Danielle Poitras, Alumna and Publications Editor, Marketing

President Lord, on behalf of the Naropa University staff, I’d like to welcome you, your family and friends to the Naropa community.

On this momentous occasion, I am reminded of the work that we are called to do, the sometimes difficult voyage that we are taking within ourselves.

In 1689, the poet Bashō and a companion took a journey to Japan’s northern interior. In Okunohosomichi, Narrow Road to the Interior, translated by the poet Sam Hamill, Bashō writes:

“The moon and sun are eternal travelers.
Even the years wander on.
A lifetime adrift in a boat,
or in old age leading a tired horse into the years,
every day is a journey,
and the journey itself is home.”

During his travels, Bashō encountered the transparent moon, the sounds of the autumn wind, the sharp perfume of plum blossoms, as well as a deep silence. He marked his movement and stillness with verses. Here are three:

Stopped awhile
inside a waterfall:
the summer begins

Lonely silence
a single cicada’s cry
sinking into stone

Sweep the garden
all kindnesses
falling willow leaves repay

President Lord, you have recently embarked on a road that leads into the heart of Naropa. May you feel the same intense aliveness that Bashō experienced. May the wings, songs and clouds of Naropa inspire you. May they capture your heart.