Sit up

I lie at peace in moonlight.
Or, hearing water plashing on the rock,
Sit up.

- Ryushu Shutaku (1308–1388)

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Empty truth

The substance of a sage
Is nameless and cannot be spoken of;
The empty door of truth as it really is
Cannot be tarried in.

– Pai-chang (720–814)

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white clouds

Who can break from the snares of the world
And sit with me among the white clouds?

- Han-shan

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Solitary Crane

shall climb up the magnificent mountain peak,
To await the arrival of a solitary crane.

- Shide (8th century)

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My mind is motionless

With the moon emerged,
My mind is motionless.
Sitting on this frosty seat,
No further dream of fame.
The forest, the mountain
Follow their ancient ways,
And through the long spring day,
Not even a shadow of a bird.

Read more on My mind is motionless…

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Doubt

If your ears see,
And eyes hear,
Not a doubt you’ll cherish

- Daito Kokushi

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Gray Hair, Red Flowers

Someday our hair will turn gray,
Yet the flowers will be this red each year;

- Fa Yen (885–958)

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