be kind (poem)

during morning study, the following ‘popped’ into my head. i find if i don’t write these down immediately, they disappear.


all the terma spoken clearly
memorized words we always find
but Dharma friend, do tell me
can we say we are always kind

the lineage and its traditions
the method of an altar
sage of learning and cognition
may our remembering never falter

first to answer any question
teachings branded into the mind
but in all moments toward cessation
can we say we are always kind

that others may find knowledge
is it understanding we are teaching
or simply in the spotlight
are we instead enjoying preaching

the mind of the enslaved ones
churning and restlessly blind
at any offense gleefully shuns
but is set quiet when we are kind

much talk of compassion wrathful
being cruel when we opine
that another is being wrongful
when instead we should be kind

the ego tells us we are right
to so harshly be inclined
can we with others truly fight
to teach them how to be kind

what dog ever learn a trick
or with obedience was designed
when ever its skin be pricked
as if pain teaches to be kind

many times we are so foolish
speaking quickly with words that grind
oh self-cherishingly ghoulish
forgetting how we should be kind

how fast might we choose more wisely
if illusion’s veil, behind
we knew all others as ourselves
perhaps then we would be kind

a word, a smile, a gentle touch
to ease that which often bind
loose the grasp to self we clutch
let us choose to be more kind

mindful effort in all things
for a shattered mirror cannot be refined
reflect that which wisdom brings
in all things, let us first be kind

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