LET US GO BACK


Let us go back once more, O mind, to our proper home
Here in this foreign land of earth
Why should we wander aimlessly in stranger's guise?
These living beings round about,
And the five elements,
Are strangers to you, all of them; none are your own.
Why do you so forget yourself,
In love with strangers, foolish mind?
Why do you so forget your own?

Mount the path of truth, O mind! unflaggingly climb,
With love as the lamp of lightyour way.
As your provisionon the journey, take with you
The virtues, hidden carefully;
For, like two highwaymen,
Greed and delusion wait to rob you of your wealth.
And keep besides you constantly,
As guards to shelter you from harm,
Clamness of mind and self-control.

Companionship with holy men will be for you
A wellcome rest-house by the road;
There rest your weary limbs awhile, askingyour way,
If ever you should be in doubt,
Of him who watches there.
If anything along the path should cause you fear,
Then loudly shout the name of God;
For He is ruler of that road,
And even Death must bow to him.