THE WHEEL OF REBIRTH

Lyrics, Upasika Kuo Chin Vickers

         Intro:

1. Spin—ing a—round on the wheel of re—birth;

What is the mean—ing & what is the worth?

We are born and then we-- --die.

Not know—ing or car—ing or won—der—ing why.

2. Birth has been likened to ripping the shell

   From a live turtle's back; it's too painful to tell

   The feeling of death is to skin a live cow.

   Do you really think life is so wonderful now?

3. Though you may have millions in silver and gold,

   You cannot avoid getting sick, getting old.

   For this is the suffering of living a life.

   Flowers of joy have their roots deep in strife.

4. Flowers will fade in the autumn's cold wind.

   Springtime will see the buds bursting again.

   In this way again and again we are born,

   As surely as evening is followed by morn.

5. Around and around in the six paths we flow,

   Propelled by the winds of our karma we go;

   Be careful, be cautious in every deed,

   For bitter fruit grows from an evil seed.

6. Who hoe transcended the wheel of rebirth?

   He who is honored by heaven and earth.

   The Buddha Enlightened Compassionate One,

   Has perfectly finished what has to be done.

7. The Buddha spoke Dharma and this he did say:

   "If you want to end suffering, follow the Way.

   Just cease your afflictions of hatred and greed;

   With a pure mind and body, you'll surely be freed,

8. And when we have finally made it across,

   We'll come back to save those still tumbling lost,

   In the realms where the gods and the beings in hell

   And the ghosts and the humans and the animals dwell.

9. Who has transcended the wheel of rebirth?

   He who is honored by heaven and earth.

   The Buddha Awakened Compassionate One,

   Has perfectly finished what has to be done.