There once was an elderly man
Who had been poor his entire life
His belongings were meager
Only minimal necessities
He had never gone to school
No formal studies to read or write
He was illiterate and knew nothing of the world
But his eyes shone with a luminous light
A beatific smile appeared on his face–day and night
His countenance was saintliness personified
He recited stories that told of self-realization
And of saints and sages that he had encountered
While traveling the unseen planes through his mind’s eye
He spoke of having merged with the One
And his freedom from attachment to this earthly realm
Living with ease with what life brought–good or bad
Seeing both with equanimity
His calm and loving nature brought peace to others
He imparted awakening to those around him with a glance
His ego had weakened to almost nothing
Wherever he looked, he saw beauty
He had found the Supreme Truth within
He lived in a state of bliss
Nothing could shake his foundation
He lived out his days simply
With everything that he ever needed
And shared it all with others
timkeen40
/ July 30, 2011Thanks for this. It reminds me of someone I once knew.
http://timkeen40.wordpress.com
Bodhirose
/ July 30, 2011How fortunate you were to know someone such as this, Tim.
buddhatropolis
/ July 30, 2011This is just so beautiful. I would love to live like this. i have tried to change my way of life through mediation, Buddhism, self-improvement, yoga, etc. Reading this was a reminder. Thanks.
Bodhirose
/ July 30, 2011Thank you. I would like to be like he was myself–this was a reminder for me too.
I appreciate your visit and kind comments.
booguloo
/ July 30, 2011Sometimes things do work for the good. Thanks for sharing.
Bodhirose
/ July 30, 2011Yes, sometimes…
mish
/ July 30, 2011It’s a reminder that education & empowerment , in the true sense of the word , is not achieved ONLY through formal studies … lovely words … gives you something to think about …
Bodhirose
/ July 30, 2011Exactly right–our worth and growth as human beings is not just found through books or what we have or know. It’s who we are and how we are “being”.
Thanks so much for sharing with me, Mish–I appreciate that.
Heaven
/ July 31, 2011A very simple man, but blessed with wisdom, compassion and love.
He is a fine example of what we can be (or hope to be).
Lovely share, my friend~
Bodhirose
/ July 31, 2011I love the idea of simplicity with brilliance. Thank you, Heaven–I’m glad you enjoyed this.
jgavinallan
/ July 31, 2011Gayle:
A beatific smile…oh how it brings back memories…
I am intrigues…who is this?
I will send an e mail with my guess
Jaye
Bodhirose
/ July 31, 2011Your guess was very close, Jaye. I didn’t have him in mind in particular, but he certainly fits the description doesn’t he. I read about this real man long ago. In my thinking, this person could be you or me.
claudia
/ July 31, 2011real humility paired with courage is an unbeatable combination… powerful!
Bodhirose
/ July 31, 2011You are so right, Claudia. Thanks for coming by and sharing your thoughts.
Inside the Mind of Isadora
/ July 31, 2011Gayle,
I was stopped by your line ” He had found the Supreme Truth within “. It is so thought provoking. Isn’t the truth always there if we just look within???
Bravo my friend … AAA for you !!!! ~~~~ : – )
Hugs,
Izzy xoxo
Bodhirose
/ July 31, 2011Yes, I think all answers are within. We need not look outside ourselves.
I’m glad you got something out of this, Izzy. Thanks so much for your support.
Hugs,
Gayle xoxo
Victoria Ceretto-Slotto
/ July 31, 2011I’ve been blessed to know a woman (actually several women) like this in my “former life.” When I think about what the true meaning of humility is one in particular pops into my mind. It is a gift just to have had them in my life.
Bodhirose
/ July 31, 2011It truly is a blessing to know people of this nature–I knew someone too. Such a rare gift.
becca givens
/ July 31, 2011A simple man with rare gifts is more wealthy and wise than most.
This is wonderful, Gayle!
Bodhirose
/ August 1, 2011I think he is too, Becca.
Thank you so much.
ALIVE aLwaYz
/ August 1, 2011You see what you seek, and a man seeking beauty, joy in others can only rise to the stature the words make him in this piece. Nice!
Bodhirose
/ August 1, 2011You’re right. Thanks for sharing that with me.
lesliepaints
/ August 1, 2011Excellent portrait work.
Bodhirose
/ August 2, 2011Thank you, Leslie.
Sharp Little Pencil
/ August 3, 2011There are folks with a million degrees – some even in divinity – who think they know it all. The truth is in simplicity, in love. I would really enjoy buying this guy a cup of coffee and hearing about his life. This poem touches on the folks I live for. Thanks so much, Gayle, for a lovely write. Amy
http://sharplittlepencil.wordpress.com/2011/08/03/cheesehead/
Bodhirose
/ August 3, 2011I would enjoy sitting with a man such as this too, Amy. He possesses what is truly valuable to me.
Sharmishtha
/ August 3, 2011seen such people. thats why i believe knowledge has no connection with books and pen. its the mind that absorbs knowledge and wisdom.
Bodhirose
/ August 3, 2011You are so right, Sharmishtha ji–knowledge has no connection to books and pen.
Lots of love…
HisFireFly
/ August 3, 2011Yes, the humble path, giving all to receive all!
Bodhirose
/ August 3, 2011I’m so inspired by people such as this.
Renee Espriu
/ August 4, 2011Humility is like that…nothing for oneself and all for others and happiness in the giving. Inspirational!
Bodhirose
/ August 5, 2011Awe inspiring people that live that path. Thank you, Renee.
carefreewanderer
/ August 6, 2011Sounds like a blessed life he has :) Your words create very vivid pictures.Wonderful :)
Bodhirose
/ August 6, 2011The most blessed a life can be…
Thank you. :)
Jamie Dedes
/ August 11, 2011I’ve been fortunate to know a few folks like this, living saints – saintly teachers. One was a Sister of St. Joseph who was dying of lung cancer and still came to the music room every night to play for us – violin – our own Paganini. In the process of providing herself and us with the joy of her music, she taught us many other lessions: generosity, humility, serentity, trust, joy ….
A lovely cherishable poem, Gayle. Thanks! You brought back a good memory for me. Blessings …
Bodhirose
/ August 16, 2011These people are teaching with such a quiet grace aren’t they? Their presence gives me such hope and helps uplift my soul. I first read of a person like this in my favorite book “Autobiography of a Yogi”. A true blessing to be in their company… Thank you for sharing about this wonderful soul, Jamie.