Traherne and Buddha
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When he was born, the Buddha spoke, “Above
The heavens and below them only I
Am” looked up on, “the Honored One.” In love
Of principles of peace, he has an eye

To our fulfillment. We will all “enjoy
The world aright,” Traherne continues, “till
The Sea itself full floweth” to deploy
Enlightenment, to flood “your veins” to fill
You all until “you are” all fully “clothed
With “heavens” and are jewelled “and crowned with . . . stars”
And then perceive yourself to be the oathed,
“Sole heir,” the sole one of the Whole, no scars.
Think . . . “men are in it” “every one as true
And just as much “sole heirs as well as you.”
~ Phillip Whidden 
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