In the evening of a thousand peaks, I close
my eyes.
Among humans, myriad thoughts are trivial.
Serenely I sit on the mat.
In solitude I face an open window.
The incense has burned out and a dark night is long.
The moon has risen over the highest peak.
— Ryokan (1758 – 18 February 1831)
Ryōkan spent much of his time writing poetry, doing
calligraphy, and communing with nature. His poetry is often very simple and
inspired by nature. He loved children and sometimes forgot to beg for food
because he was playing with the children of the nearby village. Ryōkan refused
to accept any position as a priest or even as a "poet." In the
tradition of Zen his quotes and poems show he had a good sense of humor and
didn't take himself too seriously. (Wikipedia)
I work with many people, young and old, whose incense has
burned out and they are stuck in the long dark night. Our work together can
open that serene space of contemplation and allow us to think about the
assumptions and experiences that have contributed to their depression. We
engage in the work of understanding and allow the opportunity for insight for
change to be realized. We use myriad thoughts to guide us through the long dark
light and together we can discover the thousand peaks illuminated by the moon.