Jean-Luc Mommaerts

Poems From a Parallel World Jean-Luc Mommaerts

In the 343 poems before you lies a personal appreciation of meditation and Zen. Please savor them carefully. They speak of a meditative way of living. They are also meant to be insights for life. Zen literally means 'meditation.' It may be a pure source of inspiration - nothing more, nothing less.

I use terms and insights from Buddhism in these poems. Buddhism in general is to me a lifestyle tradition. Also, it is a broad universe of viewpoints. My take on it is personal and my errors in representation are only my responsibility. I like Buddhism mainly when it's fierce and daring, while at the same time gentle and bent on doing good for everybody. Striving for the impossible, undeterred. With no-striving upfront, the total-striving is the grandest. This is a paradox, not a contradiction.

The term 'parallel' has a specific meaning, related to the functioning of our brain. The poems also hint at a 'parallel world' that one can discern from a specific mindset. It is, of course, the same world, but seen from a different viewpoint. Or should I say, with a different viewpoint? Broad patterns become more discernible. Associations that are usually invisible become apparent.

To me, this is an important asset one can get from meditation. One can eventually also see in this the realm of poetry in general.