HELL AND HEAVEN ARE STATES OF MIND HERE AND NOW: A POEM

HELL AND HEAVEN ARE STATES OF MIND HERE AND NOW: A POEM

No fiery pit, no golden gate above,

The ancient wisdom whispers from the past,

Not after-life where souls might gently move,

But states of mind, while living, firmly cast.

For heaven's bliss, a pure and selfless deed,

A quiet heart, from worldly ties set free,

Enlightenment, beyond all want and need,

Is found right here, for all the eyes can see.

And hell's dark grip, a burning, restless thought,

Desiring sense, a blindness to the truth,

By lust and greed, and anger deeply caught,

Ignorant of the soul's eternal youth.

To know the Self, this joyful peace you find,

Escape the hell, and heaven fill your mind.