giving up all of my absurd ambitions

now the chores are done 

and I reach for my notebook and pen 

no one cares or even notices 

sundown brings the darkness 

and the sky fills with those diamonds 

that we call stars 

it is quiet here 

and for you I hold this hope 

that you can know peace 

like I do 

--

the river water contains desire and delight 

I noticed it right away 

when my foot first touched the water 

I waded out into deep delusion 

where delight and desire are woven together 

like a Maidu basket 

I put my head under the cold waters 

and allowed desire to take me 

it was a strong feeling 

good 

delightful 

coming up I kicked toward the far shore 

and swam as hard as I was able 

as if I were still a much younger man 

--

That I might always keep my heart full of compassion, so full that there is no room for anything else. Life happens only in the present moment.

--

the idea of giving up all of my absurd ambitions 

seems like a gift to me now    a christmas present 

the winter sky at night    a cold storm blows in 

I raise my arms up to heaven   love and compassion 

then emptiness    no thought at all

is the best thought after all 

james lee jobe

--

Zen mind is not Zen mind.

Throwing away Zen mind is correct Zen mind.

Seung Sahn

--

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james