Friday
Apparently today, April 8, is both Buddha’s birthday and something called “National All Is Ours Day.” While I haven’t heard of it before, the latter holiday sounds very much in accord with Buddha’s teachings in that it calls for us to (1) pay special attention to our natural surroundings, (2) appreciate all that we have been given and (3) share our bounty with others.
Essentially summing up both occasions is this poem by Buddhist monk and poet Thich Nhat Hahn, who died this past January. Walk and touch peace:
Walk and touch peace every moment.
Walk and touch happiness every moment.
Each step brings a fresh breeze.
Each step makes a flower bloom.
Kiss the Earth with your feet.
Bring the Earth your love and happiness.
The Earth will be safe
when we feel safe in ourselves.