Below is a Vedantic poem composed by Jayaram, an ardent Vedanta student of Arsha Vidya.

Response vs Reaction

The Mind as given;

Is a receptacle?

For un-manifested tendencies;

Born of distant pasts;

It’s also an instrument;

Along with intellect;

As host to precious choice.

Un-manifested tendencies;

Like hidden serpents;

Unprocessed in the conscious mind;

Often raise their poisonous hoods, and;

To actions-reactions foul lead;

Causing great harm,

To the Doer and the Done.

Mindfulness of desires;

Desires to thoughts;

Thoughts to action;

And the exercise of choice;

Alone leads;

To response best;

Of a mature mind.

Om.