River Return

River Return

There's always more wisdom.

Again I go back,
treading more lightly,
seeking further wisdom
from the slow-moving river.

Stand back,
says the River.

Wherever I flow,
I make the ground muddy.
My currents are treacherous
and may pull you under.

I pause to ponder
the River's stern warning,
marveling at the mighty flow
passing right before me.

The River senses my hesitation
and speaks again, more softly.

You have not cried enough.
When you are ready,
return bringing along
your salty tears.

I will carry them
to the sea.

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He who postpones the hour of living is like the rustic
who waits for the river to run out before he crosses.
~ Horace

Religion and ritual can be vehicles for entering stillness. It says in Psalm 46:10, 'Be still, and know that I am God.' But they are still just vehicles. The Buddha called his teaching a raft: You don't need to carry it around with you after you've crossed the river.
~ Eckhart Tolle

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