Selected Poetry
by© Jacob Newell (Daoshi Gu Shen Yu)
Since ancient times, Daoists have used poetry and other art forms to express mystical experience, convey teaching, and transmit energy. A Daoist poem arises naturally out of the stillness of an empty mind, like fresh grasses in the springtime. Embracing both wuji and taiji, Daoist poetry can clear the mind and reveal the Dao.
I started experiencing poetic inspirations during my priest training in the American Dragon Gate Lineage from 2007-2010. They were born out of my qi-cultivation practice and were particularly influenced by the combined practice of studying the Daozang (Daoist Canon) and practicing Zuowang meditation (Sitting & Forgetting).
Discovering the poetic process has exposed me to the creative process that many artists experience – without any deliberate intention to create something, we spontaneously find ourselves channeling inspiration from mysterious places. I consider this to be an example of the spontaneous arising (ziran) which appears out of wuwei practice.
Poems:
1.
Relaxing everything into a stable base
A powerful geyser wells up from deep inside
Lifting me beyond my senses
Without excitement, I ride the rising mists
2.
Letting go of all my concerns
I settle deeply into the serenity of nature
It’s already there
I don’t have to do a darn thing
Greater than anything
Anyone could ever contrive
3.
Compressing essence
Elixir rises on its own
Penetrating the passes
Golden spout in full bloom
4.
Sitting in stillness
I feel the current of my ancestors pouring into me
Absorbing their essence
I peer back into the beginningless origin
5.
Relaxing my effort
Nothing is wrong
Now I can breathe easy
Abiding in the Middle Kingdom
6.
Chamber empty
Fire burning hot
Purple smoke rising
Sweet dew seeping
Wild birds riding on the wind
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