From the September 2012 magazine: About a Poem — “The Monkey is Reaching”

In the September 2012 magazine, Zen teacher and novelist Henry Shukman writes about Hakuin Ekaku's "The Monkey is Reaching" for the "About a Poem" feature, one of our readers' favorites. Shukman writes:

"So we too find it hard to stop seeking the pleasure we mistake for happiness. Getting what we want, not getting what we want — which is more helpful as a goad to the path? And how is the blessed moment of liberation going to arrive? Not through our own efforts, apparently. Yet we must continue our efforts."

Read the full poem and Shukman's essay here, and click here to browse our September 2012 magazine online. And look for an autobiographical piece by Henry Shukman about forgiveness in the November Shambhala Sun.

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