Long Life: The Wild Pines 1 and 2
This is by a Japanese poet named Ikkyu. He used the symbol of the red thread to respresent sexuality.
Passion's red thread is infinite
like the earth,
always under me.
Now I'm 70.
Still alive.
Looking up every night.
and snapping my fingers at time and the promise of love.
Listen! I'd like to give you something.
But what would help?
Self, other, right, wrong,
wasting your life arguing with it.
Face it! You're happy!
How many times do I have to say it?
There is no way not to be who you are, and where.
In that last line lie all the teachings of the Buddha, I think. Isn't there such comfort in it? You already know all you need to know, all you have to do is remember. Your happiness is always there, waiting for you, like your breath. There is no need for the "pursuit of happiness."