money.

Promise that if at any time a cold wind passes through my life,

you will light the fire of friendship for me.”

A comment made by a reader on Paulo Coelho’s blog.

In our mind, when we think of the people we love, we should remember to light the fire of friendship,

because who knows what they are going through in their lives right now?

Who knows what cold winds may keep them awake at night?

Most things in life are make-belief.

Fires of friendship can keep us warm,

like fires of hatred can keep us cold.

Light your fire, not just for the sake of others,

but because your fire will warm not only their hearts,

but also your own.

And when you feel cold,

remember all the fires that have been lit out there for you

and as a true friend of yourself;

light one for your own heart also.

( essence of a blog post from 2010 which I like and love ……ram )