Category Archives: Buddhism
Making Friends with MS
I’ve had MS – multiple sclerosis – since 1988 At first it was ‘remitting-relapsing.’ Then it progressed. I can stand up, but I can’t walk unassisted. I once loved dancing the hora. I didn’t really know how, but that didn’t … Continue reading
And Now …
She kissed me! at midnight, dreary and weary with her chemotherapy. as we welcomed 2014, the new year. Memories of accomplishments fade, along with the praise of close friends. Memories of conversations fade, and the problems we discussed, and the … Continue reading
Pre-election Jitters
I listened: This is a time of fountains, of babbling brooks, of rushing rivers. I watched: the full moon and clouds, on the holy sea. I felt: Fog. For today: predictions. For tomorrow: a prophesy. Bright morning star, Great eastern … Continue reading
Geology, Sociology, and Impermanence
The Vermont dirt road is not as new as the meditation center where I began this walk. The road is not nearly as old as the stone walls, half tumbled down and overgrown, more green than grey. The road depends … Continue reading
The Moon Looks Down
The full moon looks down at us standing in front of the stone church. The night is clear and cold, As we read 144 names of people from our state who were killed in Iraq The moon knows That we … Continue reading
Eyes
My daily sit. I focus on a spot About six feet in front of me And six inches off the floor. Eyes! Under the old hope chest with short legs That holds the candles, glasses of water, scrap of scripture … Continue reading
Walking Meditation at Laughing Rivers Retreat
Look beyond the beautiful La Roche College campus, beyond the carefully maintained lawn and the contrasting buildings. Some are stone, classically elegant. Some are corrugated and utilitarian. See across the valley of some stream. A hillside rises covered with oaks … Continue reading
After 9/11 – Three Days Later
Three days after 9/11, I sit on my porch steps, holding a candle, looking at an unusually empty street. My daughter in Kansas City suggested this, I don’t quite know why. The sunset is beautiful. The weather has been clear … Continue reading
After 9/11 – One Year Later
What does the burning candle learn, as it burns down? A new candle will take its place when it gutters out. When the candle is relit Is it the same flame? Twelve months later, motes from the World Trade Center … Continue reading
Thanksgiving
Thanks to our land, that was purchased with the blood of our ancestors, and those they slew. Thanks to the sea, though people may have drowned to cross it. Thanks to the sun, though it may burn our crops. Thanks … Continue reading
Jon Robison Poetry 