By Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes
What was Paramahansa Yogandanda thinking
building his Golden Lotus Temple
on sandstone cliff?
The town doctor warned,
“Erosion!”
Was it returning waves of karma?
condensation from past lives deviating from
path?
Was it watered Hinduism?
The refracted face of Jesus?
leading to back slide?
Did the self-realized guru’s third eye
blink
in face of empirical faith
moving hillside into sea?
In meditating gardens
spires of pine trees
poking fingernails into heaven
ocean splashing Brahman blue sky
The master’s plans
cut
Spiritual tourists and monks
stand together
three steps from nirvana
Author’s Note: Paramahansa Yogananda founded the Self Realization Fellowship in Encinitas, California.
Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes was born and raised in San Diego, California. He attended Herbert Hoover High School and went on to study Religion and Theology at the University of San Diego. His book Intimate Geography, published by Ragged Sky Press, won the 2012 San Diego Book Award for Poetry. Ish, as he is known, has also written lyrics for German musicians Andrea Hörkens and Thomas Roderburg (Tender Art).
Latest posts by Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes (see all)
- Word’s Out | Geo-Poetic Spaces - December 14, 2018
- Political Love Affair | Geo-Poetic Spaces - December 7, 2018
- Deer Tracks | Geo-Poetic Spaces - November 30, 2018
