Having once beaten Thich Nhat Hanh in a fair fight, I later realized that the loss was entirely my own. Once calling Thich Nhat Hanh 'a coyote' in a public place, raising much outspoken ire in others, I came to find out from one of his teachers years later that Thich Nhat Hanh himself had very much enjoyed the image my rage had momentarily raised and was never disturbed by my inappropriate accusation.
Enjoy.
-AB
Date: Thu, 21 Nov 2002 21:43:07 -0600
Subject: ANYONE CAN DO IT
From: Will Winter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Looking at Your Empty Plate:
My plate, empty now,
will soon be filled
with precious food.
Looking at Your Full Plate:
In this food,
I see clearly the presence
of the entire universe
supporting my existence.
Contemplating Your Food:
This plate of food,
so fragrant and appetizing,
also contains much suffering.
Beginning to Eat:
With the first taste, I promise to offer joy.
With the second, I promise to help relieve
the suffering of others.
With the third, I promise to see other's joy
as my own.
With the fourth, I promise to learn the way
of non-attachment and equanimity.
Finishing Your Meal:
The plate is empty.
My hunger is satisfied.
I vow to live
for the benefit of all beings.
Washing the Dishes:
Washing the dishes
is like bathing a baby Buddha.
The profane is the sacred.
Everyday mind is Buddha's mind.
Thich Nhat Hanh
