Case: Seeking the Ground

The dullness continues
And so does the pain,
It felt so overwhelming
When I meditated today.

I’ve had such a long run
Of things to be done,
I had to skip my supper
To catch up on my meditation.

It’s so ridiculous
To be so meticulous,
And so confused
About what to do next.

So I pause to do this
And hope for improvements,
I ache all over
And wait for relief.

Meanwhile I cut my finger
On the garbage bin,
And had to delay my supper again
To stop the bleeding.

This endless stream
When will it end?
Thoughts are still flying
As the stew is cooking.

I ought to keep looking
And investigate what’s happening,
But I’m so distracted
My attention has been subtracted.

If I can only break the attraction
And see this distraction,
I can take the right action
To obtain the best outcome.

Carry out: Dull and Sharp

The bats have flown
To be replaced by air;
I looked all over
But could find none there.

I held my posture
But could find no rest
My mind was absent at best
And so too was any zest.

I sat without enthusiasm
But not a muscle spasmed,
Not an eye twitched,
Nor did anything itch.

All was quiet on the floor
Nothing more mundane could I see,
Nor did I see more,
Naught was the score.

Yet all was perfect
As before,
Just different,
And new.

What else could I do,
But enjoy it and carry on?
Though when I moved,
My legs were very stiff and sore.

I did not anticipate
Such an outcome
From such a dull session;
That’ll teach me I suppose,
For expecting such concessions
From causes and conditions!

Carry on: Observing Bats

The bats flap about
Inside my mind,
Agitated, unsettled,
Seeking my blood.

I sit amidst the chaos,
The acrid smell of guano
Fills the air,
And I wrinkle my nose.

But I will not deny them,
Nor will I flee
From the beating wings,
Or the high-pitched cries.

I hold my posture
And look straight ahead,
Peering through
The multitudinous throng.

Patiently, gently, compassionately,
I watch and wait,
For the fluttering
To decrease,

With no expectation
That it will cease,
But only that
My equanimity will increase,

And that resting with
The turmoil,
I will learn to
Befriend the host.

For only from inside,
From the centre
Of the swarm,
Can I find peace.