1. The Ascetic's Cave

Water walking pilgrims
trace Gautama's searching footsteps.
Thread strands of Mother India,
through sand, mud and fields
of quiet walking.

Footsteps shared happily.
Deeply silent journey
to emaciated Gautama's cave,
yet to receive succour
from Sujata's grace.

Then with awakening stirring
-asceticism abandoned
for the Middle Way.

This the Buddha's gift to all pilgrims,
seekers of the same Truth.
BACK