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October 16, 2021

The Zen of the Ropes

KI KEN TAI

The sound of the whip.

Ropes that sing when tightened.

The sword that cuts the air.

Meditation in movement.

*

KOAN 

The impact on the lover’s bare skin.

The depths of forbidden pleasures.

Mutually craved pain and discipline.

This is how you clap with one hand.

*

INCENSE  

The silence of the embrace is still present.

In the inebriating scent of sweat, heavy leather, and wax.

The mind is freed and at peace.

For the first time.

*

IKKYŪ

Ikkyū and his octopus, worthy of the Buddha.

Fresh tuna grilled with lemon, watching the sea.

In the best company.

This is when I understood.

*

YOUR ARMS ARE THE ROPE

The ropes have the power to bind the thoughts.

Their fierce hold demands absolute surrender.

And to touch the celestial spheres of bliss.

Fudō Myō-ō—the immovable one—knows,

why he carries not only the flaming sword

but also the rope in his other hand.

*

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