It has been over 25 years since I became a monk. The journey that I have taken is truly fascinating even to myself when I look back. My Travels have taken me to almost every corner of the world. Whether I am teaching, learning, meditating or working on a social work project, I am grateful for all the blessings and spiritually rich moments in my life.

I do not consider myself a poet. These poems are notes of pure experience of a simple Buddhist monk who haS allowed the wisdom of his heart to guide him freely. At peaceful moments after meditation or after having an intense experience, I would sit down and write because I wanted to remember the special moments. I wanted to record the experience while I was somewhat within it. I would collect my thoughts from that deep center and let them flow freely, writing in short sentences in order to maintain the purity of the experience.

These poems are writings from my heart written between 1980 - 2000. Most of the poems have arisen from the stillness of my meditations. I tried not to edit my old poems too much, although I noticed that my language had improved and I have a wider choice of English words now. I have also chosen to publish three poems that I wrote to my mother after her death. There are other poems that I did not include in this collection because they are too personal or inappropriate for this book.

Whenever I have shared my poems in my classes or meditation retreats, I have noticed how they would touch and inspire the listeners. For many years many of my students and friends have requested that I publish my poems. I am glad that I finally have the opportunity to offer you and share with you some of the precious moments of peace, joy, inspiration and awakening in my life.

May you be well, peaceful and happy.

Bhante Wimala