July 2001

You Must Like My Friend Too

If you like me, you must like my friend, too;
         he helps to keep me happy and refreshed.

He's been a comrade in birth, aging, illness, and death;
         regard him as a worthy companion along the path.

In these long-lasting spinning cycles of Samsara,
         before we reach Sivalaya^* revealing the dawn

Of voidness realized in a heart thoroughly freed
         by finally letting go of every last thing.

We humans knowing so much have long-lasting desires;
         animals are more calm and joyful — how amusing.

Whenever we finally reach "The End,"
        we'll have traveled and finished the path together!

^* Coolness, a traditional synonym for Nibbana,
sometimes referred to metaphorically as a place.