The Metaphysic of Christianity and Buddhism: A Symphony

Chapter 9: AT THE MALAGAWA TEMPLE, CEYLON.

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

Philosophy & Ethics Religion/Spirituality

About This Book

The work offers a comparative examination of the figures of Jesus and Gotama and the spiritual systems they represent, then surveys metaphysical questions about God and the cosmos, and analyzes concepts of soul, self, individuality, and karma. It contrasts Christian ideas of heaven with Buddhist notions of nirvana and closes with reflections aimed at reconciling apparent differences and highlighting shared spiritual foundations. An appendix supplies metrical adaptations of Buddhist legend and scripture that illustrate key themes. Throughout, the tone is conciliatory and reflective, seeking conceptual correspondences rather than polemical judgments.

AT THE MALAGAWA TEMPLE, CEYLON.

Hail! Gentle Master, Grave and Sweet!

Here at Thy shrine we bend the knee;

With island flowers we deck Thy feet,

And golden corn we bring to Thee.

Star of our Night, Orb of our Day,

Thou art our Refuge, Thou our Stay!

II.

Thy pitying eyes we see downcast,

Yet are they fain to tell us this—

Sometime, somewhere, life's ocean [AV] past,

We all shall taste immortal bliss!

Star of our Night, Orb of our Day,

Thou art our Refuge, Thou our Stay!

III.

No adoration, praise, or prayer

Hast Thou enjoined whilst here we live;

But our great love can scarce forbear

To pay Thee all our hearts can give.

Star of our Night, Orb of our Day,[AW]

Thou art our Refuge, Thou our Stay!