Buddham Sharanam Gachami

BODHGAYA: THE OASIS OF PEACE            

Sitting in the middle of nowhere
This unlikely town of peace
Where a young monk abandoning all
Found the truth meant for One.

Sure there are enormous temples
Giant statues and numerous trinkets
Cute children dressed as monks
Colorful garbs are but a distraction

Not unlike any other pilgrimage
There are thousands prostrating
Praying and chanting
Names and slokas of the One

But peace is everywhere
For the intent is clear
No one here has a different purpose
We all want but just One.

Find a corner of peace
They are everywhere
There is the Japanese temple
Where sharing quiet moments
Of meditation, contemplation comes easy.
With no one but two sparrows who call it home
A  silent retreat like no other.

The humble monk recognizes you as One
Then he chants with force and vigor
Vibrating with the banging drum in rhythm
You almost understand Japanese.

Of course there is the central place
Where all pilgrims go to find One
That’s why many have come
To see, touch and feel the Bodhi tree.

Hundreds  of maroon robes
Are prostrating in unison
Chanting exotic , lilting
Tibetan sutras, mantras and songs.

The sight is overwhelming
And disheartening yet peaceful
For there are so many
Who believe and want the One.


Miracle here is peace
Everywhere, in everything and everyone
No pressure, no hard sell
No admission charge, it’s all free.

There is a cost indeed
You may lose all you know
Your need for greed
Even fear of success.

Is this the way out
Is there a way out
Do I prostrate million times
To figure this out?

(c) Copyright Protected by Author, 2010

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