While listening to the recording of the recent Vajra Dakini dialogue, this poem came to mind. Many of you may be familiar with it already, but I offer it in response to all of your beautiful sharing. Take it to heart.
"Quiet friend who has come so far,
Feel how your breathing makes more space around you.
Let this darkness be a belltower, and you the bell.
As you ring, what batters you becomes your strength.
Move back and forth into the change.
What is it like, such intensity of pain?
If the drink is bitter, turn yourself into wine.
In this uncontainable night,
Be the mystery at the crossroads of your senses,
The meaning discovered there.
And if the world has ceased to hear you,
Say to the silent earth: I flow.
To the rushing water, speak: I am."
- Rainer Maria Rilke
Thank you Amanda - this is deeply beautiful
Yes. Another favorite of mine...hauntingly beautiful and powerful...and relevant.