Offering

Here is a simple poem that I wrote after an audience with H. H. Karmapa

Aspiration/Fulfillment

Across the waters, plains, trees and on and on
Across the tumult of hope and fear
Across the boundaries of life, death, time and love
I sit with you for a moment
For a smile
And the expanse of space immeasurable

Oh Karmapa
You who fulfill all wishes
I am left without question or answer
I am left alone with the murmur of my mind
But to see you smile at me
I am cheerful beyond reason

I am a foolish jittery child
I am awakened potential
I am a free man inside of this trap
Everything is as it was before!

I set my intention to see you, and then
I made it to your sitting room
It is possible!
Because it is possible, because of
you
I now switch my intention
May all beings without exception
Be liberated from the agenda of ego, the clumsy mistake of brilliance
and rest with complete ease
For as my father said
The self described "honkey wangpo"
The heart son of the madman of love
"Beyond that, there is nothing else to wish for."

Michael Rigden Rich
Feb 17th 2009