Fallen Log (2006)

Published in UNIBUDS Annual Magazine 2006

Inspired by Sunnataram Forest Monastery

The tree grows and climbs so tall.

It must take a long time

And many conditions to nurture it

To be the way it is.

One day, a storm comes and blows it over.

It falls.

Decades gone in one moment.

It lays there for a long time.

Like the tree, we climb high.

But when storms attack,

We fall

And think this is the end.

We think it is a disaster,

It is unnatural,

It is unfair,

And we give up.

But even the highest tree in the forest

Will fall one day.

Even the highest tree

Depends on the soil below and the sun above.

Yet, even the highest tree

Gives shade and shelter to all creatures

Regardless of who they are.

Even the highest tree

Fertilises the land,

So nearby trees can grow even taller.

Even the highest tree,

Can become a fallen log.

Even a fallen log,

Teaches us humility,

Equanimity,

And loving kindness.

Because even the highest tree

Cannot make a forest alone.

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Fallen Log – Writer’s explanation

Equanimity is not an isolated theory, but one that is interconnected to all aspects of Buddhism. ‘Fallen Log’ describes how we react positively when we climb up (success) and negatively when we fall down (failure). A tree is used as an analogy to illustrate the harmony that exists in the forest, which stems from the understanding of impermanence (anicca), dependent origination (paticcasamuppada) and non-self (anatta). From such understanding, we can be equanimous even when faced with success or failure because we don’t personalise our success or failures. We realise we are not alone, not elevated nor degraded. We are equal and universal.