An Ode to Buddha

Now that Wesak is over, things have quietened down at the temple and you can say we're back to "normal".  I have been rummaging in Head Nun's bookcase during my free time and came across this book entitled "Our Buddha".  It was published in 1999 (20 years ago!) and written by Moni Bagchee (wonder who he or she is?).  It tells of the life of the Buddha from young until He attained enlightenment.  Inside is also this awesome poem by Sarala Devi dedicated to the Lord Buddha which I would like to share with you - Da.

Fix thy tranquil eyes, O Buddha

On my eyes sore with passion.

May the inner burning be at rest,

And greed extinguished.

Fix thy eyes on my eyes, O Buddha!

By meditating on thy holy form

May all envy-crooked deeds

Be put to shame and suppressed.

May anger's raging tongues be silenced,

Put to shame and suppressed.

Fix thy eyes on my eyes, O Buddha!

May thy merciful gentle words

And deathless tidings

Fill my mind.

Lead me across the Sea of Desire,

Come thou my Supreme Treasure.

Fill my mind with deathless tidings.

Fix thy eyes on my eyes, O Buddha!

Come Tathagata,

The Resort of suffering beings

That bow low at thy feet.

From birth to birth bring them

The Law that removes the stains of pain!

Fix thy eyes on my eyes, O Buddha!

~ Sarala Devi ~
(Composed on the occasion of Buddha Day in 1932)

SADHU!  SADHU!  SADHU!