ok...as u can see, i never truly write about my personal life on this blog - most things are surface & to entertain 'if no one else', other than myself. (smiles) but i will share with u just one of my favorite poems by Buddha, called 'The Thousands'. although i'm not buddhist; broadly speaking, i do find his teachings insightful & present, especially in a world where so often, many walk around in what i deem a responsive coma. so for me, this poem resonates a level of consciousness that awakens the mind. it's rather lengthy, but i hope u enjoy...

The Thousands

Better than a thousand meaningless words is one sensible word, if hearing it one becomes peaceful.

Better than a thousand meaningless verses is one word of verse, if hearing it one becomes peaceful.

Better than reciting one hundred verses of meaningless words, is one poem if hearing it one becomes peaceful.

If a person were to conquer in battlea thousand times a thousand people, if another conquers oneself, that one is the greatest conqueror.

Conquering oneself is better than conquering other people; not even a god, a spirit, nor Mara with Brahma, could turn into a defeat the victory of one who always practices the discipline of self-control.

If a person month after month for a hundred years should sacrifice with a thousand offerings, and if but for one moment that person paid reverence to one whose soul is grounded in knowledge, better is that reverence than a hundred years of sacrifices.

If a person for a hundred years should worship Agni in the forest, and if but for one moment that person paid reverence to one whose soul is grounded in knowledge, better is that reverence than a hundred years of worship.

Whatever a person sacrifices in this world as an offering or as an oblation for a whole year in order to gain merit, the whole of it is not worth a quarter. Reverence shown to the virtuous is better. To the one who always reveres and respects the aged, four things increase: life, health, happiness, and power.

Better than a hundred years lived in vice and unrestrained is living one day, if a person is virtuous and contemplative. Better than a hundred years lived in ignorance and unrestrained is living one day, if a person is wise and contemplative.

Better than a hundred years lived in idleness and weakness is living one day, if a person courageously makes effort.

Better than a hundred years of not perceiving how things arise and pass awayis living one day, if a person does perceive how things arise and pass away.

Better than a hundred yearsof not perceiving immortality is living one day, if a person does perceive immortality.

Better than a hundred years of not seeing the supreme path is living one day, if a person does see the supreme path.

(Buddha)