Poem-Secrets to a Life of Balance, Calmness and Happiness-Response to Brenda’s Word Prompt Week 31-Secrets

I love poetry. I am a voracious reader and am passionate about writing. I have recently started my foray into poetry.

Brenda's Weekly Word Prompt-Week 31-'Secrets'

This week our dear friend and a gifted poet, Brenda gave us the word prompt ‘Secrets’. It brought to my mind the quote by the Dalai Lama “The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” We keep seeking happiness always in objects, wealth, in relationships. But the more we chase it in the outer world, the more elusive it gets. So what are the secrets to a life of purpose, fulfilment and happiness. I found it in Zen philosophy, when I attended a Zen meditation class with my friend.

When we start to feel anxious or depressed, instead of asking, “What do I need to get to be happy?” The question becomes, “What am I doing to disturb the inner peace that I already have?

— D.T. Suzuki

Secrets to a life of balance, Calmness and Happiness

When I attended a Zen Meditation class with my friend, I was impressed by the beauty and simplicity of Zen philosophy. I learnt many things from my friend who is an ardent follower. She said that Zen meditation has helped her in many wonderful ways. She said that it helped her overcome hardships, and find happiness without having to make any major changes in her daily life. All she did was transform her thoughts which affected her actions. This helped not only in her spiritual growth but also personal and career growth.

The true purpose is to see things as they are, to observe things as they are, and to let everything go as it goes.

— Shunryu Suzuki

Zen Masters Secrets to a Life of Happiness

We are always trying to search for the true purpose of our life. Zen masters say that the secret to fulfillment and happiness is to consider life as a gift, live in the moment and experience every moment of life. They say that it is within ourselves to awaken the true purpose of life. Also, that by leading a simpler life, decluttering, we can be more productive. They advise calm breathing and mindful meditation for addressing the stress of modern living. According to them, to accept ourselves the way we are, to live in the present moment, having no regrets of the past and not worrying about the future are the true secrets to happiness.

We all know that the constant distractions we face daily because of our social connections and work-related issues make it difficult for us to find calmness and peace. As a result, we are in constant stress which affects our physical and mental health and also our productivity. Only when there is a balance in all areas of life like physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual, can we realize our full potential and find true meaning and happiness in life. My first poem is an acrostic poem about searching for the true meaning of life. By experiencing every moment and leading a life of simplicity and integrity, by contemplating we realize that it is within ourselves to attain calmness, balance and fulfillment. This realization that the secrets of happiness lie within ourselves leads to a state of true happiness and meaning in life.

Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.

— Bruce Lee

Secrets to a Life of Purpose and True Happiness-An Acrostic Poem

Searching for true meaning in life

Experiencing every moment and seeking

Calmness, balance and fulfillment

Richer life of simplicity and true inner peace

Euphoric in the realization that your

Truthfulness and inner strength are the

Secrets to a life of purpose and true happiness.

If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.

— Lao Tzu

Poem-The Secrets to a Life of Happiness

The secrets to a life of happiness are

That you have to live in the present

And you have to be in the moment

whatever has happened in the past

has no power over this present moment.

That you don't live for yourself alone

You must also think of others you know

Because life is a reciprocal exchange

To move forward you have to change.

To accept yourself as you are

And bloom like a beautiful flower

To not suffer in fear and isolation

Craving acceptance and appreciation.

Set your own goals and your values

With a feeling of pride in achievement

Self-esteem and a sense of fulfilment

Choose a balance and achieve happiness.

Life manifests miracles all around you

A ray of sunshine, a drop of dew

A leaf, a flower, a caterpillar bring joy

Colors, shapes and forms to enjoy.

You are an intrinsic part of the universe

In the realm of intelligence beyond thought

Beauty, love, creativity, joy and inner peace

Are within you and arise from your mind.

To recognize your own absurdity is

The beginning of healing and independence

Anything you accept will free you of dependence

Will take you into peace, this is the miracle of transcendence

Become conscious and start living now

Take the step into the inner journey

Creativity stems from inner stillness

Gratitude is the foundation for abundance.

All problems are illusions of the mind

Everything is Transient, attachment is loss

You cannot have anything for ever

Make the most of what you have now.

To recognize your own absurdity is

The beginning of healing and independence

Anything you accept will free you of dependence

Will take you into peace, this is the miracle of transcendence

• Zen | History, Doctrines, Practices, & Facts | Britannica
  Zen, important school of East Asian Buddhism that constitutes the mainstream monastic form of Mahayana Buddhism in China, Korea, and Vietnam and accounts for approximately 20 percent of the Buddhist temples in Japan. The word derives from the Sanskri
• Zen - Wikipedia
  

© 2021 VIDYA D SAGAR

Comments

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on September 30, 2021:

Thanks emgee. I appreciate your visit and comments. I am glad you liked it. Have a great day.

MG Singh emge from Singapore on September 30, 2021:

This is a nice poem with excellent sentiments. Thank you for sharing.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on September 30, 2021:

Thanks Rinita. I appreciate your visit and comments. I agree with you, enjoying freedom from bondage is the true secret. I am glad you liked my acrostic poem. Have a blessed day.

Rinita Sen on September 30, 2021:

Thank you for spreading the word on Zen mediation and its benefits. Your acrostic poem was beautifully done. Secrets to freedom from bondage is the greatest secret after all. Peace and joy to you.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on September 29, 2021:

Thanks Flourish. I appreciate your visit and comments. I am glad you liked it. Have a blessed day and a wonderful week my friend.

FlourishAnyway from USA on September 29, 2021:

What a beautiful message! It reminded me of seeing the sunshine.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on September 28, 2021:

Dear Rosina, thanks so much for the nice comments. When I attended the Zen meditation class with my friend, I was really inspired by Zen philosophy and I felt like sharing these secrets with my Hubber friends. Have a great day and stay blessed.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on September 28, 2021:

Dear Lora, thanks for the kind comments. Yes I love the Zen philosophy too. I agree with you, learning from the past and not being anxious of the future, helps us not only to enjoy the present but be more productive. I am so glad you liked my response. Have a blessed day and a great week ahead my friend.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on September 28, 2021:

Thanks Amara for the kind comments. I am glad you liked it. Have a great week, stay blessed.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on September 28, 2021:

Hi Li-Jen Hew, thanks for the nice comments. I loved Bruce Lee's quote too. I am glad you liked my response to Brenda's word prompt. Have a great week ahead.

Li-Jen Hew on September 28, 2021:

Thank you for your kind and thoughtful response to the Secrets prompt. Your poem is serene and flowing like Bruce Lee's quote. I appreciate the wisdom that you shared with us.

Amara from Pakistan on September 28, 2021:

A lovely write up. Thanks for sharing Vidya g.

Lora Hollings on September 28, 2021:

What an inspiring article, Vidya. I love the Zen philosophy and you did such an awesome job at explaining it. If we all lived in the present, I think we would put more effort in doing better at home, school, work and in our relationships. We can't do anything about the past but we can learn from it. And hopefully, we have! I love both of your poems too. You did a splendid job with this prompt. Thanks for sharing.

Rosina S Khan on September 28, 2021:

Excellent prose and poetry, Vidya, giving us Zen secrets to happiness. I loved it all. A great response to Brenda's prompt. Very commendable. Thank you for sharing.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on September 27, 2021:

Thank you Brenda for analyzing my poem so beautifully. You are an inspiration to us all on Hubpages, encouraging us to keep up the creative spirit. I am glad you liked my response and grateful to you for posting the link. Keep up the good work of giving us great word prompts. We get the chance to read a variety of wonderful creative responses from our Hubber friends. At the same time it is a learning experience for us. Have a great week and stay blessed.

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on September 27, 2021:

Vidya

I absolutely agree that the more we chase our happiness in the outer world, the more elusive it becomes.

Your quote shows us a different way to think about it.

You explain how using Zen Philosophy can teach us to change our thoughts and therefore change our actions.

Zen masters say to live life in the moment like it is a gift.

To not have regrets from the past & not worry about the future.

Then we will find the true secrets to happiness.

The secrets of happiness lie within ourselves.

"Secrets to a Life of Purpose and True Happiness-An Acrostic Poem"

shows us that while we look for the true meaning of happiness, we come to a realization.

Truthfulness & Inner strength is the secret to a life of purpose.

Awesome quotes..I love this one..

If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.

— Lao Tzu

"Poem-The Secrets to a Life of Happiness" is a wonderful piece of work.

It tells us that nothing last forever & we shouldn't try to attach ourselves to things ir people.

Every problem is an illusion of the mind which we can change.

Live in the present moment & realize that anything from the past has no power.

You have to change & accept yourself.

Think of others & stop craving acceptance & appreciation.

Once you understand what is holding you back, and begin healing...you will be free from dependence.

You will feel Peace.

Wonderful writing. I will post a link in the word prompt article.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on September 27, 2021:

Thanks Bill for the visit and kind comments. It made my day. It's all in our mind as the Zen philosophy teaches. Sometimes problems seem harder than they are when we think more about them. Life would be so much easier and beautiful if we could follow some of their principles. Have a great and blessed week ahead my friend.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on September 27, 2021:

Dear Pamela, you made my day with your insightful comments. Yes the Zen philosophy is interesting and wonderful. It would make life much easier and better if we followed their principles. I am glad that you think my poens improve with each new. prompt. Have a great week and stay blessed.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on September 27, 2021:

John, I am honored that you think my response to Brenda's word prompt is perfect. I am happy you liked the poetry, quotes and images. I was also impressed by Zen philosophy when I attended the meditation class with my friend. It really is simple and beautiful. Have a good day and a blessed week.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on September 27, 2021:

Hi Umesh, thanks for the nice comments. I am glad you liked my response to Brenda's word promot. Much appreciated. Have a blessed day.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on September 27, 2021:

Good to see you Linda. Thanks for the visit and kind comments. Much appreciated. I am happy you enjoyed reading my article. Have a great week ahead.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on September 27, 2021:

Thanks Chitrangada for the visit and kind comments. Yes I really liked the Zen philosophy for it's simplicity and beauty. And Zen meditation helped me a lot. Have a great day

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on September 27, 2021:

Beautiful and insightful article!

I agree with your thoughts about, how we should be living our lives. The Zen philosophy is worth following.

Nice response to the word prompt.

Thank you for sharing!

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on September 27, 2021:

Your entire article is thought provoking. I enjoyed reading it very much. Thank you for sharing the thoughts and ideas, Vidya.

Umesh Chandra Bhatt from Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India on September 27, 2021:

Beautiful composition, well done, thanks for sharing.

John Hansen from Gondwana Land on September 27, 2021:

Vidya, you wrote the perfect response to the word prompt “secrets.” You gave us the secret of life! We can learn so much from the Zen teachings. Beautiful poetry, commentary and images. Thank you for sharing.

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on September 27, 2021:

Each day can be a new beginning. I love your acrostic poem and your narrative poem.

The message is wonderful, as you tell us how to live. The Zen philosophy is so interesting and a wonderful way way to live.

These poems are just absolutely beautiful, Vidya. I think your poems improve with every new prompt. Well done!

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on September 27, 2021:

"The purpose of our lives is to be happy"....it doesn't get any truer than that beautiful quote. How sad that so many people do not embrace that truth. Thank you for writing such a beautiful piece. It is a message many need to read and internalize.