david mckinney

ANOTHER CLOUDY DAY (Tathagatagarbha)
For the Sangha of NalandaWest
Inspired by Nick Drake and Buddha Shakyamuni


Another cloudy day
Just like yesterday
But when I looked outside
Could’ve sworn the sun was right behind

Everything’s so gray
Seems it’s always been that way
But what escaped my mind
Was that the sun was right behind

I’ve got this feeling ‘bout today
Guarantee those clouds ain’t gonna stay
Maybe we could all just roll away

Another cloudy day
Just like yesterday
Then I looked inside
And I knew the sun was right behind!

I’ve got this feeling ‘bout today
I can feel work turning into play
Wouldn’t have it any other way

Another cloudy day
Another cloudy day…

ASPIRATION SONG
For Christine, David, and Remy
Inspired by Shantideva & DPR


I wouldn’t think of doin’ it
Wouldn’t even dream of doin’ it
I took a vow, there’s no turning back for me now
Don’t you see my friend, I’m with you ‘til the end
Even death can’t separate us

There’s no such things as enemies
They’re just projections our confused perception “sees”
We’re all the same: we want pleasure and don’t want to feel pain
So if you long for grace, put yourself in their place
From their perspective see how you’re selfish, stubborn and vain

So just relax, and watch your mind
Do your best, to just be kind
‘Cause it’s not just you that’s sufferring, it’s everyone
Wouldn’t you like to help them?

We could make an aspiration here
To hold every sentient being dear
Let’s do it now, join me please as I say:
“All beings everywhere, may you be free of care,
May you enjoy wisdom resources and freedom starting today!”

So just relax, and watch your mind
Do your best to just be kind
‘Cause it’s not just you that’s suffering, it’s everyone
Wouldn’t you like to help them?

So open up and give love another try
Even if it made you wanna die
That wasn’t love, that was the junk that gets in love’s way
Like the shining sun, love shines on everyone
Even when hearts seem wrapped in clouds of gray

It’s easy to live a life of benefit:
Focus on what you give, not what you get
It’s worth repeating so hear me again as I say:

It’s easy to live a life of benefit:
Just focus on what you give, not what you get
Please give it a try, and you’ll be well on The Way!

WHAT'S TRULY REAL (Sugatagarbha)
Inspired by Gilberto Gil & Caetano Veloso

Hold my hand,
Look up watch the clouds all roll away
Everything is play
When you’re with me

Just be still
There’s nothing to do, nothing to say
Let’s just spend the day together, together
Whatever it happens to bring
We’ll sing, together
Forever, just you and me

“You” and “I”
Just two words describing the same thing
We don’t need to cling
To each other

You once thought
I had gone and you were so bereft
But I never left--where would I go?
Where could I go?
When you and I know
There’s nowhere but here

My dear, with each breath
We’ll teach death
What’s truly real!