The avenue to no-self

The avenue to no-self                                                                            

Take heed, the Buddhists say,

to keep the mirror bright, dust-free.

Or stated in another tradition –

become, as best we might, dust ourselves

at the Master’s feet –

self-effacement; mastery in servitude.

Kishizawa Ian was renowned

for his willful nature – a tiger,

self-proclaimed, as a young monk.

As an old abbot – a pussycat;

a callous upon his forehead

from incessant bowing –

his obstinacy turned upon itself

to eliminate his greatest impediment. 

O child of God, a dust grain is the Ocean drop,

the avenue to no-self, Oneness, Love Divine.