Yes, Christmas time is almost here. It is the Second Day of Christmas, after all. Ryokan (a Soto Zen Japanese monk who lived in the 1400's) wrote a poem that can be applied to the "consumerism" mindset that sometimes rears its head this time of year. I heard it over the weekend, and for some reason it has resonated in my mind all week.____________________
"Without desire everything is sufficient.
With seeking myriad things are impoverished.
Plain vegetables can soothe hunger.
A patched robe is enough to cover this bent old body.
Alone I hike with a deer.
Cheerfully I sing with village children.
The stream beneath the cliff cleanses my ears;
The pine on the mountain top fits my heart."
With seeking myriad things are impoverished.
Plain vegetables can soothe hunger.
A patched robe is enough to cover this bent old body.
Alone I hike with a deer.
Cheerfully I sing with village children.
The stream beneath the cliff cleanses my ears;
The pine on the mountain top fits my heart."
-Ryokan
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