Between the storms of sorrows br and rains of happiness, br you stand like a mountain rock; br savor both of them with equanimity; br do not cling to one or the other. br That’s the essence, that’s the key. br br Between the glistening tides of success br and slipping ebbs of failure, br you stand like a deep, calm sea; br contain both of them with equanimity; br do not cling to one or the other. br That’s the essence, that’s the key. br br Between the sunshine of hope br and the darkness of despair, br you stand like a day well aware; br fill both of them with equanimity; br do not cling to one or the other. br That’s the essence, that’s the key. br br Between a freshening friendship br and throbs of enmity, br you light a candle of Loving Kindness; br win the hearts of both with equanimity; br do not cling to one or the other. br That’s the essence, that’s the key. br br Between the glitter of riches br and shackles of poverty, br you open your contented heart; br enjoy both with equanimity; br do not cling to one or the other. br That’s the essence, that’s the key. br br Between the rush of anger br and a glimpse of quietness, br you witness your alert awareness; br sense both with equanimity; br do not cling to one or the other. br That’s the essence, that’s the key. br br Between the high notes of music br and the lower, whispering tones, br the dance of opposites shines, br creating melodious, musical harmony; br do not cling to one or the other. br That’s the essence, that’s the key.