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Gestures of Compassion
The wandering Buddhist poet-monk Saigyō (1118-19) -
Colored fields of autumn
scents of spring
all
is infused with
the heart's awakening
*Gazing at the Moon. Trans. Meredith McKinney.
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Saigyō speaks of the "heart" awakening. Spiritual transformation is that: a heart awakening. Information can aid this, but it cannot enter the heart shrine. Information is another form - information -, and forms cannot lead to union with the formless.
The poet reminds us, also, there is no such thing as an individual alone being awakened. Strictly speaking, you cannot be saved, enlightened, liberated, or awakened. Individuals do not experience Nirvana, go to the Pure Land, or enter Heaven. There is no such thing as an individual living a spiritual life. When the heart is awakened, the whole world is awakened.
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*©Brian K. Wilcox, 2023.
*Use of photography is allowed accompanied by credit given to Brian K. Wilcox and title and place of photograph.
*Brian's book, An Ache for Union: Poems on Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major online booksellers or the publisher AuthorHouse.
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