Zen Buddhism and Martial Arts
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Author of this poem:
Zen Master Hsu Yun
FOR MR. HE JINGTIAN, A LAYMAN OF GREAT COMPASSION
Once, he competed for reputation,
And struggled for advantage in the world
As the Chu and the Han chased each other through the Gates of Qin.
Yet, in a nap, no longer than it takes to cook millet,
In a brief dream, he entered that peerless realm of emptiness.
This hero who solved the riddle of the world!
This man who sleeps as well on featherbed or grass!
Who copes with all the world's events
And doesn't calculate priorities.
With empty hand does he command the yin and yang of time.
It's so hard for the Buddha to save us!
We take a wrong turn a thousand times.
Those who truly crave liberation
Must quickly take advantage of their time.
The Buddha's words will shine like the white moon,
Illuminating the path that's otherwise unlit.
The Temple Bell will awaken the sincere but sleeping...
Dong... Dong... again, again, it calls.
Think about the chances! Born as human beings!
Intelligent and strong! But our minds are seared with troubles
And we're desperate for refuge from ourselves.
I've learned the teachings of the Dharma
And store that knowledge in my heart.
Guarding it keeps me safely here at home.
I know that what seems to exist came out of nowhere.
And what seems to disappear, never went away.
Appearing and vanishing - the illusions of coming and going.
Another illusion, a sadder one, is that we two human beings
Can ever stay together long.
