Three Types of Faith

(to the tune of George Michael’s “Faith”)

Well, I guess it would be nice

If I believed in karma

Then I could read the Dharma

And I’d have a clue

Then I’d have to think twice

Before I stole your wife away

Have to watch everything I say

And what I think, too

Oh, but I need some time to create devotion

To quell my mind disturbed by love and hate

Though I’m not sure I buy these Buddhist notions

I need something to believe

‘til I find time to meditate

So I’ll have to try faith

I’ll have to try faith

Even if it’s blind faith

I sure need faith, faith, faith

Buddha said don’t just believe what I say

You’ve got to try it for a day

Then you’ll know if I’m right

His fans sat down and tried to calm their mind

Realized that they had all been blind

Asked him to turn the wheel of Dharma and saw the light

Now I’m starting to get some of the concepts

But emptiness is kind of difficult

And the deities of the Vajrayana

And bowing down to lamas

Seems sort of like a cult

Still, I’m feeling some faith

Conviction of faith

I’m developing faith

I’m getting some faith, faith, faith

My mind is calm now from shinay practice

Gaining insight and experience

I feel the guru’s blessing

The sweetest nectar

But I’m feeling no confusion

Now it’s more than making sense

I’m feeling clear faith

Joyous clear faith

Diligence and faith

Even longing faith, faith, faith

Inspired by the teachings of Drupon Khenpo Lodro Namgyal (as translated by Jim Scott) in the Rigpe Dorje Spring Program at Pullahari Monastery. Written by Tania Israel, March 28, 2007 at Pullahari.