Five Precepts on Happiness by Bonnie Thurston
1
Though your friends and family
will likely try
to save you from it,
yours is nobody else’s
business or responsibility.
2
You cannot cause,
manufacture or manipulate it.
It comes, if at all,
as gift to be received
with gratitude.
3
Hope to receive it
and prepare by giving away
what you least want to lose.
On this point
Jesus and Buddha dance.
4
Refuse to carry the burden
of maintaining it.
That’s unnecessary baggage,
will betroth you
to a boulder and a hill.
5
If you receive some,
scatter it like seed.
Sharing assures preservation.
As with manna,
held tight, it rots.
