by Dawn Chiyo

I was very moved by my experience during the Bright Dawn Induction at the beginning of the week. So many amazing people — we had wonderful talks, meaningful discussions, great laughter, and poignant moments. I will remember it always. In addition, the land surrounding and supporting the center itself seemed like a part of our Bright Dawn family, and as I took quiet moments to slip away and meditate among the beautiful dry grasses, the twisted trees, and awe-inspiring rocks I was moved by nature’s quiet presence. When Koyo Sensei took us on our Dharma walk around the land it added layers of depth to the closeness of the land.

I was inspired to write three haiku in reverence of the three Dharma places that Koyo Sensei showed us: the rock, the throne, and the pine. I share them with you now:

The Smiling Stone

Buddha needs no words
to speak truth, just as a stone
needs no mouth to smile

Dharma Throne

I see my own lap
fleeting, like all things…I stand
it disappears.

Bad Ass Pine

Living means breaking,
in a world of arising,
the tree is the stone.

As I go through my days surrounded by those I care about, I will remain inspired to remember that the earth around me is also a loved one, a teacher, a student, a mother, a great arising net of spirit, as my new Dharma name, Shining Earth, urges me to.

Dawn Chiyo Sensei is part of the Lay Minister program with the Bright Dawn Way of Oneness Sangha.  To learn more about Bright Dawn Way of Oneness please visit us here.