Prose poem “Haiku Hijiri” to be published in literary journal Lalitamba

300 Bodhidarma Hakuin Ekaku presit painter

This Japanese scroll calligraphy of Bodhidharma reads: “Zen points directly to the human heart, see into your nature and become Buddha”. It was created by poet, artist, sage Hakuin Ekaku (1685 to 1768).

I am pleased to announce that “Haiku Hijiri”, my prose poem about the acceptance of what is — to welcome all that comes, enjoy the now, enjoy aloneness — will debut in the 2015 #7 issue of Lalitamba.

It is the story of an eccentric wandering Japanese priest whose existence serves as an example to the common people — how to live — what is important in life. The piece reminds us to have reverence for our sages, and that we don’t know when our last moment will arrive, so live in such a way as to elevate others, knowing all things pass, and offer the world what you have to give.

Hijiri: (Japanese: “holy man”), in Japanese religions, a person of great magnetism and spiritual power, as distinct from a leader of an institutionalized religion. Historically, hijiri has been used to refer to sages of various traditions, such as the shaman, Taoist magician, Shintō mountain ascetic, or Buddhist reciter. Most characteristically hijiri describes the wandering priest who operates outside the orthodox Buddhist tradition to meet the religious needs of the lay people.

 

Yoga Poetry

On 12.12.12 poet and editor Hawah released the second volume of The Poetry of Yoga, an anthology of contemporary poetry inspired by the practice of yoga.

Volume Two

Volume Two

I have volume one that was released 11.11.11 and I love it.  Words can be cherished and within this anthology’s pages are soul felt, wise, guiding poems.  I keep this book on hand, referring to it often: to inspire, to steer, and remind me of why I am here.  Here are a few of the amazing succinct pieces from volume one:

Compassion

Your shoes

Are on my feet

I know now

Why your socks are ripped

The draft moves my heart.

-Hawah

 

Love Poem

In order to describe

this thing to you, I’d need

the thousand beating wings

of wild flocks of words.

 

Rather, shall I show you

like this?

 

(Speechlessness) – Lisa Rosinsky

 

Bait

Praise is the rusted lure I rise to,

the old fishing line caught in my lip,

scars from rising out of my own current

toward bait that cannot nourish.

-Linda Caldwell Lee

 

To purchase the anthologies of The Poetry of Yoga visit: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/Everlutionary

(I have volume two on order!)