The Lotus blooms tonight, The great golden Lotus of the Lord’s Compassion. With white roots deep in the slime of this sad world, And huge green leaves spread on the surface of the waters of the Lake of Tears, And surrounded by myriads of silver lotus-buds, Like white hands folded in prayer for succour from the miseries of the world, That Lotus blooms tonight. O leave the crowded shore where men buy and sell, Shake off the soft detaining fingers of your friends, And in a little boat, At midnight, when the moon is full, And glitters at you from the water, Row swiftly to the quiet Heart of the Lake where the Lotus blooms, The great golden Lotus of the Lord’s Compassion; And you will feel the sweetness ineffable of its heart-fragrance Coming on a breeze which ripples the face of the silent waters To meet you beneath the stars.
-Sangharakshita
