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‘form is no other than emptiness,
emptiness no other than form …
form is only emptiness,
emptiness only form.’
From the Prajna Paramita, ‘The Heart Sutra’, 7th-8th century, probably
of Sanskrit origin, widely used in all Tibetan Buddhist traditions
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cutting through dross
vanity and shame
exposed beneath
a naked flame
what then? what now?
what guiding light?
what brave endeavour
in this dark night?
whose faint heart succumbs
to halcyon bliss?
who pays homage to
that mortal kiss?
marvel then,
in this green dawn,
with gutteral chants
and elephant horn
a Diamond Torch reveals
the sepulchral way
an unblemished gift
to this foundling day
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