Zen Buddhism and Martial Arts
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Author of this poem:
Zen Master Hsu Yun
ON NOVICES BEING ROBED FOR THE FIRST TIME
The Buddha grieves that we must face such hardship.
He's so lovingly concerned for people like us.
Don't let pretty flowers dazzle your young eyes.
An empty room can't get dusty
And even the lucky favorite is pursued by death.
So don't be too arrogant or impatient,
Take your time and let us show you
How to wrap and tie a monk's robes.
In the beginning, there was no model to follow.
Who knew what needed to be done?
Look! One false move and your tangled up again.
Yes, take your time and let us show you
How to wrap and tie an old monk's robes.
