maria kannon

several hundred years ago
the french philosopher Rene Descartes said;
“I think, therefore I am.”
fifteen hundred years before Descartes was born,
Jesus Christ already understood his mind.
Jesus said; “take no thought for your life.”
but, the primary question is,
who was correct?
autumn has not yet left,
winter has already arrived.
the grey clouds hang low and tight
and white snow already caps the blue mountains.
it was 80 degrees in southern california when I left
tonight a freezing wind cuts across
the corner at haskell and junius.

December 18, 1996
Maria Kannon Zen Center, Dallas TX
End of a Dharma Talk