Apr22

The Earth is my witness

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quietly sitting
I touch the ground-
space dust

When Mara challenged Siddhartha as saying the he the title of Buddha “enlightened one” belonged to him his minions shouted that they testified for Mara.

Mara asked Siddhartha who would witness for him he reached out his right hand touched the earth, then the earth itself spoke: “I bear you witness!”
At this Mara disappeared.
Siddhartha Gautama reached enlightenment and became a Buddha.

I think that Earth Day is an excellent time to think about how we all came from the Earth and will return to it one day. A step further is to remember the Earth formed from stardust and to it we all will return.
Therefore the universe can testify on our Buddha nature.

Filed under Buddhism, Haiku and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

About fiercebuddhist

Welcome. I am happy that our paths have crossed. Here you will find various poems, articles and photography. I hope that you enjoy them and visit often. I am currently working on writing “A Haiku A Day” so that I can, perhaps, have enough good ones for publication. If you are wondering what a “Fierce Buddhist” the following declaration should clarify. The “Fierce” in FierceBuddhist I define as “an obligation to do what I can to benefit all sentient beings, not just those close to me or those I agree with. If I see something or someone that is hurting others I must step forward and do what I can to assist them.” In the Army and in the dojo I learned how to defend myself, family and country but that does not mean I endorse the use of force. Two nonviolent examples of Fierce Buddhists that come to mind are Thich Nhat Hanh and the Dalai Lama. While I do not claim be even close to them I can strive and so can you. Furthermore, my Buddhist name, given to me by Sensei Kubose, is Seiyo. His interpretation of my communication and interaction with him led him to this name. He told me Seiyo means “Fierce Sun.” The sun shines on everyone without prejudices without giving preferential treatment to anyone. This is tough to live up to, as you can imagine, but it sure sets the tone for my life. In Buddhism this is called a Fierce Bodhisattva. I am only on the path to Enlightenment and can only say to be a Fierce Buddhist.

3 responses »

  2. My friend you always bring such joy, peace, serenity, love kindness and more every day into our lives So i have nominated you also for three blog Awards that i just received recently! Beautiful Blogger Award, VeryInspiring Blogger Award, and Sunshine award.. Congrats, i will be posting on my site in a little bit! You are deserving!

    Reply ↓

  3. Pingback: Words for Gaia: Part 2 « Inspire 'til You Expire

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