House of Flying Daggers
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Mei
In the beginning I was blind
but I knew the dance of death
I had perfected it
as my art.
Prisoner to my ego
beguiled by its rare beauty
a flower that turns into
a poisoned spear.
Daggers in my dreams
whisper through the hollow reed
stalking me in the scented fields
of sweet deception.
Split between two loves
my heart is torn, and yet
beneath the whisper of war
I still hear the Wind.
I hear it calling me
piercing through the blinding
white emptiness of life
and into my soul.
And now I return to where I belong
to the arms of the Wind
to what was Before the beginning
to a love that death cannot touch.
July 1st, 2009 at 11:32 pm
About a week now tomorrow, I had been sitting by the bedside of my dying husband. It is the most helpless feeling. How do I learn forgiveness in this scenario? Mostly he’s comfortable but there are moments when he gasps for air. I release him. I told him so, though he does not speak nor move nor show awareness. I told him to take Jesus’ hand and walk with him. How do I find peace watching him feeling helpless?
Upon getting home I read your poem and somehow, somehow I felt the “love that death cannot touch”.
July 1st, 2009 at 11:42 pm
The gentle Wind, dear monk, has been such a radiant symbol for me lately! Now, through your loving poetry, that Gentleness is so clearly articulated. The love and strength of your words as you go through this transition is blessing to us all.
N
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:53 am
Dear Monk,
You are an incredible artist. Music and words had me in tears.
Take care,
Anil
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:36 am
big loving hug to Leni Roman….. May the arms of the Wind comfort you xoxo
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:29 am
Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh…….. beautiful. Thanks.
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:57 am
Your articulation of this process is unbelievable…..the music is absolutely gorgeous…all so very soothing and comforting……
Love and Gratitude,
July 2nd, 2009 at 6:00 am
May Love comfort Leni Roman and family…….
July 2nd, 2009 at 6:03 am
Our ego wants us to think we are dust in the Wind.
Beautiful, Monk.
July 2nd, 2009 at 6:09 am
Beautiful and moving Monk. You have so many gifts, but the most precious is the memory of the Wind, which you so generously share.
Leni, I sat as you sat last week nearly two and a half years ago. I found comfort and Peace in knowing we had been willing partners in our nearly 50 years together, and we had each given the best that we could. And I knew he wasn’t gone…gentle hugs on the Wind coming your way.
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:46 am
I have always loved that film and cried when I watched it, though usually because I was singing the dirge to myself of the ego themes of sacrifice and loss. Thank you for helping me to look at it differently.
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:50 am
Such truth flowing in these words…thank you, dear Monk, from my awakening heart.
Leni…I am right there with you in love.
Donna
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:53 am
Dear Monk, I am at a loss for words. The beauty of your poem and the accompanying music will be with me through my day. Thank you.
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:03 am
what loving comments! i add my voice of love for leni, and for all of us, experiencing the pain and loneliness of choosing our ego. this poem made me cry… the peace and serenity of the last two stanzas was so moving, and went right to my heart. i wholeheartedly agree with the first line of marty’s whisper #9 (”beautiful and moving, monk. you have so many gifts but the most precious is the memory of the Wind which you so generously share”), and am grateful to all of you here that gently remind me where to look for peace.
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:16 am
My heart goes out to you, Lenni. How timely this loving, peaceful poem. Like Sarah I had watched this film, awed by it’s stunning beauty and the poignant tragedy. Thank you, Jamie, for infusing that lushness with the love and truth of Home.
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:06 am
I am still crying. Thank you so much for sharing with us that there is hope. The poem is so beautiful, it encapsulates our whole life. The music really touched me, the same way as the Craddle Song. By de way, about the post of the Eden´s craddle song I want to say to you that each day I thank you for it. I use it every morning as a reminder and about 3 or 4 days ago I began to use it also as a reminder during the day, when the dissonant shrieks of my ego begin to go in crescendo. I try to sit calmy for a momentand read it very slowly, and at some point I experienced Jesus is there in spite of what is apparently happening outside. (I copied in a little card and have it at hand always). Thanks again to you and to all the monks of the Monastery for their whispers that are really valuable for me. I, too, add my voice of love for leni, and for all of us, as Bonnie say, because I think the most valuable thing we are learning today is that we are One.
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:12 am
Jamie, thank you for sharing as you do. This website is a miracle, and you are a Teacher of God.
Leni, my heart goes out to you. My partner of 33 years has Parkinson’s disease, and although still very mild, I know that my ego is furious with him and very fearful. How can you have chosen THIS? Of course, the dear man did not consciously choose this, so to be angry about it (and not forgive) is just transforming what could be a deeply spiritual experience (of caring and kindness and letting go of the past) into just another ego temper tantrum (although I do not reveal any of this to him). I live in great fear of his incapacity and death before me, which is also a selfish ego reaction.
When I manage to attain a clear Mind (or at least an echo of our true Mind), I feel only love and compassion. I set asside any sense of blame for the situation. I know (as with my hospice patients), that death is often a great release for the person. While the body may be a projection/dream of the ego, we all know it sure feels ultimately real. So in that sense, when we’ve sort of “painted ourself into a corner” in this life, it is good to know there is an exit, even if it is into another form of illusion. Invariably, I think the after-death illusion is better than what we previously experienced when we feel ourselves trapped inside a failing human body.
So, God Bless you and your husband. Know that he will be released from this particular story, and be able to choose again. This is the promise God has given all of us, the opportunity to choose again until we finally go home for good. Thank you on your husband’s behalf for being such a loving committed wife, and know that you are both eternal.
Love, Will
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:05 pm
I’m crying as I write this. I have found this community just in time to help ease the pain of my husband’s loss this morning. I am truly grateful for all the kind words and the outpouring of love from you all, Winnie, m’anonymous, Marty, Donna, Lisi, Cynthia, Will. I love you all. And Jamie, you really are a godsent. Thanks and love specially to you for this community.
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:07 pm
We love you, Leni. Our hearts are with you. God’s peace and comfort to you, your husband, and your family. Love, Jamie
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:33 pm
To Leni,
An Ode to Our Spirit
The ego does such a number on us.
How it fools, a Trickster, while behind its illusions,
our Perfection is in total innocence; it remembers
all that God has given us. Like the sweet rainbows
and pearl drops of rain, our Self awaits us to return
and Jesus reaches out and asks for your hand so he may
whisper in your ear, I am here. I will take your helplessness,
if you will give it to me. Then listen, only listen
while I will give you what’s already yours.
A dying hour is but a ripple in our eternity.
Our helplessness but a shadow of our strength.
Our aloneness just a hallowed measure of our fullness.
Come by me and we’ll all be together; you,
your husband, and loved ones are gathered around
in a total unity that can never be lost.
My heart goes out to you in love,
Molly
is a p
July 3rd, 2009 at 3:59 am
This is about WIND in your poem, Jamie – and you choosing him – I am smiling at the synchronisities in my life – you know this, but I want to share it with the Oratory-visitors too: I recently met at guy who now calls himself Wind, after having lost his memory and all concepts of being an ego. I held a workshop at his cultural center whivh he attended. At one point, he was looking at me while I was sharing a joy with the group, and as he looked, he disappeared completely and only Love was left. The love that I am was being seen by Love, and by Wind.
“And now I return to where I belong
to the arms of the Wind
to what was Before the beginning
to a love that death cannot touch.”
This is what i felt too. Now I was reminded: I am still looked at, by Wind
July 3rd, 2009 at 8:33 am
This is exactly what i needed to read this morning…Thanks Monk!
July 3rd, 2009 at 12:35 pm
This poem and music are hauntingly familiar to me, as if somewhere, I KNOW this. Beautifully put, Monk. I am wondering what the instrument is in your music piece… it sounds human, viola, and flute, all at the same time. It also sounds like me somehow. There are times on this path when I feel a little crazy, this is one of those times!! Feels like I’ve read these words, heard this music before.
To Leni: Peace to you, my friend.
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Big hug for you, Leni. I have been thinking about you and want you to know you are not alone.
July 3rd, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Leni…
Peace
July 4th, 2009 at 6:47 am
Leni – sending comforting hugs
July 15th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Molly,
A bit tardy I know and I apologize but not late I hope. I just want you to know how much I love the Ode To Our Spirit you wrote to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Love, Leni
February 28th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Thanks to all on this thread as well. I lost my son on July 19th and am just finding this..SO much LOVE…It gives me renewed peace on my journey. Thanks to all.
February 28th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Evy..A hug for you.
February 28th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
♥Evy♥ Much love to you and your family.
February 28th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
{{{Evy}}}
February 28th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Evy, my love and a hug. Lisi
February 28th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
{{Evy}} I add my love and hugs too…. So sorry for your loss, Love, Mother
February 28th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Dear Evy.. hugs and comfort to you at this sad time…love winnie
February 28th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
{{{Evy}}} an added prayer for eternal peace.
February 28th, 2010 at 10:44 pm
{{{Evy}}} another prayer for your comfort and eternal peace. Hugs and Love Michele
March 1st, 2010 at 3:05 am
Dear Evy…I am rejoicing with my fellow monklings that you found your way here. May love and peace enfold you and rock you gently -- and I hope this music and images will: