THE MOUNTAIN

[Nichiro]

The Mountain


The old woman said
Goddess of Fate
wrote your future
On your forehead
On the sixth day after
You were born.
As is written
You will climb and cross
Just one mountain
To reach bliss
And salvation that you seek.

"But O revered one,
"Through the time
Of life that I have lived
I have undertaken
This arduous climb
Which never seems to end.
This frightening mountain
Seems to grow more and more
With every step I climb.

When will this climb
And my pains end?
When will I cross the mountain?"
What is the name
Of this mountain?
I asked with tired voice,

'It is up to you my son,
when to end
Your climb and cross over.
"Spoke the old woman
You are climbing a mountain
Which is called Karma.

Nichiroojii