Zen Buddhism and Martial Arts
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Author of this poem:
Zen Master Hsu Yun
FA JIE TEMPLE, RELIVING AN ANCIENT PRACTICE
Slowly, one step at a time, I walk back and forth
As the smoke and low clouds on all four sides dissipate
Revealing my audience to me.
The pines so tall, the cranes sit and nest in them.
The old, half-hidden caves.
The hushed rustlings of the mountain reward my heart.
Sounds come to my ears like gentle, pulsing waves of applause.
That Worthy One who used to be here...
Where has he gone?
Since his seat is empty,
I sit on his discourse ledge and pretend awhile longer.
