Archive for August, 2002

Sit up

Friday, August 23rd, 2002

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

- Ryushu Shutaku (1308–1388)

Empty truth

Friday, August 23rd, 2002

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)

white clouds

Wednesday, August 21st, 2002

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

- Han-shan

Solitary Crane

Monday, August 12th, 2002

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

- Shide (8th century)

My mind is motionless

Thursday, August 8th, 2002

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.

- Reizan (1411)