On The Path

by Monica Max West

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1.
Belief Is Not A Gun 04:22
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Belief is not a loaded gun Every colour of the rainbow leads me home She stood by the river, she wanted to cross But she needed a vessel to carry her aloft So she became a carpenter and built a little boat She hoped that though the waves were rough, she could stay afloat She landed on the other bank, so happy she’d arrived And grateful to her tiny craft for keeping her alive She called this boat her Saviour - couldn’t leave it on the shore She hoisted it upon her back, though that’s not what boats are made for That’s not what boats are made for She carried it for many miles; it gave her more than pain But she could not let it go, in case she needed it again Beyond any notion of right and wrong, beyond the monochrome Beyond dualistic – there’s a man wearing lipstick, every colour of the rainbow leads me home The day he saw the butterfly, he stood, transfixed Her beauty burned into his eyes, his heart was beating quick His love became obsession, he could think of nothing else He wanted this fine creature only for himself He captured her in swaying grass beneath the summer sky His fingers caged her precious wings; she could no longer fly Afraid that she might leave him, he tightened his hands And though he crushed her powd’ry sails, he didn’t understand He didn’t understand… His held his palms together like a statue caught in prayer If you asked to see his butterfly, nothing was there Beyond any notion of right and wrong, beyond the monochrome Beyond dualistic – there’s a man wearing lipstick, every colour of the rainbow leads me home Can I hold these views lightly, remember to let go Can I stay unattached to what I know? Dismantle every idol, not be blinded by the sun Belief is not a loaded gun Every colour of the rainbow leads me home Belief is not a loaded gun Every colour of the rainbow leads me home Beyond any notion of right and wrong, beyond the monochrome (freedom, absolute freedom) Beyond dualistic – there’s a man wearing lipstick, every colour leads me home (freedom, absolute freedom) Beyond any notion of right and wrong, beyond where truth is just one (freedom, absolute freedom) Beyond dualistic – there’s a man wearing lipstick, and belief is not a gun (freedom, absolute freedom)
2.
Truth Is Found In Life 03:48
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(Okay, everybody, are you ready for this? This song is all about staying fully awake and alert in every moment of life. Are you ready for this? Okay! One, two, three…) I’m ready to learn, I’m ready to learn, I’m ready to learn, I’m ready to learn ‘cause TRUTH IS FOUND IN LIFE How I yearn, how I burn, how I long to discern TRUTH IS FOUND IN LIFE, yeah TRUTH IS FOUND IN LIFE Leave behind the narrow streets, where buildings cast shadows, they block the sky…they block the sky Roam amongst the grass and flowers, opening my ears, opening my heart so wide…I open wide Everything changes, oh...let me not fall asleep Everything changes, oh…my mind is clear when I look deep I’m ready to learn, I’m ready to learn, I’m ready to learn, I’m ready to learn ‘cause TRUTH IS FOUND IN LIFE How I yearn, how I burn, how I long to discern TRUTH IS FOUND IN LIFE, yeah TRUTH IS FOUND Realise every star in the firmament: each jewel shines its precious light…this precious light Knowledge is a spirited changeling, dancing like a river, with grace and might…grace and might Everything changes, oh...let me not fall asleep Everything changes, oh…my mind is clear when I look deep I’m ready to learn, I’m ready to learn, I’m ready to learn, I’m ready to learn ‘cause TRUTH IS FOUND IN LIFE How I yearn, how I burn, how I long to discern TRUTH IS FOUND IN LIFE, yeah TRUTH IS FOUND I’m ready to learn, I’m ready to learn, I’m ready to learn, I’m ready to learn ‘cause TRUTH IS FOUND IN LIFE How I yearn, how I burn, how I long to discern TRUTH IS FOUND IN LIFE Let go the fixed, I heal my strife Take this shapeshifter as my wife, ‘cause TRUTH IS FOUND IN TRUTH IS FOUND IN TRUTH IS FOUND IN LIFE (Yeah! Keep on learnin’!)
3.
This Blessed Tree 04:19
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Let the buds be buds, let the leaves be leaves Let the blossoms be the blossoms on this blessed tree With wings in our hearts, we are truly free Let the blossoms be the blossoms on this blessed tree We’ll find a peaceful answer when we embrace tolerance Make a loving conversation, each question is important Like, does this notion foster joy? Does it answer to the soul? Is it the chosen path of wise ones? Is it beautiful? Let the buds be buds, let the leaves be leaves Let the blossoms be the blossoms on this blessed tree Each of us growing to capacity Let the blossoms be the blossoms on this blessed tree We’ll bring kindness to our dialogue every time we meet together An exchange based on gentleness will calm this stormy weather Respect allows all people to choose how they decide When we give each other this freedom, we stand side by side And let the buds be buds, let the leaves be leaves Let the blossoms be the blossoms on this blessed tree With wings in our hearts, we are truly free Let the blossoms be the blossoms on this blessed tree Let me not take some deaf and blind turn, or walk the path of a fanatic Difference brings fresh air – let me not lock enquiry in the attic I renounce those extremes, and so I recall the words of Dr Martin Luther King Me too, yeah, yeah, ‘I have a dream’ Let the buds be buds, let the leaves be leaves Let the blossoms be the blossoms on this blessed tree Each of us growing to capacity Let the blossoms be the blossoms on this blessed tree Let the buds be buds, let the leaves be leaves Let the blossoms be the blossoms on this blessed tree With wings in our hearts, we are truly free Let the blossoms be the blossoms, the blossoms be the blossoms The blossoms be the blossoms on this blessed tree
4.
I'd Like to Help You Through 04:11
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I walk to awaken, sit and breathe to awaken, every moment of this life I smile to awaken, I cry to awaken, I touch joy, I touch strife ‘Cause the inside is connected to the outside and the only way out is in Yeah, the inside is connected to the outside; every creature is kin I’m so happy and I’m grateful: these are the seeds I sow From joy, I made a boat that takes me where I need to go I see your tears fall down and I extend my hand to you Let me row you to the other shore - that’s something I can do And you might find a flower there born from mud of your despair ‘Cause love can blossom anywhere, I know (and I’d like to help you through) And you might find a flower there born from mud of your despair ‘Cause love can blossom anywhere, I know And I’d like to help you through; I’d like to help you through The full moon is glowing, the river is flowing, the garden is growing before my eyes The Earth is forgiving, but there’s pain in the living, too much taking, not enough giving, and hope dies ‘Cause the inside is connected to the outside and the only way out is in Yeah, the inside is connected to the outside; every creature is kin I’m so happy and I’m grateful: these are the seeds I sow From joy, I made a boat that takes me where I need to go I see your tears fall down and I extend my hand to you Let me row you to the other shore - that’s something I can do And you will find a flower there born from mud of your despair ‘Cause love is blooming everywhere, I know Yeah, you will find a flower there born from mud of your despair ‘Cause love is blooming everywhere, I know And I’d like to help you through; I’d like to help you through I’d like to help you through; I’d like to help you through
5.
Live Simply 04:01
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Happiness is the child of Peace And Peace arises from Solidity Solidity is Freedom's progeny And Freedom grows from Compassion Compassion is the Mother of Joy And Joy creates Well-Being Well-Being begets Generosity Generosity gives birth to Happiness, it comes full circle Happiness, it comes full circle May I live simply so others may simply live Remember each day to practice The Way - when a hand is outstretched, I will give May I live simply, may I live simply Less desire, less possessions Less possessions: less need for money Less need for money, fewer hours at the job Oh, and having more time Having more time, making more peace Making more peace, and there is energy And with this energy, simply give Sharing all that we have, we can Simply live, it comes full circle Simply live May I live simply so others may simply live Remember each day to practice The Way - when a hand is outstretched, I will give May I live simply So many ways to get lost and become intoxicated (Fast food habit, whiskey and wine, the latest gadget, oblivion online) On money, on pleasure, on fame…but there’s no way to be sated (Sugar and nicotine, Facebook and Twitter, celebrity magazine, twisted and bitter) The Realisation of Understanding: this is my only career Nourishment and Protection for One and All, my dear May I live simply so others may simply live (may I live simply, yeah, yeah, yeah) Remember each day to practice The Way - when a hand is outstretched, I will give May I live simply so others may simply live (may I live simply, yeah, yeah, yeah) Remember each day to practice The Way - when a hand is outstretched, I will give May I live simply, may I live simply May I live simply, may I live simply I give my love to you
6.
Happy Farmers Change the World 03:31
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Anger is a seed It often grows to weed But I won’t let this weed run wild and choke every crop in the field ‘Cause what I reap, I sow, my child, and this could destroy the yield I’ll pay attention to the medicine… Oh, even this can have its medicine Anger is a flame burning light and heat So difficult to tame, smoke stings my eyes, embers blister my feet But I won’t let this fire run wild and burn the houses down ‘Cause what I reap, I sow, my child, and this could destroy our town I’ll pay attention to the medicine… Oh, this fire can have its medicine I’m a Peace Keeper, a farmer of this land Taking care of what is growing here with my two hands I’m a Peace Keeper, a tender of the fire So the heat and light can help us, not become our funeral pyre And a Happy Farmer can change the world – just like an oyster takes sand and makes a beautiful pearl And a Happy Mother can change the universe – tipping moonlight and stardust from the bottom of her purse When I point a finger at you, four others point back at me If I change blaming into naming, can I set both of us free? This alarm call ringing shrill, I’ll stay silent and still, I’m coming home If I understand me and I understand you There’s a bridge of compassion built between us two If I understand me and I understand you There’s a bridge of compassion built between us two And a Happy Farmer can change the world – that’s how a grain of sand becomes a beautiful pearl And a Happy Mother can change the universe – tipping moonlight and stardust from the bottom of her purse Happy farmers change the world (x 3) Happy farmer – that’s what I wanna be Happy farmer – taking care of these seeds
7.
This Is Because That Is 03:58
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This is because That is…This is because That is… Two palms together: the shape of the lotus My mind and body here in everything I notice This life is real, this life is deep Life is worth living, let me not fall asleep Mindfulness, presence, fully aware Glorious wisdom! Concentration and care Brim full of happy, peace and joy evolving Soothing afflictions, confusion dissolving This is because That is…This is because That is… SO PRECIOUS AND RARE (x2) Jealousy and craving can steal time away Come home to my breath and savour this day Yesterday’s gone, tomorrow’s not here Say ‘no’ to avoidance, so the Now can be clear Mindful in body, in feelings, all kinds Mindful of mind and the objects of mind Elements wondrous in all situations Within and around me – love is my meditation Interbeing – yeah, yeah! Interbeing – yeah, yeah! This is because That is…This is because That is… As I look deeply, as if fresh, newly birthed I see with amazement: Life and this Earth And each of Her creatures, the large and the small Animals and plants, minerals, all Interbeing – yeah, yeah! Interbeing – yeah, yeah! Infinitely, infinitely, infinitely, infinitely… SO PRECIOUS AND RARE (x 4) This is because That is…This is because That is… This is because That is…This is because That is… Interbeing – yeah, yeah! Interbeing – yeah, yeah!
8.
Lost and Found 04:39
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Lost and found, can we rebuild on solid ground? In for a penny, in for a pound – lost and found Our home was full of peace; our home was full of laughter Our home was full of wisdom for the now and ever after Our home was full of flowers; our home was full of song Our home was full of sharing – we thought nothing could go wrong When our harmony was threatened, we didn’t see the danger We turned our backs on our friends while welcoming a stranger We closed our eyes from seeing, and we closed and locked our minds We closed our ears to listening and ignored the signs We thought we saw the truth; but our understanding was insufficient We believed we were superior and that the other was deficient We lost patience with the process and kept ourselves aloof And so we lost the refuge that once thrived under this roof We abandoned our true duties in this tragic evolution Would not enquire deeply into our own contribution Built an isolated system of exclusive participation We described ourselves as victims of the other’s perpetration Unlike the clever bees, we didn’t look after our hive There were so many things we didn’t realise We ignored the rift between us and so it grew and grew Until there was a chasm between me and you And our home was ripped in two Lost and found, can we rebuild on solid ground? With our respect and trust profound – lost and found Choosing sides and dark positions, we would not acknowledge doubt We only shared part of our stories, and shut the anguish out We formed interest groups and factions, spoke of others with derision We excluded sisters and brothers – but couldn’t reach a right decision More than nurturing fair concord based upon a true collective To win an argument became our main objective So, we uttered cruel words that will never be unspoken What was once sacred between us now lay twisted and broken We didn’t stop to look within; we were fierce when we disagreed Using ideas as pointed weapons, till every heart was left to bleed Our community in tatters – some ran away, some ran the show Some runaways found a new home; some had nowhere to go The sweet honey bee will never leave her hive She knows she needs the other bees to stay alive In harmony, always working together Each playing a part, letting go of blame forever Knowing the art and architecture of reconciliation The honey bee follows the road of emancipation Lost and found, can we rebuild on solid ground? In for a penny, in for a pound – lost and found Our home is full of peace; our home is full of laughter Our home is full of wisdom for the now and ever after Our home is full of flowers; our home is full of song Our home is full of sharing – and we promise to set it right when things go wrong Lost and found, that’s how we build on solid ground With our foundations true and sound – lost and found
9.
Never Fail Me 03:21
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Never fail me! Never fail me! Love and truth can rise above doubt May these words blossom like spring flowers, shine like the winter stars May these words soothe troubled waters, carrying hope both near and far May these words guide the wayward wanderer, usher a new dawn May these words lighten heavy burdens, and never do any harm May this silence fall like an autumn leaf, glow like the midnight moon May this silence comfort the weary and aching, it never comes too soon May this silence breathe like a mountain forest, blowing the fog away May this silence lay down every arm, there’s nothing more we need to say And these words will help us to see Yeah, the silence will carry me for miles And these words will let compassion bloom And the silence descends with a beautiful smile Oh, my heart! Never fail me! These words! Never fail me! We can find our way out Oh, my courage! Never fail me! This vision! Never fail me! Love and truth can rise above doubt Lying, foolish babbling, inflated language to impress Gossip, rumours; criticism – creating such a mess Do I see this clearly? Am I really sure? Is my mind at peace? Or is it at war? Knowing when and how to talk and when to refrain A careful balance between sun and rain Oh, my heart! Never fail me! These words! Never fail me! We can find our way out Oh, my courage! Never fail me! This vision! Never fail me! Love and truth can rise above anger…above all of this doubt
10.
Essence of Water 03:20
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Can we flow as a river? A wisp of cloud to a drop of rain Flow as a river – again and again We will build on the waves of meditation We will join in the stream of concentration We will swim in the ocean of insight so This clear lake can shine illumination This is the essence of water: together we are one This is our body collective This is the essence of water: together we are one The balm of love is corrective Can we flow as a river? A wisp of cloud to a drop of rain Flow as a river – again and again We will flow as a river – each day awakening We’ll flow as a river – turning rough stones to smooth, and healing the pain And the current will rise strong; and the current will run clear Showing what is wrong, and the path to there from here And the current will reach everywhere, cutting through the hardest rock Like melting ice, our deepest care, truth and beauty are unlocked This is the essence of water: together we are one This is our body collective This is the essence of water: together we are one Peace is our only objective Flow as a river – a wisp of cloud to a drop of rain Flow as a river – again and again We will flow as a river – each day awakening We’ll flow as a river – turning rough stones to smooth, and healing the pain
11.
True Heart, True Mind 03:56
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I'm so thankful when my work can go gently, so thankful, my joy and love alive Manifesting what and how I choose like the sweet honey bee in her hive I walk this path, every step with care I won't tread on others to get me where…I want to go These beautiful trees The flowers they bear May this be right, may this be how I live, may the money I make be kind Day and night in what I take and give, may the stars align A true heart, a true mind A true heart, a true mind I try to keep my eyes open and see the world as it is and not fall asleep I try to say what I know with a voice like a bell so these words travel far and deep The impact of my choices on the oceans and the air My legacy's not separate from the destiny we share These beautiful trees The flowers they bear May this be right, may this be how I live, may the money I make be kind Day and night in what I take and give, may the stars align I’m a weaver before this dogwood frame; where did I get my thread? And you, who buy this coloured fabric: can I call you friend? Can I live simple, correct and sane? Like the glorious sun and the soft summer rain Simple, correct and sane May this be right, may this be how I live, may the money I make be kind Day and night in what I take and give, may the stars align May this be right, may this be how I live, may the money I make be kind Day and night in what I take and give, may the stars align A true heart, a true mind A true heart, a true mind A true heart, a true mind A true heart, a true mind
12.
Love Song to Life 03:51
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This is my love song to life - my heartfelt love song to life It’s for the oceans and the animals, forests and the minerals Love song to life Oh, my people, I'm in you; oh, my people, you're in me Please, my people, can we look deeply This morning's bacon and eggs, use cars instead of our legs Bound by forgetting, we are not free Progress, not perfection, peace is our direction No ambition that will hurt another Turning us against our brother When every step could kiss our Mother, oh This is my love song to life - my heartfelt love song to life It’s for the oceans and the animals, forests and the minerals Love song to life Oh, my people, you're in me; oh, my people, I'm in you Please, my people, for the benefit of all and not the few Can we understand the love and weapons in our hands? Open our eyes to the good and ill we do Peace is our direction; let love be our connection No ambition that will hurt another Turning us against our brother And every step can kiss our Mother, oh This is my love song to life - my heartfelt love song to life It’s for the oceans and the animals, forests and the minerals Love song to life Mindful meditation for some illumination; mental purification, oh, oh… Peace education leads to reconciliation, every soul in creation, oh, oh… This is my love song to life - my heartfelt love song to life It’s for the oceans and the animals, forests and the minerals Love song to life This is my love song to life (this is my love song, my heartfelt love song) My heartfelt love song to life (my precious love song, forever love song) May I respect you; may I protect you Love song to life
13.
True Happiness 04:17
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Give my energy, give my time, no profit from what is not rightly mine Share my money, one for every nine, respect the things of others, don’t step over the line Please don’t hurt my sister or brother; we’ve got to protect our beautiful Mother We are one, we are in each other - this is how we’ll soon discover that My true happiness can’t be without your true happiness can’t be without Their true happiness can’t be without every living creature being free My true happiness can’t be without your true happiness can’t be without Their true happiness can’t be without every living creature being free The animals’ right to life and happiness, the oceans flowing with health and happiness Our Mother Earth’s perfect balanced happiness: this is how we make a world of peace To express my love, I’ll look for the way, appropriate in what I think and say In a difficult place or on a difficult day, I can smile at you, I can sing and pray Break down illusions that burden my mind, dissolve the barriers that make me blind Commit myself to being loving and kind – this is how I’ll finally find that My true happiness can’t be without your true happiness can’t be without Their true happiness can’t be without every living creature being free The animals’ right to life and happiness, the oceans flowing with health and happiness Our Mother Earth’s perfect balanced happiness: this is how we make a world of peace The Bodhisattvas’ vows are immense - can I sit beside you on your raft? The Bodhisattvas’ vows are intense and the sea we travel is vast Do it now, before it is too late, this is the future that we can create Now is the time, so let us not wait: stop using being busy as a reason to hesitate We are all in this together, steer our boat through every weather Solid as a mountain but light as a feather - let’s use our strength and wisdom to find a way that’s better, ‘cause My true happiness can’t be without your true happiness can’t be without Their true happiness can’t be without every living creature being free My true happiness can’t be without your true happiness can’t be without Their true happiness can’t be without every living creature being free The animals’ right to life and happiness, the oceans flowing with health and happiness Our Mother Earth’s perfect balanced happiness: this is how we make a world of peace
14.
Sanity of the Body 03:44
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The sanity of the body is the sanity of the spirit: they are one and the same Sex can be a loving act, of great responsibility Treated with importance, it brings healing and stability Knowing and seeing, we show how we love and accept Ourselves and the other, with joy and respect Bodies in this ritual of understanding and great care This nourishment we deeply feel is very precious, very rare We are two joined as one: this is how we express A spiritual communion, we kiss and tender bless …we kiss and tender bless The sanity of the body is the sanity of the spirit: they are one and the same Sex can be an ugly act – when touching emanates from fear Our loneliness growing though this stranger’s body is right here We think we love but feelings lie ‘cause pure desire is our driver Pictures feed our cravings – we make a purchase for a fiver Treating people just like things, our egos want satisfaction Hearts separate and alone, fragmenting in interaction By this violence and this anguished suffering we’re bound Our integrity in pieces, fragments lying on the ground…lying on the ground… lying on the ground… lying The sanity of the body is the sanity of the spirit: they are one and the same The violation of the body is the violation of the spirit: this is not a game Three energy channels in being alive Sex and breath and spirit so that we can thrive Laying the bricks for the strongest foundation To build a life of peace for every soul in every nation How can I preserve my spirit? How can I preserve my spirit? How can I preserve my spirit? How can I preserve my spirit? Taking care of my body; taking care of my body Taking care of my body; taking care of my body The sanity of the body is the sanity of the spirit: they are one and the same

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An album of songs based on the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings of Plum Village (Thich Nhat Hanh)

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released May 24, 2020

All songs written, performed, programmed, engineered and produced by Monica Max West

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Monica Max West London, UK

Max is a joyful singer-songwriter, originally from Chicago, but now residing in London, UK. She is a feminist, Buddhist, and joyful Earth dweller, a proud member of Extinction Rebellion, a wildlife photographer and the creator of the YouTube show "Moonbow the Sun Bear"! ... more

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