The Japanese monk, Ryokan,
returned to his hut in the moon-
light to find a frustrated thief. For
there was nothing to steal. So, Ryokan
offered him his clothes, saying, “You
have come such a long way to visit. Take these.”
The stunned thief scampered away
and Ryokan thought, Poor soul. I wish
I could give him this beautiful moon.
Nothing can be taken if it is given.
Nothing can be missing if left in
the open. Nothing is lacking if
we water what we chase, where
it lives, within us.
A Question to Walk With: Describe one thing you are holding onto tightly that would serve you better if you let go. How can you begin to let go? This is from my book of poems in progress, The Fire Dialogues.
MAY 13–15: Reading and Weekend Retreat, The Deeper Teachers: Pain, Fear, and Grief, The Sophia Institute, Charleston, SC, or call 843–720–8528, (web link) — IN PERSON & VIRTUAL
MAY 23–27: Weeklong Retreat, The One Life We’re Given: Saying Yes to Life, The Modern Elder Academy, Baja, Mexico, (web link) — IN PERSON
JUNE 24–26: Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY, The Deeper Teachers: Fear, Pain, and Grief, Weekend Retreat, (web link) — IN PERSON
