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Gazing at the Moon: Buddhist Poems on the Path to Solitude

Christopher Woods

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The moon has long been a source of inspiration for poets, especially those of the Buddhist tradition. In Buddhist poetry, the moon often represents the mind, which can be tranquil and illuminating, yet also elusive and impermanent. Gazing at the moon can be a way to reflect on the nature of the mind and the path to enlightenment.

Here are a few examples of Buddhist poems about gazing at the moon:

Moon Gazing

Gazing at the Moon: Buddhist Poems of Solitude

by Andrea Granahan

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7775 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	155 pages

By Ryokan

The moon, Floating in the autumn sky, Is a reminder Of the impermanence of all things.

We gaze at it, Mesmerized by its beauty, But we know that it will soon be gone.

Just like the moon, Our lives are fleeting. We come and go, And leave no trace behind.

But even though we know this, We still cling to life, Desperately trying to hold on to something that cannot be held.

The moon teaches us To let go, To accept the impermanence of all things.

When we do this, We find peace.

On Seeing the Moon

By Dogen

In the mirror of the water, The moon appears. This is not the moon, But the mind of the moon.

When the wind blows, The water ripples. This is not the wind, But the mind of the wind.

The world is a mirror, Reflecting our own minds. When we see the moon, We are seeing ourselves.

When we see the wind, We are seeing our own breath.

All things are interconnected, And all things are one.

Moonlit Night

By Issa

The moonlit night, So peaceful and still. I sit alone, And gaze at the moon.

My mind is like the moon, Calm and clear. I am at peace with myself, And with the world.

The moonlit night, Is a time for reflection. I reflect on my life, And on the path that I am taking.

I am grateful for this life, And for the opportunity to practice the Dharma.

I am grateful for the moon, And for its gentle light.

The moonlit night, Is a time for meditation. I meditate on the Buddha, And on his teachings.

I am inspired by the Buddha's example, And I am determined to follow his path.

I am confident that I will reach enlightenment, And that I will help others to do the same.

The moonlit night, Is a time for hope. I have hope for the future, And I have hope for the world.

I believe that the world can be a better place, And I am committed to making it so.

These are just a few examples of the many Buddhist poems about gazing at the moon. These poems offer a glimpse into the Buddhist understanding of the mind and the path to enlightenment. They are a reminder that we are all connected, and that we all have the potential to achieve enlightenment.

Gazing at the Moon: Buddhist Poems of Solitude

by Andrea Granahan

4.6 out of 5