As life flows on, one of the poems that sometimes comes to mind is Desiderata. Dad gave me a printout of the poem before I left for Melbourne, Australia to study. I didn’t want to leave Singapore and felt distraught. The distraught might have been partly because I had just gotten into a new relationship and was sad to be far away.
The original printout from Dad has since vanished, likely thrown away. I made another printout and it’s framed in my room.
I received this poem when I needed it, but didn’t know what to do with it. It was many years later, when I realised the significance of the poem and it has since been a light in my life. Occasionally dim, occasionally bright. Adjusting brightness when needed.
Now, when reading the Dhamma, I notice the similarities between Desiderata and the Dhamma.
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
໒꒰ྀིᵔ ᵕ ᵔ ꒱ྀི১