REFLECTION I Ode to Three

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Alumni members, family and friends during the Saint Joseph Secondary School’s Alumni Pinktober walk in Suva last month. Picture : FILE

This poem was inspired by the sublime beauty of Life. The beauty of earth and all creations upon it.

The pace of present times sees many people let the silent works, wonders and wisdom of Nature pass them by.

Buds bloom in silence in their Season

Birds sing each Morn at the sight of dawn

The sun rises and sets each day

The tide flows by and returns to the ocean blue

The rain cleanses earth and life in all forms – from the creations of nature to the creation of human life – is magical and mystical in their essence and presence. Creation is the process of existence in being. The meaning of life is a focus on connection, purpose, internal growth, life-force and an alignment with the cosmic order and universal consciousness.

As per Buddhist teachings, the meaning of life is realised when one releases their attachment (s) – the root cause of suffering. The chosen path to eliminate this suffering is the middle path – ethical living, meditation and mindfulness. The ultimate achievement is Nirvana – freedom from attachments and re-birth. The middle path is an inner journey towards self – awareness, peace and transcendence – an acknowledgement of the interconnectedness of all existence.

Life — Force

In Buddhism, one’s life – force is a principle theme of existence. It encompasses vital energy or consciousness that sustains existence. It is interpreted as the essential vitality that sustains life in all beings.

Life force energy is the positive energy of thought, action and words that animates all living beings. This energy exists in all living beings and influences their physical health, emotional well-being and spiritual knowledge.

To enhance life force energy, one can engage in the following daily, dedicated practices:

1. Breathing – breath control (Pranayama) can aid in the balance of energy flow

2. Physical activities – regular exercise/ movement (such as y

3. Nourishing diet – care and focus on diet, particularly a diet rich in nutrients, supports energy levels. Diet includes food and beverage/liquid intake. In Ayurveda practice, both palms are equivalent to your plate size and thus, your food consumption. Place your palms together to form a bowl/cup shape and limit your food portion to this volume. It is ideal to consume 1/3 food and 1/3 liquid; leaving sufficient space for digestion. The 1/3 liquid should be derived from soups/health drinks and water (in small doses during a meal)

4. Connection with nature – time dedicated to nature can rejuvenate and restore life – force energy. It is vital to note that an energy imbalance can lead to physical and emotional issues.

Wonders of creation

To take rest and reflect on the purpose and presence of one’s life on earth, is to truly notice the wonders of creation:

1. The creations of Nature

2. The creation of science and sacred geometry in nature

3. The creation of sentient beings

4. The creation of aualities in life (light/darkness, joy/sorrow, good/evil, need/greed, order/friction)

5. The creation of Earth and the universe

6. The creation of time and the ages (golden, silver, bronze and iron ages)

My Buddhist

practice

I was born into Hinduism. Attended Roman Catholic schools and began to practice Buddhist philosophy from 2005. The principle tenets of Buddhism includes a

1. The middle path – a balanced approach to Life to avoid extremes of indulgence and asceticism

2. Dharma – thoughts, words and actions each create and carry Energy. Dharma is an ethical way of life/living in alignment with the Cosmic Order

3. Impermanence

4. Nirvana – the pursuit of enlightenment

5. Mindfulness and meditation

All forms of spiritual practice have one purpose – that people shift into a state of awakening – awareness, acknowledgement, appreciation and mindful action (including thoughts/words) of the gift of life and the power of life-force within them to radiate positive energy and higher vibrational frequencies to live a life and leave a legacy of purpose.

Dedication: Pinktober and Movember

In honour of all the warrior souls in this Year of the Fire Horse (2026), who are striving towards health and well-being, may you be blessed with the spirit of the Fire Horse to grant you endurance, resilience and the will to proceed with purpose.

In Buddhism, one’s life – force is a principle theme of existence. It encompasses vital energy or consciousness that sustains existence. It is interpreted as the essential vitality that sustains life in all beings.
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