March 7, 2007

  • Lovesongs of the Sixth Dalai Lama*

    28
    When I held the jewl in hand
    I didn't know its worth.
    When I lost it to another
    The wind of loss howled in my chest.

    29
    Small black written letters
    Can be destroyed by water or crossed out.
    An unscribed figure in the mind may fade
    But will never be forgotten

    42
    If a young girl never died
    There would be no reason to brew beer.
    At such a time
    This is a young man's surest source of refuge.

    43
    If a man does not ponder death and impermanence
    Deep in his heart
    He may be both clever and learned
    But is like an idiot
    Concerning the purpose of life.

    50
    The willow's in love with the sparrow,
    The sparrow's in love with the willow.
    With love so intermingled
    What chance does the gray hawk have?

    *These are little gems I found in a collection of the Sixth Dalai Lama's poetry, which is listed below.