"Mind is the Buddha"
Master Ma-tzu is very full of joy
for today he can give each monk
a small pane of clear glass to hold
After a hard running warm-up
he bids them sit and behold two things
both of them true, both of them false
Behind, before, and in the glass--
a chilling task that Ch'an has set them
Don't even think about reality, he says
Hours pass the teeth are chattering
Don't turn your gaze into a mirror
as each one tries to leave the world
Master shouts from a distant garden
Don't even think of leaving this world!
Master Winter examines your bones!
One monk stands up shouting
What could be simpler than reality?
another passes out from the strain.
Wonderfully reflective and thought-provoking -a beautifully philosophical poem
ReplyDeleteDear Sarah, Thank you for listening. It's an odd poem. While it has some little purpose and some little beauty, it probably sails a little too close to the reflective for most readers. :)
ReplyDelete