Meditating in Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple

I walked under the starless sky as
darkness completely clutched the holy place
with its razor-sharp claws.
The Master was nowhere to be found.
No guidance, no consolation
entered in my ears.
A faceless voice cascaded from the sky and said:
Listen to the universe and you'll find Him.
I heard the distant barking of the dogs,
the leaves slicing the damp mist,
the secrets of the crickets,
 and the belching of the road dragons.
I sat motionless silent as the fat moon.
A fire within me dampened my eyes.
In my isolation, I met the Master.

- Cristine Despares