133 Remembering My Ma
CW41_No.133
Translated from Chinese by the author
the Buddhist Yogi C. M. Chen
With placenta came out a mass but not man,
After breaking it, she loved me so often!
Repeated the foretelling by astrologist,
That her son was born a best hour of Dragon!
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"Who made such a point on my son's forehead?"
"What kind of his past karma has he had?"
My mother asked all the scholars she met,
Should he be a monk she was so afraid!
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In Temple she asked the destiny of her son,
And the meanings of the fortune-telling poem.
They said, "He will not be a man of common."
But I did not desire worldly fame since long!
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She humbly kept the precept of non-killing.
"Who will go back?" in hotel I was seeking.
Some ready-made hen-legs I sent from afar.
Waiting for reply I afraid of missing.
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Besides daily food, I sent some extra sum.
Nearby shops had praised her to have a good son!
Offerings of worldly things were not worthwhile,
Sad that death had made her practice a short run!
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During my childhood I made her no rest!
When grew up I left her, east and west!
With smiles in tears when she saw me coming back,
Often treated her own son as a new guest!
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A son she had but he not served her well.
Left her how many times I could not tell.
When once I came back she was so happy,
Asked me again, "When will you give up travel?"
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When she was at her age of sixty,
I invited her to the great city.
With a smile she said, "Enjoy our poor,
Why need to pass such luxury street!"
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Afraid of no son to send her when she rests,
Knelt before Buddha, prayed with tears so earnest!
When she was going to die she really saw me,
I was actually in the Tibet-East!
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Our last departure had been many years.
She had sent me at village with tears!
Now I came back where she called me last time!
All the cold wind with deep grief I can't bear!
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Long since I practiced Buddhism afar!
I still cannot ascend and preach Dharma!
When shall I be able to fulfill the vows!?
I'm afraid to think all beings are my ma!
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