what do we know

what do we know?

and why do we struggle so?

there is harmony in our breath

so what folly becomes reality?

we buy an idea

that comes from where?

we scream at the top of our lungs

that this is the path

is the sacred way,

and that all others 

are fallen spirits

who have lost their way.

yet this distraction

from the mirror

of our own humanity,

this projection

outward–

causes us to lose

our true selves.

spiritual empowerment

comes from attaining

who and what we are,

comes from a center

of self effacing brilliance.

those who seek 

the path outside

are merely

sheep

on the path

to the slaughterhouse,

wildly baying

at the sun.

when the focus

is turned within

no one can say

what delights

and joys

will appear.

wonji dharma

the question

asked by a student today,

what constitutes Zen Poetry,

don’t know is all there is

or has ever been

since the beginning of time.

we struggle with life,

yet life unfolds by itself,

we want

we desire

we attempt to direct

and always fail.

life is our teacher

and this path is clear

and bright

in front of us.

it is only when we do not

choose to listen

to the rhythms

of the world

that we are lost

in time and space.

yet who made time

and who made space,

as the simplicity

of green tea

steaming in a pot

refreshing and wondrous

appears with its flavor and savor

when we just let go

who is it that tastes

or smells

ah the essence appears

and no one is any wiser.

Wonji Dharma