43 Butterflies
In the meditation hall, on the bench, legs folded. Very relaxed, very alert. Breathing in, breathing out. Opposite there is a window, and slowly, as the light of dawn comes in, a living picture is revealed. It is beautiful to see. Gradually it is possible to make out the silhouette of young bamboo shoots as they rise into the air and sway gently, their leaves shimmer with even the slightest breeze.
By mid-morning the sun is up and red shoe-flowers display all their loveliness. They have but one day of life, and each day the scene changes as one, two, or three of them blossom forth in a different part of the picture. Into this bright and colourful tableau: an occasional butterfly will dance for a while, take a sip of life-giving nectar, before chasing away as suddenly as it had come.
The sky is overcast in the afternoon and the grey clouds sit heavily over the blue mountains that form the backdrop. At this time the brilliance of the flowers has dimmed with the light and they blend in with the olive, ochre, and burnt sienna of the hibiscus leaves. Perhaps a munia will come to visit the grasses or a bulbul might pop into the frame, twitter, and fly on.
As the sun sets the sky colours blue, pink, and peach. The flowers have faded now and they start to droop and fall. They were beautiful while they lasted, and gave glory to their creator. During their short life they fed many creatures, and having fulfilled their calling, they passed without awaiting the tears of the night.
What a blessing life is when it is lived in harmony and peace, every moment a moment of joy, fully awake and sensitive to the miracle of life around. The bamboo is still waving in the breeze. Breathing in, breathing out.
day after day
unable to stay
many butterflies fly by
whether high in sky
or found near ground
my friends are light and bright
red yellow and white
a delight to sight
as they appear and disappear
there and here
far and near
with ease they follow the breeze
with birds and bees
and also with fleas
they are pleased to share the air
O keep this in mind
to always be kind
to all things adorned with wings