I Work More Than I Can Bear

double click for larger version  of this drawing (130k )	I work more than I can bear, but       am happy hearted enough to leap and dance.  This is because my mind thinks and aims       only to live in line with the Dhamma,  Wherever the causes and conditions lead,       according to the karma I laid down in former moments.  To die is like a pause from work,       to sleep for a night, to rest for a time;  With the new dawn, I take up the work       vigorously carrying on the work left over from before.  The new day is a new birth, these two are the same:       born with the day and dying at night,  As the waves of the samsaric cycles create       the myriad products that soothe and comfort our hearts.  Whoever wishes for joy and bliss must know       that it depends on the one who can see joy for himself.  As for me, there is no meaning beyond       the fact that I was born only to work  According to conditions, so that myself and others       will know the world, conquer it, and vanquish sorrow.  Nature created us perfectly, physically and mentally       thriving — boundless thanks to Nature!  Although we are created for birth, decay, and death,       yet Nature gives me the chance to vie  Struggle, and contend in all duties to break ahead       in order to reach the end before anyone else.  While friends encourage each other to lie around,       I am working hard as if they were chasing behind.  The duties of life that besiege constantly       are like debts ever piling up on top of me  Blocking my way almost like a whirlpool,       when will I pass beyond and find the place of freedom and peace?  From here to Nibbana we must pass through       the checkpoint which is the work of our lives  This Law is more certain than any scales;       no matter how skilled, no one can escape this rule.  For this reason, in any activity that        aims for the benefit of others or oneself  We should hurry, struggle, and strive       to make it beautiful and work off our debt to Nature.  Until the heart’s attachments to all things       weaken, dissolve, and fade away  So that wisdom sees directly that greed, anger,       and delusion are finished and samsara stopped.  Hurry friends, don't be late!       Whatever work you may meet, tackle it immediately.  Much work may bring a faster death,       but it rolls along towards the final rest, just the same.