The Buddha Meets Christmas

In the soft glow of a December moon,
Beneath the banyan tree where silence blooms,
The Buddha sat,
Eyes closed, heart open,
Listening to the whisper of winter's breath.

A star pierced the dark velvet sky,
Its light falling like snowflakes upon the earth.
It spoke not of kingdoms or thrones,
But of a manger’s quiet humility,
Of a child swaddled in simplicity,
Love cradling him like a prayer.

"Peace," murmured the Buddha,
Fingers brushing the earth,
A witness to the stillness within,
The eternal birth of compassion.

Candles flickered in distant windows,
Echoing the Eightfold Path,
Their flames a reminder
Of the suffering they melted away.

The carolers sang of angels,
Voices rising in perfect harmony,
Not unlike the chant of monks
Seeking refuge in their sangha,
Both finding the sacred in the collective.

“What is this day but a moment?”
Buddha pondered,
A single thread in samsara’s weave,
Yet a chance to pause, to breathe,
To drape the world in love's quiet cloth.

So Christmas met the lotus,
Silent joy kissed eternal peace,
And in that union,
The world grew still,
For a breath,
For a lifetime.

Here, wisdom bowed to grace,
And grace to wisdom.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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Bradley Avatar
August 19, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Love this poem. I have set it to music, eight part choral. Could send you a score and demo recording. I am a member of Poetry Soup also.
Bartley Avatar
January 28, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Congratulations on your win! I just read it, and tears rolled down my face. Well done and deserved. Thanks for sharing!
Mukherjee  Avatar
February 4, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Thank you Benjamin! I am honoured and humbled by your comment. Means a lot to me. Have a nice day. Warmest wishes.
Poet Avatar
January 19, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Very well-crafted poem with profound thoughts, great metaphors, and nice diction. Hearty congratulations on your win
Mukherjee  Avatar
January 26, 2025 at 3:21 AM
Thank you, Sotto! I'm glad you enjoyed reading my poem. Your appreciation means a lot. Warmest wishes..
Bartley Avatar
December 31, 2024 at 10:23 AM
Wow, I really love this. I think this just may be a winner! Thanks for sharing!
Mukherjee  Avatar
December 31, 2024 at 10:44 AM
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. :)
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