Zen Reset

A #PoetryFriday post.

Research can be meditative.

Recently, for research on several writing projects, I spent a few days in Kyoto.

I stayed at the Zen Buddhist temple Shunkō-in . . .
Shunkō-in Shunkō-inone of 46 subtemples within the Myōshinji temple complex.
MyōshinjiI practiced zen meditation.

                                           seated for twenty                                           too aware of my posture                                           broom sweeping some moss
I bicycled within the complex and to other nearby temples and temple complexes.
Ninnaji Ryōanji                                           how attainable                                           directional satori
                                           thanks to Google maps
I contemplated Zen gardens.
Daishin-in
                                            templed out, I think                                            but this one is still open
                                            quiet shouts me in
Ryōgen-inI ate at small neighborhood restaurants.

                                           line near temple gate                                           cheap okonomiyaki
                                           griddle to myself
I savored small moments and wrote small poems.

                                         rattle beckoning                                         lizard on the window pane
                                         shaking its head—yes?
I look forward to another Zen reset soon!


All poems in this post are © Holly Thompson, All Rights Reserved