Yao Feng #15 -- Xing Hua Temple

Xing Hua Temple

why is it the Buddha –

far from the madding crowd on the hill –

sits lounges an air of serenity, over a lotus throne

while Jesus has his blood shed

on a Good Friday cross?

I'll go upstairs with you

and we'll see the gilt-decked Buddha

projecting dazzling gold

in a world of fireworks

you served the Buddha

with incense and prayer

I didn't stoop

to words of long life or good luck

one always ends up hitting the wall

Bodishattvas climb down at last

the rail on which she leans overlooks

inequalities among the world's mountains

(translated by Kit Kelen)


《大兴华寺》

为什么菩萨
都供奉在远离尘嚣的山上
端坐于莲花宝座，神态安详
而不像耶稣，表情痉挛
在十字架上流血受难

我陪你拾阶而上
终于看到菩萨身披黄金
在俗世的烟火中
射出耀眼的金光

你向菩萨奉香祈愿
我却没有俯身
也没有念念有词
祈望长寿与吉祥

我只想走进围栏
把菩萨请下宝座
与她一起凭栏远眺
这人间不平的群山