Notes About The Poem

Walking Into Enlightenment

So many think about changing the whole world,
few think about changing their very selves.
Standing on the precipice, peer beyond.
Pierce your personal, privileged bubble.
View the vast vision across all beings.

In wonder, count the petals of a flower.
Be amazed, probe a chambered nautilus.
Walk backwards out of Fibonacci's Spiral
into eternal embrace with enlightenment.
Spin science's vortex, fall into art's abyss.
Through the dark to the light and back again.
A looking glass within a looking glass,
mirroring all nature, realities' rules.

It seems little opens closed minds much
but when it does, it opens hearts forever.
Buddha's "mind-heart" path, hoping all will walk.
Walking through two doors at once can happen.
Trust that quantum particles jumping
in and out of existence can be real.

Or gaze deeply into a baby's eyes
and not picture the expanding universe.
Rather, see yourself this time, finally looking out.
Enlightenment finds you, you don't find it.
As it approaches, make your mind be still
all you need is loving-kindness and a smile.


Illustration Colored Pencil By G. Gaul
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Kauffman Avatar
July 7, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Dear Greg, so wonderful to see this "pearl" revisited as you explore enlightenment! I was struck by the lines about enlightenment finding you but then, again, I am always struck by the depth of your writing. Congratulations on your win! Sending you warm summer blessings.
Gaul Avatar
July 7, 2025 at 11:57 AM
As a faithful Christian, I know some of these Buddhist ideas are not always comforting. So, your comments and kind-hearted interest are even more appreciated. It is its own reward. Here's hoping that you and yours are having a great summer as well. It's always a highpoint having you visit.
mysore Avatar
July 5, 2025 at 10:49 PM
powerful write. 'A looking glass within a looking glass' lovely thoughts here. congratulations on your win dear poet. cheers!!!
Gaul Avatar
July 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Greatly appreciate your cheerflul and cogent critique.
Rose  Avatar
July 4, 2025 at 7:11 PM
A very well written poem dear Greg, thankyou for entering my contest and congrats on your win
Gaul Avatar
July 7, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Thanks ever so for hosting so openly and sensitively.
Kauffman Avatar
December 12, 2022 at 11:27 AM
Congratulations on your podium win Greg! I especially love your second stanza that overflows with poetic imagery and your last three lines! This is such a reflection of your inner depth and understanding of the profound mysteries of ever evolving life. With kindness and a smile truly we change ourselves and the world around us!! Sending you joy and blessings!
Seeker Avatar
December 12, 2022 at 7:09 AM
Superbly weaving the truth, summed up so clearly in the concluding three lines. A masterpiece! Warmest congratulations on your podium finish Greg. Thanks for sharing.
Gaul Avatar
December 13, 2022 at 4:00 PM
Seeker, I really appreciate your placement and the special care you take in running these contests. You're one of the few who picks worthy and sentient subjects for our poetry. Blessings to you and Happy Holidays.
Watt Avatar
November 27, 2020 at 10:02 AM
Rich words, imbued with science, nature, and art; embellished with delightful alliterations and profound wisdom. So glad I read this today - I will be looking at life with new eyes, embracing the wonder around me ~ John
Gaul Avatar
November 27, 2020 at 6:28 PM
John, I am moved by your insightful and kind words. Nothing has escaped your attention. A signal of intellect of the highest order. I will appreciate your gesture for a long time.
Marc Avatar
July 5, 2020 at 10:56 PM
Beautiful wisdom Greg ~ FAV
Gaul Avatar
July 6, 2020 at 9:52 AM
PM, thanks for your comment and visit. Most appreciated.
Mishra Avatar
June 23, 2020 at 8:17 AM
A beautiful verse well-researched and diverse in lessons and history. This is a soothing write Greg. Congratulations on your win :)
Gaul Avatar
June 23, 2020 at 8:24 AM
Aditi, your visits are so refreshing. Thank you. As well your top win reflects your clever use of imagery and enlightened shaping. Well deserved. Be well dear poet.
Gauthier Avatar
May 9, 2020 at 12:31 AM
Awesome piece, Greg. Congrats on your well deserved top place.
Gaul Avatar
May 9, 2020 at 7:01 AM
Thank you so much Line. I've been impressed recently on your works that include Eastern concepts as well. I see it more in your poetry. It's an advocacy. Namaste.
Carber Avatar
May 7, 2020 at 12:27 PM
Congrats Greg on your 1st place win--you touch on many aspects of faith....
Gaul Avatar
May 9, 2020 at 7:02 AM
L.J., your insights are always deep and appreciated.
Marcum Wong Avatar
March 23, 2020 at 2:46 AM
I feel so perfectly in tune with this insightful view into what we can aspire to Greg. You are a kindred spirit my friend. This is a poem that touched me in the depths of my soul. I am putting this gem of wisdom into my Faves! I loved every line! xxoo
Gaul Avatar
March 23, 2020 at 8:52 AM
You're the best Connie. How thoughtful. You searched around to find a piece you could positively comment on. I'm glad you did, cause I can now say this without fear. You are awakened. It's in your writing and in your actions. Only the awake like this poem, few others do. Namaste.
Roper Avatar
March 10, 2020 at 10:23 PM
Yes, we do need to look at ourselves to change look at life different.
Gaul Avatar
March 12, 2020 at 7:55 AM
Eve, your awakened point of view demonstrates itself in your poetry but your loving-kindness is most salient to me. Smiles and poetic hugs to you.
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