真如老師文集

A Moment of Serenity

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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

A Moment of Serenity

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-Rus deep concern for the worlds 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. Lets lift our spirits, take control of our own lives, help create happiness for others, and become a messenger of joy!

Background

Written by editors

A Moment of Serenity

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-Rus deep concern for the worlds 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. Lets 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. Tina, Lori Wu, Jingli Wang

Illustration: S.H. Wu, Cindee

Readers’ Messages

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  • Jinmei

    May the troubled world be cloaked in the great compassion of my dearest teacher! May every distressed soul, soothed and blessed by my dearest teacher, obtain serenity and insight in the quickest way! Thank you, my dearest teacher, for your beautiful message!

    7 Reply
  • Graham

    It seems like light has been changing to shadow in front of our eyes.

    Thank you for your wonderful words.

    8 Reply
  • Liz LAM

    The words translated to a warm and glorious scenery in my heart. It is filled with deep tranquility and power that cleanse the soul. Thank you for the great poem.

    9 Reply