The Purifying Mind

At first, a turbid stream, thoughts swirling,
Clouded by desire, anger, and delusion;
Grasping, clinging, ever unfurling,
The mind, a tempest of confusion.

With practice, like settling sediment,
Gross impurities begin to clear;
Reflecting glimpses of the firmament,
The water's surface, now more mere.

Mindfulness, a filter fine and true,
Strains out thoughts of harm and greed;
The mind's waters take on a lighter hue,
While wisdom tends to every need.

Compassion flows, a gentle current,
Eroding banks of self-concern;
The heart opens, becomes transparent,
As loving-kindness starts to burn.

Equanimity, like stillness deep,
Calms the ripples on the surface;
Finding peace in its expansive sweep,
The mind, no longer feeling nervous.

Insight dawns, like morning's first light,
Illuminating the water's depths;
The mind shines clear, infinitely bright,
No longer bound by karmic debts.

At last, a pristine mountain lake,
Reflecting truth in every way;
Nibbana's peace, now wide awake,
No self to cloud the light of day.