If I am to seek knowledge I must be prepared
Knowledge gives power the ego must be repaired
When knowing is not accompanied by humility
That expertise and experience begets but futility
If I am to seek wealth I must learn to spend well
Wealth gives influence the mind must dwell
When money is not expended for the good of all
That fortune and affluence will only cause downfall
If I am to seek authority I must know how to face
Rebel and naysayers with dignity and grace
When clout is not used with mellowness and caution
That muscle and power brings forth dangerous options
If I am to seek affinities I must instill empathy
Relationships cannot last on mirth or sympathy
When the bonding is superficial and the space is forced
That connection cannot bring joy the magic is lost
If I am to seek friendships I must be ready to let go
Individual idiosyncrasies must be ignored for it to grow
When camaraderie is not combined with genuineness
That friendship will break your heart leaving you in a mess
If I am to seek peace and quiet I must imbibe patience
Ups and downs will come and go I must develop endurance
When equanimity is practiced the base must be gratitude
That calm and poise will dissipate with the wrong attitude
If I am to seek Nirvana I must infuse simplicity to live
Not empty talk but to actually give and to forgive
When satisfaction becomes way of life and anger is absent
That bliss and harmony will synchronize past and present