a great path..

my love

i found a great path here 

and this is the way to go

be of right heart and set your feet to follow

the clear way 

that leads to yourself 

shorn of coverings and mental waves 

if you keep going and do not 

go back where the lonely live

feeling apart and separate

then you will be close to the pure soul

and feel it's breathe in your bones and blood 

and this will make you continue 

forward no matter the cost 

but truly my friends 

not a thing is lost at all...

what a joke this is 

to feel that something of value will be taken

what is taken 

is the suffering, the drama --

what good is this?

it is not a friend of yours at all..

in this light 

there is nothing other 

keep on sturdy traveller 

and go to be like you are truly

complete

within peace everlasting

returning to freedom...

a man lived in a country

where there was only good 

he lived there quite easily for 

a long time ...

but eventually began to grow restless within

and then sought to know 

something other than this..

he sought to know what brought pleasure to him

and gave him something to call his own..

he sought to be *known* and given attention

for being who he was

he was not satisfied just being and living in joy

and light as a soul that was not different

he looked to find a way to move into a place that 

he could be like *he* wanted and not 

like the free being way of where he was..

he decided to leave this place of freedom

and seek out a way to bolster himself up

he packed his bags in the evening and began to walk out 

of the place of freedom

a man asked him where he was going 

and he said to somewhere *other* 

for i am not noticed here as the man that i am

i am not recognized here so i must go and find 

that which brings something to me 

that feels better than this..

the man that was living in freedom said 

you have not loved this land of of freedom 

as yourself 

you have set it apart from you and looked away 

from the simplicity and beauty that is here 

this freedom land is very peaceful if one can settle in

and be here, not restless looking about for something 

that is outside of here ...

my friend, you can go if you choose, but know that you will 

encounter a lot of mischief in your soul when you seek to

be something other than this ...

the man that was determined to go said 

i am going away 

i seek to be recognized as someone that is not of this freedom place 

i have nothing here ...

i have nothing that i can call mine ...

i am a nobody and feel very much ready to move on...

okay friend, if you must, but know it will be a long road for you

out there if you are to look away from this land of freedom

because it is in your soul and in your heart 

it is not to leave you...

you leave it, by your choice to be affirmed somewhere in the world..

i am sorrowful for you, but may the best be on your journey...

here is some bread to take --

eat it and remember the land of freedom that is in your heart...

the man took it and said okay, thank you, and left

he walked on quite miserable and in confusion

he ate the bread when he was hungry and when he did 

he remembered the land of freedom

and he longed to go back 

he walked on though looking for a place to be noticed 

and taken in...

he rested very unsettled and felt lonely away from the land of freedom

yet he walked on and on ...

until he came to a house with a light on 

he knocked on the door  --

a lady answered and said, hello, can i help you

the wandering man said, i am so very lost --

i left the land of freedom in search of something other ..

now i am at a loss for what to do...

i cannot forget this land of freedom, yet i desire to be a man of the 

world in which i am recognized and loved and found to be knowledgeable 

the lady said, oh my, you left the land of freedom --

this is not a good thing dear ...

for i have never been there and so desire to go ...

i am so very much wanting to be free and feel at rest...

my heart aches all the time in this place of the world ...

pray tell me how to find the land of freedom...

i am very much aghast that you would leave, for it is my souls desire to go there...

the man broke out in tears and said,

this place i am not sure of how to find again...

i have lost my direction there and have very little energy to seek it out..

can i sleep here and we will find a way to return tomorrow...

the woman agreed 

she found him a nice room and he fell asleep exhausted from his travels

he dreamed of a great white horse that came to him

and looked him in the face and almost felt as if this 

beautiful creature spoke to his soul 

to say -- my friend get on and ride to the place of the sun

where all hearts melt together as one 

where the body is gone and the world that appears as a dream is shed 

and the living light of all is front and center 

(the peace that passes understanding) ..

and the man felt himself to get up slowly and then float onto the horse 

where they rode away at a fast clip...

and though he knew not his way there ... 

the horse found the land of freedom swiftly and stopped at the place so 

familiar and yet so very unknown in the way of being 

completely different than the place he just left...

he got off the horse and greeted all there as if he never left ...

his heart was light, so very light ...

right away he felt the difference of being calm and quiet and not 

bothered so by pulling desires and intrusions of mental waves 

and he said, oh my -- what was i thinking? what was i doing 

desiring to be away?...

for i now have experienced the startling difference

between restless longing and seeking ...

and have no desire to leave this peace that is here 

i am yoked to this 

beauty of o ne everlastingly...

what grace to go away and come back...

my eyes are now open and not complacent --

he walked through the land, like a man of new birth...

and then he awoke with a start --

the sun was rising over the mountains and he could smell food cooking...

he walked into the room where the lady was standing 

the lady said, we can get an early start this morning to head on to our destination

the man smiled and said, yes.....

we will head out today...

and not return here ...

and he ate a hearty breakfast..

a gentle, quiet calm filling him as he ate...
a pure presence coming forward in the very place he sat..
and he laughed to himself...
in knowing this peace is right here
and he need not go anywhere...
yet he got up and took his bags
and said to the lady, let's go...
and off they went...
never to return...

shanti

take away the sorrow

and what remains is light

take away birth and death

and what remains is truth

take away longing for something other 

and what remains is *this*

take away the haunting mind 

and what remains is unconditional love 

take away the grasping ways 

and what remains is peace 

take away the *other* 

and what remains is the non-dual jewel

take away creation

and what remains is uncreated 

take away the dross 

and what remains is pristine

take away the waves 

and what remains is the calm expanse

take away the body 

and what remains is pure consciousness

take away the shadow

and what remains is the sun

take away the dream

and what remains is awake

take away the limited 

and what remains is boundless

take away the mind 

and what remains is the heart

take away the child 

and what remains is mother 

take away the distinctions 

and what remains is whole 

take away the ache

and what remains is forever healed

take away the savior

and what remains is saved 

take away the struggle

and what remains is rest

take away the effort 

and what remains is effortless

take away the doer

and what remains is grace

take away the sage 

and what remains is pure intelligence

take away the coverings 

and what remains is naked 

take away resistance 

and what remains is open

take away the name 

and what remains nameless

take away the you and me 

and what remains is pure potential

take away coming and going 

and what remains is pure presence

take away the seeker 

and what remains is eternally found 

take away the senses

and what remains is rich emptiness

take away the worries 

and what remains is shanti

you did not leave anything behind 

you forgot your heart and this is all

it lay under the dust of your experiences 

it lay like a jewel shining as a rich glow 

it has not forgotten you

because it is life 

and gave of itself for the body to be here 

and live in the way of seeking itself 

it gives in grace for this moment to be

for this heart to shine forth

as a beacon

it gives freedom of will and choice

to go this way or that

yet it does not forsake the soul ever 

it lives eternal to be found here 

what a blessing...

i took to the ocean one day
to find myself
and went in where the water is cool
and went further and further
away from the shore
where i forgot where i came
in one sense truly
for what was left behind had no meaning
in the way of saying it is real
and present in mind..
it faded as the colors of the sunset fade
or the evening comes and the shadows are swallowed up..
so what took place in the past
is not of my concern
it is lost to sea
and with this is not real
or has any value or substance
i went away one day
and have not returned
i am as before
but without the play of mind
so greatly...
so heavy
it has been lost to the sea
and what a blessing friends..
what a great, rich blessing indeed...

equal in all hearts...

in the way of saying i am right 

then what is wrong?

in the way of saying i am wrong

then what is right?

the mind compares this way 

but what is it compared against?

another concept that it has created

from nothing ...

my friends,

see how evanescent mind is 

and so not made of anything true

it has no substance and only is a projection

that is to bind 

if taken to be real..

no matter how, good bad or 

innocent it appears.. it is still movement...

there are many waves in the ocean

great and small...

but still they are waves, movement..

and cannot be called settled, calm --

and still...

and only this stillness is what will 

bring awakening...

not an insight (no matter how amazing 

sounding)...

the sea is the WHOLE --

the living which is the absolute 

not this or that ...

it stands alone without a rival

without a thing that it can be compared against..

even in the way of thinking -- * i am at peace and rest *

is a wave that brings forth illusion

for the absolute does not speak

it has nothing to say about anything 

it is completely still and ever present...

the mind wants to make a claim on reality

but never can this be the truth..

for no-one can claim what is eternal...

and within all hearts equally..

what remains?

for a time
the mind lives
but it is not eternal 

and will perish sooner or later 

so what remains?

the body has been turned to ash

the thoughts, the dreams as well

put out into the sea 

where all is taken and lost 

to the vast ocean of all

what remains?

the world that you think is real

the people that revolve around it

the things, the places, the experiences

are to blow like dust in the wind

what remains?

the excitement, the sorrow, the highs

the lows, the in betweens 

the grasping, the efforts

the *me* world and all that comes

with that

is to be going

what remains?

the birth, the death

the unstable mind

the body suffering and all

that comes with that

is to be going

what remains?

the thought of freedom and bondage

the thought of *me and you*

the hoping, the struggle

the gathering of knowledge

the separation

is to be going

what remains?

what will the world become

when the mind lets go?

see 

find out 

what will your life become 

when the mind lets go?

see 

find out

what will your being become

when the mind lets go?

see 

find out

what will heaven and earth

become when the mind lets go?

see

find out
what will God become
when the mind lets go?
see
find out

what will love and fear become

when the mind lets go?

see

find out

what will *you and me* become

when the mind lets go?

see

find out

what remains

when the mind lets go?

wellspring of life...

you sang a song of freedom in your heart
before the story appeared
and the world
overshadowed the clear waters
you sang about the SELF
and how it is so pristine and wondrous
and so much not divided
you sang of the precious jewel
the chudamani
you sang of the wellspring of life
that has never been tainted or
within suffering
and then my dear what happened?
the world appeared
and the reflection became so prominent
yet it is not real like you think
it is the created which is mother
and it is her show truly
what a dream
yet you are simply here always
you are here

the tree..

by the clear water
there is a tree
grander than the ordinary
it blossoms when the season turns
the petals falling like rain
sweet to the eye
it does not sorrow at letting loose
it's fine beauty
for there will be another time
when life comes this way
as a bright awakening of color
the tree stands bare against the moonlight
looking stark and with a
beautiful substance of twisted
life climbing to the sky
the world comes and goes around it
moving, dancing...
the tree remains
and small buds arise
with the opening of spring
when all of life blooms and
there are new and bright scents about..
green tendrils appear
when the sun warms
and the world moves about
coming and going...
yet the tree does not sorrow
or bear any loss from the change
it lives as it is
in ripe flowering or naked beauty
as grace is the master of this arising
that is a sweet painting in motion
not of the mind
not of the world
not of the one that hurries by
not of any-body...
it is as it is
such is the way of pure life

in the clear waters of consciousness
the world appears
as a reflection
that goes in it's time
seeming so filled when it comes
but passing away no matter
and the one that is to see what is here
without grasping
is not like a one that forgets
this heart
that shines awake always
as a bright morning dawn
awake always

i am waiting

are you in the world tonite?

for i have not seen you here 

i have looked for you in the heart 

and found you to be gone 

i sat in the sun under the tree 

and heard the birds call come and go

i watched the shadows rise and fall

and felt the cool breeze on the skin

i heard the water rushing near by

and saw the sun melt slowly behind 

the mountains

i sat here long and long 

and have not  yet
heard your footsteps round the bend

i see you in the morning light 

with nothing but your soul as it is 

as a jewel of truth

uncovered of your worries

and sighted finally at last 

i see you as a saint and a master in your heart 

not set in mind like you are 

i see the truth under your unsteadiness

and hear the heart beat of life in your soul

when you come round the bend, listen!

be still

the earth is speaking it's song

of life so pure and rich

the blossoms are falling and the sky is deepening

with shades of ruby and gold 

and the sea is turning so dark with blue

the flowers are dancing too

when you come round the bend, listen

to the call of your soul that reflects this beauty

oh my friend 

you are to be coming?

for the joy is boundless 

and you are to be home at last 

i wait here in the perfection

so full and ripe 

like the dove and the swan 

and the calm water that reflects 

yet i am not as you think

i am what you are 

and we are not apart 

here this way my friend 

here now 

come round the bend..

i am waiting...

no more mind...

kali

make the man of shadow 

see where to go clearly

and forget the cares of the world 

that has no truth 

it is not real to be away..

it is a dream

and you are in the dream 

not apart 

take your child 

and seize this one to your breast 

for the heart to awaken 

in your love 

never to leave it roam about lost 

this has never been truly

but is an illusion 

a shadow of mind 

not haunting in truth 

just echoes of empty space 

mother 

you are putting blinders in place 

for those unsighted ones to come finally

in the way of saying "enough!"

i am ready now for you to take over 

oh pray, for i cannot take another step this way

oh so much heart ache 

and am filled up with it

mother 

i give back what i took as mine 

for it gave only pain and unrest

Kali
i give this mind to the heart
and give it up willingly
to walk in the light that i am
so free of suffering in truth
so in the way of life itself
so in the seas and earth and sky
and clear being
i give it up to the o ne
so that i can be freed of all that
was never mine

mother 

the earth bed 

the sky

the sun

the seas

the hills 

the mountains 

the clear rivers 

the open lane 

the cool wind 

the rains 

the blossoms 

the dying 

the living 

the in between

the perfection

the zero

Kali

who is your teacher?

who is your teacher?
and from where does your teacher come?
who is your master?
has he a home in your heart?
does he call you out of yourself to sit in the sun
and be a light unto yourself?
does he wait for you when you have
gone back to the shade to play and be alone in
your private world?
does he continue to be a light for you
even when you have gone away in your mind?
does he make your world lighter and more filled with heart?
does he live the truth and breathe fresh air into your lungs
and breathe fire in your heart?
does he say come, be free and out of this suffering way?
does he show the way out of your locked cell of thought?
does he say, live life! and be a great soul that is to be out of
the world!
does he speak clear words that come from a stilled mind?
does he betray you ever?
does he sting you when you are in pain to say "wake up"
shake off this dull way and come and be yourself for once!
be out of this mind shell! --
come and breathe truth and life and joy and sing of freedom
come and be pure and abiding in grace..
does he raise your spirit out of the dust?
does he give graceful energy to make your day more in harmony
with light and more deepened in the earth of the soul?
does he say, walk upright soul -- be sturdy and in yourself
do not betray your true nature ...
be of open heart within and not hemmed in by thought and judgement..
be still -- be patient -- be as a fearless one ...
does he love you unconditional as a child of the spirit
and a soul that will fly to the mountain where shiva dwells
with his crescent moon on his head
and his spacious being that has nothing in mind ever
untouched by form or pride or confusion?
does he say to not sorrow, but live here now
as this time will not be ever again...
so live it fully as a one that is to make this life a perfect joy
and not come back again to suffer and relearn lessons?
does he tremble at challenge, your teacher?
does he bemoan circumstances, your teacher?
does he shut himself out from life, your teacher?
who is your teacher my heart friend?
is it your world that you play in?
is it your dream that you dance in?
is it your family?
is it your friends?
is it the ache inside?
what is to make you hear and feel what is real and well
in your being?
what is to bring you to the waters of heart and purity and wonder?
who and what?
the world?
or grace?
who is your teacher friend?

prayer?

forgive me, says the man holding up his hands
i have not lived rightly or been true to my soul
i have gotten lost in the waves of mind and rushed
ahead of myself
lost in the world
forgive me dear lord for this

what is there is in this world that will right the wrongs?
there is nothing outside of one that will do this..
to look to the exterior will only serve to further
substantiate separation
prayer and forgiveness may serve a good
purpose on some level (if put forward
with the right heart)...
but to confront the ego
and wash away suffering, it will not do..
much (if not all) of prayer is self-serving...
commit an unethical act and then seek to be forgiven
what is this?
if one begins to live fully in honesty, integrity and transparency..
there is nothing to forgive as one's life is kept clean within
and without...
prayer will never serve to confront the source of suffering
which is ego..
it only serves to comfort the ego -- and soothe it away
and there are some that use the prayer as a substitute
for upright conduct --
this is not okay...
but for many, prayer simply mollifies the soul..
and with no true action and pure intent behind the prayer..
the energy placed there will soon dissipate..
then praying becomes simply another comforter to cling to
to begin to *see*
one needs to stand upright and sturdy
and take an honest look within..
and clean up the life first and foremost...
and when this is done then-
one is to look clearly at the mind..
observe the drama within with equanimity..
watch it rise and fall...
from where does this mind come?
to where does this mind return?
all the while *living* the path or
if not on the path living a pure life that is upstanding in character..
if one is not a *living* example of good and pure character
and continues on a wayward course..
what will forgiveness do?
and who is to forgive who?
look within your own soul dear friends of the spirit
your world is only created by thoughts and actions
and nothing more...
look at this and not outward into a God that will save
and pass out rewards and punishments at a later time...
this is to keep the mind projecting and creating ..
and procrastinating truly...
you are here now..
this is all that is needed to know..
so what is this life?
what is *your* soul in truth?
find out this
and all is absolved and rectified at once..
then the light can shine
and make this world a brighter place for all

soap opera of *me*..

the cinema show is good entertainment for sure

it keeps the mind interested 

and absorbed in the drama

but one never feels it is about their life ..

they know within it is an act, not real 

it is a made up story about some characters that are 

playing a part ...

this is the way it is with the mind ..

it tells stories about a character called *me*

and that this character is doing this and that..

but it is not real -- it is made up by mind ...

like a movie ..

if one can look at this soap opera of *me* 

with objectivity like it is a repeating tape recorder ...

a drama that is not based on
anything truly taking place *now* 

or has any true power...

but is a transient energy .. empty in nature ...

like ripples on the water ...

moving out and dissolving again...

begin step back and *witness*

like watching a movie and observing 

observing...

(as well as engaging practices)...

then this mind can begin to be *seen*

for what it is...

which is *huge* step in the loosening of knots..

shanti om

stillness..

the peaceful one
is the most loved in heaven and on earth
as this one has left the world on the shore
and sank deep inside the sea of knowledge
to be unveiled of all that is illusive in nature

the peaceful one
knows this world to be a dream
like a mirage in the desert
and has found the substance and
remains there ..
with a still mind
free of attachments and aversions

the peaceful one
is a light unto himself
he does not throw out the world
like a useless thing
he simply enjoys it for the mystery that it is
as it unfolds in all it's wonderment...

the peaceful one
is the light of all
this is not anything special
it is not anything better or worse
just what remains within all hearts
when the mind moves no more..

the peaceful one
is the shiv nature
but not like a god or a deity
just pure consciousness
the substance or ground of being
simply resting within the pure moment
as it is

the peaceful one
has not gained anything *new*
by coming into truth
it is there always
underneath the shadow mind
that is truly no-thing
it is not newly discovered like an object
it is eternal and ever-present

the peaceful one
lets the world be and do it's dance
and stays still within peace
through all the changes of the externals
living in the heart
as a  sage of beautitude
and undying stillness

light will not knock on your door...

when will it be seen that there is nothing 

that cannot be uncovered and purified with surrender?
when will it be seen that one is to be freed 

with letting go of the heavy way?

light is not to come knocking at your door 

one is to open up

set the feet on the earth of now 

and not go into the shell of the world 

where the living has no power to heal

or melt the ache 

you are to take steps away from the world 

that calls and haunts with fear and pain

and ways that are not natural in flow

to set free the soul on the waters of joy

the sea of knowledge is filled with rich wisdom

and this beauty is to be *lived*

not just pondered about or set aside ..

it will be the best of all joys

and the best of all experience in one 

but what use is this description to a one that is not

yet in full seeing? 

it is not to make one go running after more illusion

it is to say that it is in your soul to be found 

not elsewhere 

and it is worth all the suffering way to come to it ..

not a man or woman or creature would not love to be free

how is this not the most important thing then?

so be steady inside yourself ...

not letting the dark take over ...

be in this time now 

my friend 

be the living

take the pure water that refreshes 

and imbibe it well

it will make the journey lighter 

and take away the feeling of being the *doer*

what is there to do really?

relax here and open up...

this is so much easier than struggling against the current..

Dawn

within the world, there was a man named dawn
he lived quite well with happiness in his soul
and did not long to be anywhere, but where he was at
he lived by himself, yet never felt lonely or bored
or restless
he did not live an extraordinary life in any way
that stood out
where one could say, wow - he is so amazing
or so wondrous in his voice and manner ...
he simply  lived what came to him in his life
as it unfolded....
he loved to be in the open country and stroll about
he did not look for anything in particular,
but went about enjoying what came to his eyes
he loved to watch the sky in it's expansive beauty
and the way the clouds rolled in
and changed shape..
and how the light filtered through with glorious color
at sunset and sunrise...
he enjoyed the bird's song, and feel of freshness to the air
after the rains
and the reflections of the clouds in the puddles...
he loved the bright blossoms on the trees of such varieties
and shapes and stages of growth
and the hearty earth with all it's bright bits of fallen life
and decaying substance....
and the waters that reflect and rush and change mood with the light
of day...
and the various people and creatures
about in different ways of moving
and being....
what have you...
all of it was good entertainment in it's way..
but if he was inside, this did not make him unhappy
for he enjoyed what was here ...
how could he speak about this to others...
when their world was so ridden with drama about this and that...
and for him to say how he simply enjoyed the day for what it brought
would be so very foreign to those in the throes of mental
ups and downs ---
but dawn did not harbor enemies and judgements within.. it wasn't like that
that he was better or someone else was worse...
it was just that he did not live in drama...
or find an interest there ...
he kept himself abiding in what was here, and that was all truly...
possibly others may find this kind of life boring or dull...
because there are  no ups and downs and in betweens ...
but it is far, far from this ....
it is quiet and peaceful...
and rich in it's steady presence...
and simple, truly....
the mind is so used to making life so very *big* and filled
with some-thing, that it cannot easily move away from this
but dawn was not to wrangle with any of this kind of thing...
why some were this way
and why others were another way...
it didn't even come up...
he moved about his day, not occupied with deep questions or
philosophies about how life should or should not be ...
about how others should or should not be ...
about loss and gain and all of that ...
it did not come up like this in his mind ...
and as he sat down to read or write in the evening..
it was as if nothing ever happened ..
nothing ever took place...
but if you asked him how his day went..
he would say *fine* ... or maybe something would
come up in the moment ..
but then soon it would be gone...
no energy left there anymore..
no hooks to hold anything in place..
simply quietude reigning..

no story...

the man of knowledge

came to the ocean one day

he sat by the waves

and enjoyed the warm sun

he laughed at the children playing 

he watched the shadows dance about

he sat in the sand 

with his toes in the water 

he ate a good lunch by the dock

he breathed in the fresh air 

he smiled at the little creatures flitting about

he walked for a long time 

enjoying the beautiful appearance 

he sang a song that came to him

that he always enjoyed 

he walked home 

he lay his head on the pillow to sleep

the man of knowledge 

came to the ocean one day...

the man of knowledge does not know how everything works 

he does not know how everything comes together 

he does not know what the next moment will bring

there is no mind there that is attempting to figure it all out... 

he simply lives in this moment with nothing added or taken away

this is all...

so much more....

it gives a million times more than what is asked
this grace
it opens up when expectations fall
it comes unbidden also
at the most surprising times ...
not what is looked for
but much more beyond this ...
so much more
and so much less at the same time
it gives a million times more than what is asked
when the questions and searching weaken
and loose hold
then it comes...
this beauty that lives as undying light
this rich glow
so perfect and still
it gives in times when there should be sorrow
to the mind ...
then, too it gives with the sweet taste of life
so precious and fleeting
here, then gone ....
it gives a million times more than what is asked
this grace
thru just a small amount of surrender...
the gates open ...

what has called you away?

you have lost yourself my friend 

and have left the love of the heart 

to be buried 

what has called you away from the true source of your being?

is it money?, friendship?, love? or something that is material in nature? 

why to take this up on your being?

see, when the mind goes on this kind of searching 

it will not find any substance that brings peace and joy

because it searches for something that can never be found 

in reality there is nothing ever lost 

so to get to this jewel of the non-dual

one is to let go and begin to question

what is holding this unrest, desire and suffering in place 

and dig deep down, so that the mind is directed towards 

the heart, which is the wellspring of pure life...

if the man is not interested in truly discovering himself

then there is nothing to be done for him

he is lost to the waves like a bobbing thing on the waters 

of maya...

thrown about here and there with no anchor 

the practices give the anchor to reign the mind in

and bring it to stillness with efforts..

this can be done anywhere, and at all times...

or one can use the time in dwelling on *me and mine*

so simple really (and arduous at the same time)

yet the wound cannot be cleaned by pampering 

and bandaid type of care ...

it needs to be abraded which stings badly at times 

but it will bring healing that is lasting 

heart jewel..

as the sea is filled with wondrous life 

so this heart is filled with unending grace 

as the sun shines on the world 

and sheds beauty and warmth without discrimination

so this atman shines so very glorious in the heart 

as a singular light that is impersonal

as the tree spreads it's branches far and wide 

to give shade to the passerby

so the atman is forever living and gives peace 

to the soul that is to come into it with love..

as the cave sits in the heart of the rock

in protection from the world and it's coming 

and going 

so the heart is protected from the winds of maya

and remains untouched and pure always

as the flower grows with nourishment and light 

so the soul opens to the truth with tending and care 

as the pearl sits in the heart of the oyster 

so the diver that is too seek himself pries open the mind 

to find the crest jewel of wisdom 

that is non-dual in nature 

as the lion prowls in the forest looking for food 

so the seeker sets his mind solely on the goal

to find the sustenance that is lasting 

as the well of clear water rests deep down 

and quenches the thirst

so the the truth that rests deep under the coverings

brings immediate refreshment to the soul

as the wind drives the clouds from the sky

so does the mind purify itself 

with inquiry, Guru's grace and teachings

harmonious land..

the man of birth
sees himself coming into a world
and going out
yet he has not questioned from where he comes
and where he returns
and has not settled into reality even for a moment
to experience a wondrous light
so very distinctly different than this birth and death world
that is so unsteady and flimsy
the man of the world has not looked deeply at his soul
if he did, there would be no more coming into deception
and unrest and clinging
this would end
and the world would be so very different
it would be a harmonious land where there is only
beauty and peace
and love
this is what the underlying substance is made of
like the sea is made of cooling waters
and depth so glorious that there is nothing to be understood
by mind -- it is just a wondrous substance
and like this atman too
it is made of existence, consciousness and bliss
it is made of freedom
this is what all life is at the core --
this glorious substance of reality
unholy, holy alike
make no mistake of this dear friend
you are the same
see this
so pure and forever abiding in grace
so pure

opening to grace...

he slept in the dark alleys 

much of the time 

though he wore a blanket on the form

as the nights were cold

he laid his head on the earth to rest 

where there was nothing but the ones that 

were put out and ignored

he was there too like a man without a home 

in the streets of the big city

though his form ached at night when attempting to rest 

he did not complain 

he felt at peace within his soul and paid no attention 

to the thing that wandered about as a shadow 

called his body

he lived as the light of all

and this was complete 

no more searching or hoping 

the men that walked around the streets passed by him

daily without paying any attention 

to this man that abided in beatitude and perfection

it mattered not him inside or out

whether attention was given or not..

he was the same always

steady as the mountains

and great mysterious ocean

and flowing like the  rivers that rushed clean and pure 

he had nothing to give for he was not the giver 

in the way of looking for someone to save 

what a nonsensical thing ..

when no one was there 

and there was always only One SELF

yet he was present and if any came by to ask something of him

he gave it ...

one man came by and he had no blanket 

so the man of peace gave him his blanket

another came by and asked the way to park

and he told him

another came by and called him a name 

and he was not changed inside by this 

but most ignored him entirely or looked upon 

him as he was nothing that was of use to the world...

one day however, a man came by and felt a shift within 

when walking by this man of peace 

he said, dear man, how is it that you look so peaceful

being that you live outside homeless and poor looking? 

the man of peace said it mattered not to him..

for he was at rest inside and knew the material world 

was not to stay including his body...

whether he has a home or not

it is the same consciousness within 

that was forever in peace and always steady..

or if homeless -- well this comes too and it is not my burden to bear

i am not worried or suffering inside as you would think...

the passerby said, my - how you speak so very different than those in the world

how do i find this peaceful way you speak of? asked the passerby...

the man of peace said, it is found within and one is to let go of the clinging ways 

and be of steady nature to come into this heart of all

it takes great fortitude, but also a letting go and freeing up of the constrictive ways that 

one has locked the mind into ...

can i come back and ask you more questions dear man?

the man of peace said, of course if i am here when you come, then i will answer

but i know not where i will be the next moment...

this man was jolted by this as he felt the shock of the transient world and how temporary 

it was -- it jarred him to the core ....

he stood straight at attention and said - oh my, i have not seen up until now how very fleeting 

this world is -- i have always felt that i was born into this world -- and one day i will die and leave it...

the man of peace said,

now question who is to leave this world?

what is the one that will be leaving?

find out this one ...

and the passerby said, oh this is also a jolt to my very being as i look i cannot find the one that is saying this or that ...

and the passerby was silenced and completely lost to the pure present moment ...

he could not find words to speak

or could he find distinctions of this is myself -- and that is not myself...

how completely not made of mind is this pure presence that is so very mysterious and glory filled 

and not made of two said the passerby...

dear man of peace, you have opened my eyes today and i am feeling a bit shaken, yet know in my heart of hearts that there is nothing separate...

i cannot ignore this pull now that aches within to be free and done with this world of sorrow...

i will leave you now and hope that you are here tomorrow..

but if not, i will keep your beautiful spirit in my heart and continue forward into this light 

i cannot thank you enough as i feel you are my very self..

and you gave to me what i asked and this has not happened ever before..

thank you so much from my heart...

the man of peace said -- please just be free in this life ...this  will be a great thank you...
but it is not my responsibility what a seeker does or does not do...
for i can only point the way...
it is up to you to continue on...
grace shows up to the one that is open and this is all...
am glad you had a taste today...

great day to you passerby....

great day to you dear man of peace...

onward now i go ....

and the passerby flowed along and little by little disappeared into the crowd of the city...

and the man of peace remained as he was --

whether here or there, the same...

om shanti

sunk in the heart..

the mind sunk in the heart is freed of the many 

it has been stripped of outward ways and seeking 

it is down to it's original beauty 

that is natural and without layered over coverings

in the light what are you my dear?

are you a most glorified being? 

are you a saint or a sinner?

are you a man of the world? 

are you a householder ?

or a God?

are you one that grasps and is becoming? 

are you are blooming thing? 

are you a one that has not come forward?

are you a one that has finally come out?...

what are you in the light dear one? 

when the seeker says - i am to be free and will

find my way there ...

well this is not true in reality

for there has never been a person 

that comes into the light...

nor has there been a one in shadow...

what then are you

in the light of all?

set the mind to rest here 

and cry out no more to the savior

the goal is within you 

it is here always 

in this land that you now are sitting 

not out across the seas and oceans and countries

or in the forests deep and mysterious

or in the mountains rising up majestic against the 

glorious sky 

or in the *other* no matter how amazingly glowing with truth

set sail to where?

my dear you are home here now

be yourself in this moment

then you are a step closer to this soul 

of yours that burns strong 

to wash away your tears

you are home here now...

thawing out...

never in the dark era

has there been a light to shine so bright as the o ne of Shiva

in this light that is so very glorious and filled with great peace

lived a man of stories and false ways

he never let anybody be close to him

for this would mean he was not pure inside he felt

and so he let himself be isolated away from the world that he 

felt was not holy 

he could only be surrounded by his ways and thoughts 

he got up early and went to the market to get food for the day

he came immediately back and stayed alone 

doing his tasks and going about his routine

he did not open up to anything else 

but stayed very concentrated on his world 

he was not a man that was unfriendly, but very uptight 

anyway, one day a man of light shone up at his door

the lonely man opened the door 

though he did not want to, yet felt compelled 

the man of light said, i am a living light ....would you like to 

know more?

the lonely man thought this so very odd and a bit frightening 

for he felt he was living too, but in some ways maybe he wasn't truly

because he felt closed out from something so much of the time...

the man of light said, would you like to know more?

the lonely man said, okay, what do you mean by this strange statement?

the man of light said, i am the living truth and breathe air of freedom

and live within undying peace eternally..

the lonely man said, well what does this haveto do with me?

because we are the same inside spoke the man of light-- only you do not know it because you are 

so shut out from yourself...

the lonely man said, i am unsure what you mean -- and then his thoughts drifted off...

the man of light said, know that you are as i am 

existence, consciousness and bliss and can free your soul to be within this beauty

the lonely man said, i do not know anything about this peace that you speak of...

though i wonder and feel there is something more i have had no experience with 

this at all...

the man of light said - let all that you think you are go completely and set yourself 

in the moment and do not go around saying you are so many things inside and the world 

is this way and that all the time...

just be settled here as you are --- simple

the lonely man said, you have indeed spoke in a way that i feel in my soul deeply dear man

i can feel a depth there that i had not let myself into before...

what am i to do now?

*do less* said the man of light....not try to bring more on yourself...

a mantra that i give will help -- but mostly let go of being a *doer* and having power

or any control at all... 

although you are to make efforts, let go of the outcome and stay present and concentrated on 

the experience at hand...

be here always ...

the lonely man cried out -- i did not know there was a way to *be*... and to let go ...

can i go into the world now and enjoy what is there?

the man of light said, there are no barriers but what you place on yourself...

it is only you that has hemmed yourself in this way....

go and enjoy life as it is ....

the lonely man felt so lifted that he went out that evening and enjoyed greatly the beauty that was about

like a man with new eyes...

he saw colorful flowers and great spreading trees...beautiful rolling hills and heard the birds sing more clearly than ever...

he heard children's laughter and felt the evening breeze on his face as if for the first time...

he enjoyed wonderful tastes from a fine restaurant-- and walked along the ocean whistling a tune

he felt as a man that had been thawed out ... 

and he thought about what the man of light had said -- that it was him that was holding back...

there were no barriers....  

and he laughed at himself and his nonsense...

my life is good, said he...

when he laid down that evening, he was glad he opened the door to the man of light 

and he shut his eyes and slept well indeed...

let go the burden...

in the season of change 

there lived a man named omen

he put himself in an unfortunate predicament

because he carried with him all the time 

a burden so heavy on his back

he took it with him everywhere he went

and would not lay it down 

not even by his side where he could see it easily and know it was safe 

he carried this burden as a man that was like a beast in the fields

and huffed and puffed about as if he had serious business to do 

in holding this heavy package...

one day a living sage entered the town

omen was in the street in his usual state of huffing and puffing and making his way

with his heavy load...

the sage came across him and said..

what are you doing with that load on your back?

omen said he was carrying it because he needed to and wanted to make sure 

nothing was ever missing in his belongings..

the sage said, well this looks to be quit a daunting thing --

do you not see that it is daunting and a burden to your being?

omen said, he felt it very heavy and was quite weary yet he needed to do this 

as he could not leave his things behind somewhere ...

what if they were stolen or taken away?

the sage said, all that is given is by God and this is what is 

the most precious -- 

have you paid attention to what is most precious?

omen said, he had no time for that due to watching over his things that he guarded

and he put his energy there -- for what would i be without this looking always to my

things and my world in which i go about insuring all is in order and safe and 

kept as usual? 

the sage said, what is usual for you is not usual at all within the truth...

and when this truth is entered... it will be known, that nothing was ever missing ...

this is a false way that you have caught yourself in and it is creating misery... 

and for you to find another way that is more joyous and lighter 

you first need to let go and be free of the burden that you guard so fervently ...

the sage, said - here i will take your burden, so you can walk lighter and he made his arms open

and ready to relieve this man of his heavy load...

the man said, oh no sir -- my, this cannot be okay in my mind as i know these things so well and 

know if you took them, i may not see them again -- and what would i do or *be* without all these things  

that i work so hard at attending to?

the sage said, that he could find out if he let go...

but the man chose to not free up this pack of heaviness and moved onward about his journey, laden with 

his belongings...

well what to say souls, but this is the way of many that come into a path of light and love...

so stubborn inside to guard the suffering and insistent on having things 

the way of ego, that the opportunity to be free is lost ...

may the steady souls be not taken in this way and keep onward into the light of all...

not looking back and not entertaining the shadow that is fading away due to grace ...

om shanti

be free as you are...

if in the morning you set aside your cares

you can begin fresh like the sunrise

for to be ridden with cares is the burden 

that is not yours truly..

only mind has created it in the space of this light

it comes as a shadow due to past clinging 

and forgetting what is true 

the sage seeks not anything but lives as undying presence

he is the man that knows 

yet knows nothing inside as deception

for he takes the gift of life to be himself 

shining here and there

high and low

inside and out...

and everywhere in between...

nowhere that this pure life is *not*

he does not place a story of me against what *is* 

for this would be an untruth and not *living* here in the least

if the seeker takes this false way as his own

then what can be done

but to free it up --

and not pick it up to bear it's weight ..

the sage, pure in spirit, unborn

is o ne in body and mind ...

he, (the absolute) bears the burden if you put it on this untainted being

he will make it to dissappear away in the depths of the soul

where all is real and undivided..

it will not be yours then again (as it never was)...

so dear heart..

give it over to the o ne ...

for you are born to *know* and *live* the real...

and not born to suffer (for no good purpose)

how much of a waste of life is this friends...

and though you may have found pleasure and experienced much that 

is beautiful (as well as hardships).... 

there will be no freedom for your soul until all is released to the o ne 

and taken in to be purified and made unto the light 

that you are in truth...

this moment, this life dear o ne is the time now...

be not apart in your mind and think that you cannot come unto this light

but hold present, steady--to be in the same consciousness that all are always

breathing and living (whether abided in or not)...

see, this is the joke ---

you are always whole whether in shadow or light ...

why not just know this unwavering truth...

come now ...

be free as you are ...

lover of truth...

i take this light to my breast as a lover of truth

for in this world there is no protection to find 

the boat of my journey waits on the waters of reality

where i will set out to find my soul 

that is lost to my awareness as the shadow over the moon

i will set out on this journey and see many sights

but will not look to them for my succor 

because the light is not made of other and this is not 

where i will lay my head to rest day and night 

the boat is the body that i ride to find this heart so true 

i take it as a shadow really and will not put my heart in it 

because i am not made of earth and things that die away

i will look to the sun as i journey onward 

even though i am afraid or hungry or thirsty 

i will not make these things stop my quest to the soul of all

as i move about i will be within the heart and teachings 

as i do not know what else is right...

only what has put this soul here now is what is moving 

and i am following this course to be in rightful mind 

onward i go in and out of mind and shadow

and waters that feel to swallow the me ..

and sometimes feeling so lost again and unable to be in 

what is real...

yet i go to where i must go which is onward as a one that knows not the end...

and looking always about for a bit of rest and quiet

in this dark i see a light that shows the way clearer..

on this night so very dark --

i rest wearily beneath the stars and dream of heaven and earth and 

great torrents of rain and rushing winds and jutting mountains

and ocean waves crashing and light breaking thru all about

and then i look to see the o ne that is to call me home

blessed dear i am not made of what i thought 

as this self i thought i knew is going and dissolving fast into the unknown

that is to bring awakening 

and this my dear is what is well with the soul

and all that has happened is truly a dream

as the seeker vanishes into the absolute 

the light of all is 

what love and compassion to be freed 

for what i knew as *me* before is not to show itself 

or be what is center 

oh heart of all --

true and forever present 

this *me* has never been in reality

only this that is 

not *i* or anything but this 

o ne 

eternal 

pure being...

light of all...

om

a man came to see the saint..

in the morning he came to see the saint
he walked over the grassy hills and pebbled path
to find the sage that lived in the ashram there ...
as he approached his heart sank inside as he felt himself
to be unworthy to bow before a man of God
a man that was saintly and bore no marks of ignorance or
deceptive ways like ordinary men...
he wondered how the saint would take him in..
was he good enough to look upon ..
did he have something of value to offer or give or say?
all of these thoughts echoed about his head while he walked closer
to the opening of the sage's quarters..
when he walked in, there was a sense of quiet inside that
he had not felt for many an era...
and he caught himself feeling ashamed at getting so lost in the world
and not paying attention to his heart...
but he let this go and went forward into the area where the sage sat
on his couch that was made by his devotees...
he sat down before the sage that looked to be pure peace to his eyes..
he made a cross legged sitting position and stayed quiet until the sage
caught his glance ...
and then the man that came forgot what to say...
he was speachless for a moment...
but soon he said, dear master i know not what to say..
for i am a simple man that has not lived in awareness like i should
i have come to offer my poor ways to God
i would like your blessing so that i can be set lighter in my journey
through this world...
the sage did not respond right away...
he remained still and not at all looking changed by what was said..
he spoke up finally and said ..
dear man, you may feel like you are a sinner or that you have done this and that
not good enough or right enough...
regardless, you are to begin the journey where all begin ...
right here ---
and go inside and question what this ego nature is --
is it lasting? or does it rise and fall?
from where do thoughts arise and from where do they return?
this man fell silent for awhile as he was expecting to be given forgiveness
or a blessing and not to be thrown in on himself this way ...
it was a jolt to his mind and he was quietened within...
and made to be present with the energy that was about in such a balanced way...
his thoughts faded and were lighter...
he left feeling blessed and less burdened... and felt as he did nothing to *earn* this grace ..
it simply took place without any doing on his part...
this he knew for certain and he went about his walk a lighter man for it ...

perfect soul..

the man of knowledge forsakes the world in order to come into the beauty of all
he sees the way in his heart and goes there as a o ne that is drawn to a flame of love
he goes forward as a man that is naked inside and dives in to seek the jewel of
the non-dual which is the most prized nature in all the heavens and earth
for it carries no sorrow or longing or desire
it keeps itself pure always like the moon on a cloudless night
or the sun in it's zenith above the world with it's tumultuous going about in unrest
the man of knowledge is the lamb of God in the way of sacrificing the inner self of separate energy
to give it up and over to the unknown which is the absolute
he gives all unto this glory to become the same as this absolute
he does not know where the journey will end while wandering bare and naked to the elements of nature
he simply moves forward in the light that is offered by the Guru in which he has trusted his life
and all that he knows...
as he wanders, he seeks to be freed of the suffering that has come from being in duality and not understanding what is true and what is false in nature ...
he sets himself upright to be seen by the light of Shiva and be engulfed by this o ne essence that
is not compared in beauty to anything else...
he makes himself open to this glory and holds himself steady as a journeyer that knows nothing else ...

has he lived a life of perfection?
not always -- some have come to know God that have sinned greatly in this life and go onward as a way
to seek redemption and to cure what has ached inside due to very poor choices in this life ...
these ones go onward into the fires and are purified of all sins and all past actions
to be left whole and complete as they have always been
this shows that *all*can come into this perfect soul no matter the past deeds --
as it is the birthright of all humanity to be free...

challenging norms....

when the master comes, he is not in the package that the seeker thinks...

and most times will not be meeting the ego's *requirements* for how a master is to look and behave..

which is most auspicious because this begins to tear apart the false structure of mind 

with it's narrow views and colored lenses that look to substantiate a certain point of view...
these mental structures are what keep the soul locked into a rigid *seeing* which is so very false

in nature and not serving of the soul well at all....

the master manifests to serve the seeker in need and is made in the *perfect* image to fit 

the mood and ways of the day... 

yet this o ne will not conform to the tidy rules of societal behavior by acting subservient 

not at all ...

this o ne will come forward to blow away the imprisoned false notions of how everything *should*

be ...

and come in with words that challenge societal drama and misdeeds and show them up for what they are (not set in anything ethical or righteous)...

the master comes as a light to those in need in order to dispel the dark ways of mind..
not to be *liked* or welcomed by society or handed complements or any such thing as this
which is where ego loves to be ---
this o ne is not searching anymore, and needs nothing to stand on in order to feel good inside ...
this is what again ego has as it's base desire -- to feel good and accepted ...
but brothers and sisters, this is not a thing to matter truly...
for the *norms* of society are so off base in many ways --- all simply an outer show ...
with nothing of substance behind it....
the one's  that come in and rock this world like Guruji and Kabir and those that speak up to rattle the
cages of those lurking about in quest of taking advantage and preying on weakness...
and being hypocritical and the rest...
are the ones that are truly honorable ---
as they are challenging the *status quo* which is stagnant and underlying has no shining qualities
to hold it upright...
these ones are indeed honorable ....