Translation: My heart is flying (or wondering) in the sky while my body still remains on earth. OM Mani Padma Hum (mantra of Chenrezig [also Avalokitesvara], embodiment of compassion; mantra often referred to as the Great Compassion Mantra).
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Once, a relative of the Zen monk and recluse Ryōkan (b. 1758, Japan) asked him to speak to his wayward son. Ryōkan visited the family but did not say a word of correction to the boy. He stayed the night and prepared to leave the following morning.
As the unruly boy was helping tie Ryōkan's straw sandals, he felt a warm drop of water on his shoulder. Glancing up, he saw Ryōkan, with eyes full of tears, looking down at him. Ryōkan departed silently, and the boy soon mended his ways.
A friend said of Ryōkan -
When Ryōkan visits it is as if spring had come on a dark winter's day. His character is pure and he is free of duplicity and guile. Ryōkan resembles one of the immortals of ancient literature and religion. He radiates warmth and compassion. He never gets angry, and will not listen to criticism of others. Mere contact with him brings out the best in people.
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We can radiate compassion without saying or doing anything to call attention to compassion or ourselves. We can correct another's way by the doing of doing-nothing.
Is this what is implied in the Jesus saying, "You are the light of the world"? You are the light. Light does not have to say or do anything to shine. Light is the shine. Can you trust your natural effulgence? This means to trust yourself, your true self.
Our hearts - we ourselves - are naturally compassionate. The Sun does not try to shine, the leaves fall in Fall, waves crash upon the shore.
Possibly, a good prayer for us would be, "May I be more like Ryokan." Yes, Christ is so many who show us the Way, Buddha so many who seek to awaken our hearts to natural warmth.
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*Resource for Ryōkan, John Stevens, Trans. Dewdrops on a Lotus Leaf.
