This poem is based on a traditional Zen story of two very different perspectives on what was seemingly a straightforward thing, revealing the importance of our inner lives. The story pits two Zen monks, one who is a monk smoking, and another Zen monk who is anti-smoking…<\/p>\n
Proper Preying<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Fore seasons unend This poem is based on a traditional Zen story of two very different perspectives on what was seemingly a straightforward thing, revealing the importance of our inner lives. The story pits two Zen monks, one who is a monk smoking, … Continue reading
\nAt the break of daze
\nTwo monks sat in the courtyard
\nOne with his cigar
\nResting in hand
\nAnd rhythm inhaling
\nFor seaming eternity
\nThe other more well versed
\nIn mourning prayer
\nWrested his mine
\nWith thoughts of smoke
\nDesiring to clear the heir
\nBy weigh of their mutual master
\nWith separate metings
\nThe master showed compassion
\nToward the complainant and his perspective
\nGiving him satisfaction
\nThen taken aback
\nAs the one monk peered
\nAs well
\nWith parent satisfaction
\nThe one monk said to the other
\nSeeing his dis affection
\nPray tell, what was your quest in
\nWhich was razed?
\nThe other pro claimed
\n\u201cIs it proper to smoke while praying?\u201d
\nTo which the master replied, \u201cno.\u201d
\nDid you not take such a rebuke to heart?!
\nWell for me, that was not my quest in
\nI inquired, \u201cIs it proper to pray while smoking?\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"