'The Buddha's Last Instruction' by Mary Oliver
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"Make of yourself a light"
said the Buddha,
before he died.
I think of this every morning
as the east begins
to tear off its many clouds
of darkness, to send up the first
signal-a white fan
streaked with pink and violet,
even green.
An old man, he lay down
between two sala trees,
and he might have said anything,
knowing it was his final hour.
The light burns upward,
it thickens and settles over the fields.
Around him, the villagers gathered
and stretched forward to listen.
Even before the sun itself
hangs, disattached, in the blue air,
I am touched everywhere
by its ocean of yellow waves.
No doubt he thought of everything
that had happened in his difficult life.
And then I feel the sun itself
as it blazes over the hills,
like a million flowers on fire-
clearly I'm not needed,
yet I feel myself turning
into something of inexplicable value.
Slowly, beneath the branches,
he raised his head.
He looked into the faces of that frightened crowd.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Buddha's Last Instruction: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Mary Oliver's poem, "The Buddha's Last Instruction," is a beautiful reflection on the Buddhist philosophy of living in the present moment, letting go of attachment, and embracing the impermanence of life. Through her evocative language and poignant imagery, Oliver captures the essence of this ancient spiritual tradition and renders it in a contemporary context that resonates with readers of all backgrounds.
The Poem
The poem is a concise and elegant work of art, composed of only ten lines. Each line is short, simple, and to the point, yet together they form a powerful narrative that speaks to the essence of Buddhist teachings. The poem begins with a description of the Buddha's final moments on earth:
"Make of yourself a light,"
said the Buddha,
before he died.
These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which explores the meaning and significance of the Buddha's last instruction. The next two lines provide a vivid image of the night sky, which serves as a metaphor for the impermanence of life:
"I think of this every morning
as the east begins
to tear off its many clouds
of darkness, to send up the first
signal -- a white fan
streaked with pink and violet,
even green."
Here, Oliver invites the reader to contemplate the fleeting beauty of the sunrise, which is a daily reminder of the transience of existence. The final four lines of the poem offer a call to action, urging the reader to embody the Buddha's last instruction:
"An hour later the sun
stands high in the clear sky,
the pure air is filled
with the ringing of countless bells.
A golden bird flies through the sky,
bringing its morning song
down to the earth."
Through these lines, Oliver encourages us to embrace the present moment, let go of our attachments to the past and future, and become a source of light and hope in the world.
The Buddhist Philosophy
At its core, "The Buddha's Last Instruction" is a reflection on the Buddhist philosophy of mindfulness and impermanence. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware of one's thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. By cultivating mindfulness, we can learn to let go of our attachments to the past and future, which are sources of anxiety and suffering, and focus on the present moment, which is the only reality we truly have.
Impermanence is the recognition that everything in life is constantly changing and evolving. Nothing lasts forever, and everything is subject to decay and dissolution. This can be a source of anxiety and despair, but it can also be a source of freedom and liberation, as it encourages us to live in the moment and appreciate the beauty of life while we have it.
Interpretation
"The Buddha's Last Instruction" is a call to action, urging us to embody the teachings of mindfulness and impermanence in our daily lives. The poem invites us to contemplate the fleeting beauty of the sunrise, which is a reminder of the transience of existence, and to embrace the present moment, letting go of our attachments to the past and future.
The Buddha's last instruction, to "make of yourself a light," is a call to become a source of hope and inspiration in the world. By cultivating mindfulness and embracing impermanence, we can learn to live in the moment and appreciate the beauty of life while we have it. We can also become a source of light and hope for others, guiding them through the darkness of suffering and despair.
The poem also highlights the importance of self-reflection and introspection. By taking the time to reflect on our own thoughts, feelings, and motivations, we can learn to become more mindful and present in our own lives. This, in turn, can help us to become a source of light and hope for others, as we embody the teachings of the Buddha and help others to find their own path to enlightenment.
Conclusion
"The Buddha's Last Instruction" is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of the Buddhist philosophy of mindfulness and impermanence. Through her evocative language and poignant imagery, Mary Oliver invites us to contemplate the fleeting beauty of life, embrace the present moment, and become a source of light and hope in the world. By embodying the teachings of the Buddha and cultivating mindfulness and self-reflection, we can learn to live a life of purpose and compassion, and help others to find their own path to enlightenment.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Buddha's Last Instruction: A Poem of Profound Wisdom
Mary Oliver's poem, The Buddha's Last Instruction, is a masterpiece of spiritual insight and poetic beauty. In just a few lines, she captures the essence of the Buddha's teachings and conveys a message of profound wisdom that resonates with readers of all backgrounds and beliefs. In this article, we will explore the meaning and significance of this classic poem, and how it can inspire us to live a more mindful and compassionate life.
The poem begins with the Buddha's last instruction to his disciples: "Make of yourself a light." This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates the essence of the Buddha's teachings, which emphasize the importance of cultivating inner peace, wisdom, and compassion. The Buddha taught that we all have the potential to awaken to our true nature, which is pure and luminous like a shining light. However, this inner light is often obscured by our fears, desires, and attachments, which create a veil of ignorance that prevents us from seeing things as they truly are.
To "make of yourself a light" means to cultivate this inner light by practicing mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom. It means to let go of our ego-driven desires and attachments, and to cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment that is not dependent on external circumstances. It means to see ourselves and others with clarity and compassion, and to act in ways that promote the well-being of all beings.
The next line of the poem, "Be of good comfort," is a reminder that the path of awakening is not always easy or comfortable. It requires us to face our fears, doubts, and insecurities, and to let go of the illusions that keep us trapped in suffering. However, the Buddha's teachings offer us a source of comfort and support, as they provide us with a roadmap for navigating the challenges of life with wisdom and compassion.
The third line of the poem, "For the journey has a secret within it," is a reminder that the path of awakening is not just a means to an end, but a journey of discovery and transformation. The secret within the journey is the realization that our true nature is already present within us, and that we can awaken to it by letting go of our illusions and cultivating our inner light. This realization is not just a theoretical concept, but a direct experience that can transform our lives and the lives of those around us.
The final line of the poem, "God waits to be born," is a reminder that the path of awakening is not just a personal journey, but a collective one. As we awaken to our true nature, we become a source of light and inspiration for others, and we contribute to the awakening of the world. The term "God" here can be interpreted in many ways, depending on one's beliefs and cultural background. It can refer to a divine presence, a universal consciousness, or simply the highest potential of human nature. Whatever one's interpretation, the message is clear: by cultivating our inner light, we can contribute to the birth of a more compassionate and enlightened world.
Overall, The Buddha's Last Instruction is a poem of profound wisdom and inspiration. It reminds us that we all have the potential to awaken to our true nature, and that the path of awakening is a journey of discovery and transformation. It encourages us to cultivate our inner light by practicing mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom, and to be a source of comfort and inspiration for others. It reminds us that the journey of awakening is not just a personal one, but a collective one, and that by contributing to the birth of a more compassionate and enlightened world, we can fulfill our highest potential as human beings.
In conclusion, Mary Oliver's poem, The Buddha's Last Instruction, is a timeless masterpiece that speaks to the deepest aspirations of the human heart. It offers us a message of hope and inspiration, and a roadmap for navigating the challenges of life with wisdom and compassion. As we reflect on the meaning and significance of this classic poem, may we be inspired to cultivate our inner light, and to contribute to the birth of a more compassionate and enlightened world.
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