Written for: Carpe Diem #1802 – New Beginnings . . . without beginning
“Without beginning” points towards the circle, or the wedding ring. The wedding ring is a milestone, it’s a new beginning, but its form … a circle … is without beginning. So today our prompt is related to the circle … without beginning.
I recall an article I once read about deathpoems and one of the examples was the deathpoem by Shinsui.
During his last moment, Shisui’s disciples requested that he write a death poem. He grasped his brush, painted a circle, cast the brush aside, and died. The circle— indicating the void, the essence of everything, enlightenment— is one of the most important symbols of Zen Buddhism.”
Deathpoem by Shinsui (* – 1769)
‘Isn’t it a wonderful death poem? But as we look closer to this death poem … we see were Shinsui started the “circle” (at the ‘bottom’ somewhat to the left, we can see the start of the brush). Does this mean a circle has a beginning and an end? “
eternal circle
lotuses blooming and decaying –
ancient wisdom grows
© Chèvrefeuille (our host)
Here is my attempt:
upon my death
as I take my last breath
a new person is born
