The light purple curtain—
Fabric falling in delicate folds
The rose patterned wallpaper–
Flowers clustered around the white window
Looking out of the small frame
Radiant in the spring
Is a pond of clear water
The setting sun gently scatters
And yet
It still reflects golden waves
The wind softly strolls by—
Footsteps wrinkling the scene
Its soft elegance
Endlessly
Vacillating
The pond smiles tenderly
In the exquisite sunset
Like a gilded body of water
Full of liquid gold
So saturated it permeates
This world and
This heart
The green forest lines the shore
On the banks where the slender grasses grow
The evening sun shines
The world becomes quiet
Standing for a moment
Even worries and sadness are silent
Background
Written by editors
The little fortunes in life make us feel at peace in the moment. Yet, the changes of impermanence often catch us off guard. Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world, along with threats of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods and wars. Against this global backdrop, Zhen-Ru composes the poem “A Moment of Serenity.” Beneath the tranquil and elegant words is an earnest exploration of the many outlooks in life. Zhen-Ru’s deep concern for the world’s future and the well-being of all lives, as well as her heartfelt compassion for those who are hurt and distraught, near or far, has led her to ponder in the face of uncertain times such as these: can we only choose sadness and despair?
“A change in thought creates a different scenery; a change in thought is a different life.” Zhen-Ru once remarked. As we quietly read “A Moment of Serenity”, let us shift our gaze away from the turmoil and open our hearts to kindness, gratitude, confidence and courage; let us reevaluate our perspectives, and discover the meaning of hope and happiness in ordinary things.
Zhen-Ru also said: “In life, all human beings experience trials and tribulations. Some choose to sink in despair, while others choose to rise from it. In seemingly desperate hardship, our thoughts are hope itself.” Let’s lift our spirits, take control of our own lives, help create happiness for others, and become a messenger of joy!
Background
Written by editors
The little fortunes in life make us feel at peace in the moment. Yet, the changes of impermanence often catch us off guard. Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world, along with threats of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods and wars. Against this global backdrop, Zhen-Ru composes the poem “A Moment of Serenity.” Beneath the tranquil and elegant words is an earnest exploration of the many outlooks in life. Zhen-Ru’s deep concern for the world’s future and the well-being of all lives, as well as her heartfelt compassion for those who are hurt and distraught, near or far, has led her to ponder in the face of uncertain times such as these: can we only choose sadness and despair?
“A change in thought creates a different scenery; a change in thought is a different life.” Zhen-Ru once remarked. As we quietly read “A Moment of Serenity”, let us shift our gaze away from the turmoil and open our hearts to kindness, gratitude, confidence and courage; let us reevaluate our perspectives, and discover the meaning of hope and happiness in ordinary things.
Zhen-Ru also said: “In life, all human beings experience trials and tribulations. Some choose to sink in despair, while others choose to rise from it. In seemingly desperate hardship, our thoughts are hope itself.” Let’s lift our spirits, take control of our own lives, help create happiness for others, and become a messenger of joy!
Translated by Amrita Translation Foundation
Author: Zhen-Ru
Translator: Kacy Lin
Editors: Ven. Heather, Ven. Sabrina, Ven. Joanna, Ven. Elena, Ven. Sonia, Ven. Tina, Lori Wu, Jingli Wang
Illustrators: S.H. Wu, Cindee
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