AUTHOR
Nicole Grace
Nicole Grace is a Buddhist monk, mystic, teacher, and author of the award-winning books, Dreaming Bhutan: Journey in the Land of the Thunder Dragon (Mani Press, 2011), Bodhisattva: How To Be Free, Teachings To Guide You Home (Mani Press, 2010) and Mastery At Work: 18 Keys For Achieving Success, Fulfillment And Joy In Any Profession (Mani Press, 2005).
Known to students and seekers around the world by her spiritual name, Kundalini, she teaches personal and professional development, Buddhism, mysticism and meditation, with uncommon wisdom, humor and warmth.
One of my favorite teachings from the Buddha is presented in the poem, “The Master.” I have always thrilled at the feeling of freedom evoked by the image of graceful swans lifting off the water into the open sky…It inspired the name for this site.
Enjoy the excerpt below from the excellent translation of Dhammapada by Thomas Byrom. I highly recommend reading the full teaching, and the book. – Nicole Grace
***
The Master
At the end of the way
The master finds freedom
From desire and sorrow –
Freedom without bounds.
Those who awaken
Never rest in one place.
Like swans, they rise
And leave the lake.
On the air they rise
And fly an invisible course,
Gathering nothing, storing nothing.
Their food is knowledge.
They live upon emptiness.
They have seen how to break free.
from Dhammapada:
Teachings of the Buddha,
transl. by Thomas Byrom
Shambhala Pocket Classics
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