Helen Ostafew

Contemplation

Requiem for Humanity

Duration

5 minutes

Language

English

Lyrics

The Buddah Anguttara Nikaya

Setting

SATB choir, soprano and baritone solos, piano or organ

Duration: 5 minutes

Language: English

Lyrics: The Buddah Anguttara Nikaya

Setting: SATB choir, soprano and baritone solos, piano or organ

LYRICS

Short, alas, is the life of man,  

Limited and fleeting, full of pain and torment.

One should wisely understand this,  

Do good deeds and lead a holy life,  

For no mortals ever escape death.

Just as the dewdrop, at the point of the grass-blade

 At sunrise soon will vanish  

And does not remain for long:  

Just so is the dew drop-like life of men very short and fleeting.

One should wisely understand this,  

Do good deeds and lead a holy life,

 For no mortal ever escapes death.

Just as at the pouring down of a mighty rain,

The bubbles on the water very soon vanish
 And do not remain for long: 
Just so is the bubble-like life of men very short and fleeting.

One should wisely understand this,  

Do good deeds and lead a holy life,  

For no mortal ever escapes death.

Just as the cattle for slaughter,  
Whatever is their footing,  
Stand on the brink of death,  
Just so is the life of men very short and fleeting.

One should wisely understand this,  
Do good deeds and lead a holy life,  
For no mortal ever escapes death.

Short, alas, is the life of man,

 Limited and fleeting, full of pain and torment.