Freedom At Last Poem by Phan Thanh gian

The righteous path was carved out by generations of teachers
From all the sages, writers and inquirers
Their laborious writing and poems came to light
Their discoveries lift up our veil of ignorance

Nothing would come from inhibition, or prohibition
Rather from inspirations and cajoling compassion
Neither violent threats nor empty promise will suffice
Only wisdom could fulfill the truth seeker’s soul

The realization that all beings are born free,
Freedom of association, of disassociation
That unburdened deeds are results of liberating thoughts
Unbound thoughts flow from a clear conscience

Primordial pervasive darkness continously gnawing
Only the beacon of truth would unravel our murk
Ancient mindless habits are the cause of all sufferings
Enduring sufferings endeavour to enslave our existence

Today, I have finally caught a glimpse of freedom
This wretched self has always being bound by darkness!
By my own admission I'm a slave of my habits
By knowing that I'm not free, I shall strive to be...