The Bodhi tree is growing within me
Spreading its roots, branches, stems
Each leaf representing the unbundling, and
The disentangling of my hidden fears

Can I transfer my being to the tree
Embracing nothingness in my stride
Thereby surrendering myself
To a process of total transformation

The only obstacle that lies in the path
Is my ego which stands guard
Reluctant, recalcitrant, obstinate
Refusing to lose its identity

What must I do, who must I seek
How should I engage, within or without
The holy books, a messiah, a guru
Or penance, chants, pilgrimage, ablutions

I shall do none of these
And merely sit back and watch
While nudging my ego to diffuse through the leaves
And evaporate into the ether with gentle ease

Allowing the Bodhi tree to flower and flourish
And spread its presence in my consciousness
Enabling it to grow to fruition
For in this lies my ultimate salvation

Subir Chakraborty / 6th March 2018