Searching For Nirvana Poem by Suzanne Hayasaki

Some search for nirvana in temples
Burning incense and ringing bells
Entrusting their prayers to priests
For the price of a few tossed coins.

Some search for nirvana in scrolls
Rolled up and stored in clay jars
Faded antiquities in languages so ancient
Even the keepers of their secrets
Have forgotten their true meaning.

Some search for nirvana through movement
Hiking through mountains, writing haiku.
Others practice stillness, sitting silent,
Temporarily emptying their minds.

I have no interest in these designs,
These practices, these proffered plans.
Like Rumi's fruitless search for God,
I will wander as I may, knowing nirvana
Is not a goal but a never-ending road
Lined with peace, wonder and love.