Poetry by Glenn Pledger

Walking Meditation

It's funny but when you are disabled,
Everyone knows more about it than you.
You see, I am fat and out of shape
So, I must partake the art of diurnal walking.

But, when I ask why I should go out
In all weathers to traipse about
In mindless stupefaction they reply
That they are concerned about my health.

Well I may be fat and out of shape
But I am a very lucky boy because
I practise yoga and I meditate
Under the guidance of my Teacher.

It all began a long time ago
With a programme on the television.
I saw an Eastern Monk practising
Walking Meditation and when asked

He replied to know why he was walking.
Well! This confused me and I needed
To know why this holy man needed to know
Just why it was that he was walking.

He was walking to develop tranquillity.
In practice, I can walk very slowly,
And catch the volition to walk
As it arises in my mind;

But, I cannot do this when shopping.
As I walk home with a heavy load,
I have trouble with laboured breathing.
But in practice, my Teacher taught me to

Focus on a centre of energy between my legs.
Now, without any laboured breathing,
I can engage in power walking
And carry my load with ease.

Whilst I already knew what mental
Tranquillity was, before walking
Meditation, I had never experienced
Physical tranquillity in action.

http://mahamakuta.inet.co.th/english/b-way(7).html (Walking Meditation)

Glenn Pledger