Written by Chogyam Trungpa, from his book “Shambhala:  the Sacred Path of the Warrior”


Let the world tickle your heart

If you search for awakened heart
if you put your hand through your rib cage and feel for it,
there is nothing there except for tenderness.
You feel sore and soft,
and if you open your eyes to the rest of the world,
you feel tremendous sadness.

This kind of sadness doesn’t come from being mistreated
It occurs because your heart is completely exposed.
There is no skin or tissue covering it;
it is pure raw meat.
Even if a tiny mosquito lands on it,
you feel so touched.

Your experience is so tender, so personal.
The genuine heart of sadness comes from feeling that your nonexistent heart is full.
You would like to spill your heart’s blood,
give your heart to others.

Real fearlessness is the product of tenderness.
It comes from letting the world tickle your heart,
your raw and beautiful heart.

You are willing to open up,
without resistance or shyness,
and face the world.

You are willing to unconditionally share your heart with others.