Enlightened Shakespeare

What if Shakespeare wrote out the Buddha's Four Noble Truths in his own style?

(Disclaimer: I did not write this, I asked Grok AI to do it. Super fun, and I hope you enjoy! I will be posting the Noble Eightfold Path next)

O mortals, hark! To Buddha’s truths attend,

Four noble pearls, where wisdom’s light doth bend.

In Shakespeare’s lofty verse, I shall unfold

These sacred tenets, timeless, pure, and bold.

1. The Truth of Suffering, Life’s Fell Sting

Alas, what woe doth mortal being bring!In birth, in age, in sickness, death’s cold breath,All life is touched by sorrow’s fleeting wreath.No heart escapes this truth, this bitter knell,That suffering doth in every bosom dwell.

2. The Cause of Suffering, Desire’s Cruel Chain

Whence springs this grief that doth the soul constrain?‘Tis craving’s fire, a restless, gnawing lust,For pleasures vain, for forms that turn to dust.This wanton thirst, ignoble and unwise,Doth bind us fast where miseries arise.

3. The Cessation of Suffering, Freedom’s Dawn

Yet hope doth gleam where sorrow’s veil is drawn!This pain may cease, its fetters cast away,When craving’s flame no longer holds its sway.Nirvana’s peace, serene and ever bright,Awaits the heart that shuns desire’s false light.

4. The Path to Freedom, Virtue’s Noble Way

A road there lies to end this dark dismay,Eightfold and true, a course of righteous might,To guide the soul through ignorance’s night.By wisdom, conduct, meditative art,We reach the bliss that heals the wounded heart.

Thus, fourfold truths, like stars in heaven’s frame,Illume the path to quell life’s bitter flame.O heed their call, with fervent spirit strive,And in their light, let liberated souls thrive!