Dokkodo

Dokkodo

 

the path of aloneness

is well trod,

and so, accept it as is ..

remember

pleasure is not everything

remember too,

that partial feelings

are nothing more than

an almighty

encumbrance ..

think deep upon our

world by all means

but not so deep upon

the self ..

desire is not everything ..

remember

regret nothing ..

leave jealousy outside

somewhere insignificant ..

separation

is inevitable so do not

be saddened by it ..

resentments

and complaints

serve no useful purpose

either for the self

or for any others ..

never be

guided or driven

by lust ..

never state a preference

be indifferent

to locations and always

eat what is offered ..

do not linger

over outgrown,

or obsolete possessions ..

never fear death

and decline

to possess goods

solely for your own

comfort in old age ..

respect both Buddha

and the gods

without relying on their

interventions ..

by all means abandon

your body

but maintain honour

and never stray from the way ..

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[DIVYA]

Hi Neville,

A very fascinating philosophy and I enjoyed reading this. Also Googled Dokkodo, which means walking alone, so thanks for the share. I found it quite amusing as my thoughts turned inwards and I realized I follow almost none of these tenets. I doubt many women could do most of these. What I loved about this poem is the interesting manner and the clarity with which you elucidate Dokkodo. Your writing never fails to set me thinking. Enjoyed!

[Neville]

Who wouldn't like turning your thoughts inwards .. thank you so much for the thumbs up, I know that this is not likely to be everyone's cuppa tea .. Neville

[DIVYA]

You're most welcome, dear Neville. 😊

[Thomas W Case]

Tremendous work, my friend.

[Neville]

Many thanks Thomas .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

‘Our Chris’revisited these words first seen, almost three years ago. She had an interesting conversation with AI which delved deep into the questions she asked. The answers raised more questions and then more … the more she asked the deeper she travelled and the more she recognized her own light. Have a beautiful day Neville.

Chris 💜

[Neville]

I am way beyond thrilled our Chris, I am in effect delighted .. and blindingly brightly 💜

[Chris Shaw]

Ha, now that sounds as though you are in my my orbit :)

[Neville]

I would like to think I'm not too far off .. 💜

[Brandon Houser]

I really enjoyed this. I felt shades of Kipling's If. A most excellent piece good sir!

[Neville]

How very kind of you my friend .. Thank you so much .. Neville

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Neville. You are always teaching me something new. Dokkodo, I will research more. Good morning my friend from Michigan.
Coyote

[Neville]

Good morning Johnnie C my good friend .. good to see you sir as always .. Neville

[Coyote Poetry]

Good early morning Neville and always a pleasure to read your work.

[Chris Shaw]

An interesting piece of writing Neville which warranted some serious thought. I also did some research to discover what Dokkodo was. A short work written by Miyamoto Mushashi, a Japanese swordsman, philosopher and Kensei a week before his death in 1645. This must be your account of the 21 precepts contained in it. While some of the points make good sense even in today’s world, it was written from the perspective of a man who was a warrior. It seems that there is not much attention placed on emotions and detachment appears to be promoted. I found it fascinating and will try and read more. I don’t think it is a set of beliefs that would appeal to everyone, particularly the more nurturing in our species. I can see that this piece must have taken considerable time to compose, so well done for an informative post which has got your readers thinking.

Chris

[Neville]

there are those who say its good for ya .. thinking that is .. many thanks our Chris.

Neville

[Ken Simm.]

All I can say is exactly. Such powerful exemplary work.

[Neville]

......................... Gassho