Poems from a Parallel World
You find this book with 343 poems at Amazon (see menu), just published.
In them lies a personal appreciation of meditation and Zen.
Please savor them carefully.
They speak of a meditative way of living. They are also meant to be insights for life. Zen literally means ‘meditation.’ It may be a pure source of inspiration — nothing more, nothing less.
Buddhism
I use terms and insights from Buddhism in these poems. Buddhism in general is to me a lifestyle tradition. Also, it is a broad universe of viewpoints. My take on it is personal and my errors in representation are only my responsibility.
I like Buddhism mainly when it’s fierce and daring, while at the same time gentle and bent on doing good for everybody. Striving for the impossible, undeterred.
With no-striving upfront, the total-striving is the grandest. This is a paradox, not a contradiction.
The term ‘parallel’
has a specific meaning. [see: “What is ‘Parallel’?”] This is related to the functioning of our brain. The poems also hint at a ‘parallel world’ that one can discern from a specific mindset.
It is, of course, the same world, but seen from a different viewpoint. Or should I say, with a different viewpoint? Broad patterns become more discernible. Associations that are usually invisible become apparent.
To me, this is an important asset one can get from meditation.
Some meditative traditions talk about non-dualistic. If dualistic means conceptual – with conceptually distinct entities – then non-dualistic is the subconceptual domain. In the extreme, this becomes empty of concepts. One can eventually also see in this the realm of poetry in general. It doesn’t surprise me that I came to the domain of poetry as a medium of expression for these deep ideas that, at the same time, can get fairly emotional.
Quite an adventure.
I hope this doesn’t confuse you. I hope it clarifies.
We don’t need to leave behind the scientific endeavor. We don’t need to blow up common sense.
On the contrary!
[see: “Poetry is Not the Absence of Rationality”]
Also, poetry should not be analyzed. Not even this kind of poetry.
It should be felt.
It should be lived.
It should be meditated.
Related Posts
The Heart of Buddhism
Many Buddhists find the core of their worldview being expressed in the chanting of the Hannya Shingyo (ancient Japanese). In many Buddhist monasteries, it is chanted at least every day. You can listen to the entire (few minutes) Hannya Shingyo in this nice video. You can read a fine translation (one of many slightly different) Read the full article…
Why Meditate?
Meditation is often described as having no conceptual goal. It’s not about achieving something concrete. However, while meditating, one can open oneself to four possible directions: deep relaxation, inner strength, wisdom, and Compassion. Please read ‘Goal of Meditation.’ Meditation is something you engage in not to accomplish something tangible but to connect with deeper aspects Read the full article…
Integrating Meditation into Coaching
Meditation offers profound benefits — deep relaxation, inner strength, wisdom, and Compassion. When combined with mental coaching, it can guide coachees toward more meaningful, transformative growth. However, meditation must be approached thoughtfully, ensuring the coachee is both open and ready for the experience. This blog explores how meditation can be naturally and effectively integrated into Read the full article…