Meditation

Don't pursue actions that can be repudiated, but don't resent it if people repudiate you. Cultivate virtues worthy of praise, but don't expect people to praise you.

You cannot cause calamity not to occur, but trust in yourself not to beckon it. You cannot cause fortune to arrive, but trust in yourself not to reject it. When calamity occurs, since it is not your doing you do not grieve when in straits. When fortune comes, since it is not your achievement you are not conceited when successful.

In this way you live at ease and enjoy effortlessness, yet there is order.

- Lao Tzu

[from 'Wen-Tzu : Understanding the Mysteries', translated by Thomas Cleary]. via Zen Poems, haiku and writings.

Photo: Ornamental plants and wild poinsettia by Alma P. Gamil 

           taken in Bulusan, Sorsogon

           Philippines

Scarlet beauty

Growing wild along the curved highway of Porog is this eye catcher red clump of what seemed to be little berries but as soon as these opens turn into minute flowers with interesting features.

To anyone from Bulusan who is familiar and knows exactly the local name of this indigenous flower,  I will appreciate it much if it can reach me via comment or my contact info. Much thanks in advance.


Photos: Alma P. Gamil
Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines