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CHAPTER 1

CHINA

ENLIGHTENMENT

1

The mountain slopes crawl with lumberjacks,
Axing everything in sight —
Yet crimson flowers Burn along the stream.

— Chin-doba,?

2

Rolling the bamboo blind, I Look out at the world — what change!
Should someone ask what I've discovered,
I'll smash this whisk against his mouth.

— Chokei, d. 932

3

All's harmony, yet everything is separate.
Once confirmed, mastery is yours.
Long I hovered on the Middle Way,
Today the very ice shoots flame.

— Chokei

4

Nansen said: It's everywhere.
Today, here at home, I'm through the Gate!
It seems just everything's a dear old grandpa.
The good grandchild, turning, burns with shame.

— Chosha, 9 c.

5

Every thing, every place is real,
Each particle makes up Original Man.
Still, the absolutely real is voiceless,
The true body's majestically out of sight.

— Chosha

6

Light everywhere, I live in all.
Avoiding thought, All appears.
Yet should one of the six senses stir,
Clouds gather. Delusion? Satori?
Forget them. Follow the Law, all's well.
Nirvana? Samsara? Airy flowers both.

— Chosetsu, 9 c.

7

I was born with a divine jewel,
Long since filmed with dust.
This morning, wiped clean, it mirrors Streams and mountains, without end.

— Ikuzanchu,?

8

Does one really have to fret About enlightenment?
No matter what road I travel,
I'm going home.

— Shinsho,?

9

"From the very beginning All things are in nirvana" —
Here's spring with its hundred blossoms,
A yellow warbler at song in the willow.

— Anonymous

10

The day the Emperor treated me In Zephyr Hall, my eyes shot wide:
It isn't true the Mystery Of Futsu journeyed over Sorei Range.

— Etsuzan, 10 c.

11

Meeting Master Oryu taught me this:
Your mind can make you ill.
Harp smashed, gourd and bag tossed,
No longer do I dig for gold in amalgams.

— Rodohin, 10 c.

12

When Master Ungo asked,
"What is it comes?" I danced for joy.
Though one grasps it on the spot,
One's still buried alive.

— Zuigan, 10 c.

13

I'm twenty-seven years And always sought the Way.
Well, this morning we passed Like strangers on the road.

— Kokuin, 10 c.

14

Iron will's demanded of The student of the Way —
It's always on the mind.
Forget all — good, bad.
Suddenly it's yours.

— Rijunkyoku, 11 c.

15

The stone mortar rushes through the air,
The golden lion turns into a dog.
Is it the North Star you reach for?
Fold hands behind the South.

— Yooku,?

16

Twenty-odd years in doubt —
How many times I've stirred the mind-ash.
Now, refined, I've met an old Acquaintance. What a genius was Li Po!

— Joju, 11 c.

17

For thirty-eight years totally unaware,
Now I've gained it. What difference?
The rushing Ben River, the broad Zui banks.
Arrow-waves are shooting east. I'm going home.

— Ritangen, 11 c.

18

Until today the precious gem's been buried,
Now it flashes from the earth. Mind's clear At last Zen-sitting, a stick of incense Lights the universe. I bow to Bodhidharma.

— Ryozan, 10 c.

19

Arms stretching from the precipice, finally I'm free. Horizon's flat now, the ravine's Lit up without the moon. On the hermitage Gate hangs a luminous bamboo screen.

— Koseisoku, 12 c.

20

This grasped, all's dust —
The sermon for today.
Lands, seas. Awakened,
You walk the earth alone.

— Seigensai, 12 c.

21

One who rises, rises of himself,
One who falls, falls from himself.
Autumn dew, spring breeze —
Nothing can possibly interfere.

— Ni-buttsu, 12 c.

22

Forget everything — everything!
Now from die path the night bell Tinkling. Is that the moon At the bottom of the pool?
The mud bull shatters against the coral.

— Tosu, 12 c.

23

One-two-three-four-five-six-seven,
On one foot I tip the dizzy peak.
I seize the jewel from the dragon's jaw,
Outwitting Vimalakirti, just like that.

— Ten-i, 11 c.

24

There I was, hunched over office desk,
Mind an unruffled pool.
A thunderbolt! My middle eye Shot wide, revealing — my ordinary self.

— Layman Seiken, 11 c.

25

With one foot on the brick step,
The All burst in my head.
I had a good laugh by The box tree, moon in the bluest sky.

— Choro, 11 c.

26

Fathomed at last!
Ocean's dried, Void burst.
Without an obstacle in sight,
It's everywhere!

— Joho, 12 c.

27

One question, and master thunders.
Mount Sumeru hides in the Big Dipper,
Billows cover the very sky.
Here's a nose. A mouth.

— Kyochu, 12 c.

28

Frogs croak in moonlight,
Heaven, earth sliced through — all One. Yet who understands?
Upon the mountain, Gensha's bleeding foot
— Layman Chokyusei, 12 c.

29

The great poisoned drum Quakes earth, heaven.
Turn back, look —
Dead bodies miles around.

— Myotan, 1176–1247


DEATH

30

Don't tell me how difficult the Way.
The bird's path, winding far, is right Before you. Water of the Dokei Gorge,
You return to the ocean, I to the mountain.

— Hofuku Seikatsu, 10 c.

31

Eighty-eight, my head's pure white.
Peacefully I governed Double Peak Mountain,
A moon glowing over a thousand waters.
High on Yellow Plum Mount I received The Patriarch's word, on White Omen Mount The secrets of the sect Daily I enjoin Disciples: tend well the flame of the Law.

— Seiko, 10 c.

32

Maitreya! Maitreya!
Forever dividing himself,
He's here, there, everywhere —
Yet scarcely noticed.

— Hotei, d. 917

33

From the start there's no life and death, yet I've gained The leaving/staying mind.
In the next life I'll probably-return.

— Sensai, d. 657

34

How long the stars Have been fading,
Lamplight dimming:
There's neither coming,
Nor going.

— Nansen, 748–834

35

I'm at one with this, this only.
You, my disciples,
Uphold it firmly —
Now I can breathe my last.

— Daibai, 8 c.

36

For eighty years I've talked of east and west:
What nonsense. What's long/short? big/small?
There's no need of the gray old man, I'm one With all of you, in everything. Once through The emptiness of all, who's coming? Who going?

— Kiyo, 8 c.

37

All Patriarchs are above our understanding,
And they don't last forever.
O my disciples, examine, examine.
What? Why this. This only.

— Beirei, 8 c.

38

Lifting hands, I climb the South Star,
Then turn to lean against the North.
Step beyond the sky, look —
Where is there another like myself?

— Godai Chitsu, 9 c.

39

I've remained in Mokuchin thirty years.
In all that time not one disciplinary merit.
If asked why Bodhidharma came from the West I'll say, unknitting my brow —"What's that?"
— Mokuchin Juro, 9 c.

40

This year turning sixty-four, elements About to dissolve within me — the Path!
A miracle of miracles, yet where The Buddhas and Patriarchs? No need To shave my head again, or wash.
Just set the firewood flaming — that's enough.

— Nangaku Gentai, 9 c.

41

Escaping the world, I became a priest,
My master prescribing total calm.
Thirty years on this mountain with disciples,
My principle unchanged: only the most Discreet portioning, of everything.
Understand? Listen well before I close my eyes.

— Ryuko, 9 c.

42

Hands released, I twirl the letter-board.
Just in time, I push aside my mat.
Clouds break up, the river roars,
Yet calm as ever, empty heaven, empty earth.

— Tenneimyo,?

43

Light dies in the eyes, hearing Fades. Once back to the Source,
There's no special meaning —
Today, tomorrow.

— Etsuzan, 10 c.

44

I've reached my seventy-seventh year.
Today things are no less impermanent Than ever. The sun in its meridian,
I bend knees with both hands.

— Gyozan, 840–916

45

Leaving, where to go? Staying, where?
Which to choose? I stand aloof.
To whom speak my parting words? The galaxy,
White, immense. A crescent moon.

— Shoten, 11 c.

46

Silvery world, golden body —
Animate, inanimate are one.
Light and dark expended, nothing shines.
And yet — the sun!

— Shuzan, 926–993

47

At ninety-nine, snowy side-locks,
Beard, a thin-shouldered, fur-robed one Has cut all earthly ties. Laughing, I point To the swift clouds. Jewel Hare blazes over all.

— Gen of Kohoin, d. 1085

48

The Mount Sumeru mallet firmly gripped,
I pound through the drum of space.
Hiding, I leave not a trace —
Behold the snared sun!

— Shonen, 1215–89

49

I've stalked the world,
Awing Buddhas, Patriarchs.
Arrow flashing,
What's earth? What's sky?

— Issan, 1247–1317

50

Sixty-nine years:
Birth/death, birth/death.
Clouds no longer cover The old ford, water's sky-blue.

— Tomei, 1272–1340


GENERAL

51

In all of earth and heaven There's not room enough for a stick —
The blissful Void. Welcome the three-foot Sword of Gen, lightning through the breeze.

— Sogen, 1226–86

52

FLUTIST DIVINER

Who nowadays hears the ancient tune of Ji Peak?
Master diviner of our destiny, do you?
A, B, C, D, E, F, G —
"Spring Time," "White Snow," "Song of the Partridge."

— Daisen, 13 c.

53

FISHERMAN

On wide waters, alone, my boat Follows the current, deep/shallow, high/low.
Moved, I raise my flute to the moon,
Piercing the autumn sky.

— Honei, 11 c.

54

FISHERMAN

Spring light, soft bank mist,
And on the still water his boat.
He grips in his dream a thousand-foot line,
Match for the greatest whale.

— Setcho, 980–1052

55

THE DRBAM PALACE

The grand Dream Palace, six windows shut —
How refreshing the breeze across my pillow.
Such have always been Buddhas and Patriarchs.
Peals from the belfry — I listen to each.

— Kaiseki, 13 c.

56

A restless mind, all night,
And now the shriek of monkeys!
Down in the temple, at the foot of Transplant Peak, how many broken hearts?

— Kaiseki

57

TO A MONK DEPARTING FOR MID STREAM

Over Dragon Pool frozen clouds Make sleep impossible. I've heard The woodcutter's song: you're welcome to it It will never reach those boats.

— Seigan, 1198 — 1262

58

ON SEEING LUTE PRIEST OFF

Achieving perfection beyond the thirteen notes,
Your harmony's your very own.
Go now, playing not even "The Crane's Hatred."
Pines surge outside my gate.

— Enkei, 1189–1263

59

MONK FROM ETSU RETURNING TO A HERMITAGE

His dreams are ranged with the mountains of Etsu,
Unforgettable his nirvana-grasp on Vulture Peak.
In the small hours monkeys cry in the moon,
Then bells from the Monastery Tower.

— Enkei

60

HEARING THE SNOW

This cold night bamboos stir,
Their sound — now harsh, now soft —
Sweeps through the lattice window.
Though ear's no match for mind,
What need, by lamplight,
Of a single Scripture leaf?

— Kido, 1185–1269

61

THE YOMYO STUPA

Before the gate, served up on a platter,
The long lake mirror.
Who says Yomyo is verbose? Wine's Mellowness isn't in the quaffing.

— Zotan, 13 c.

62

WOODCUTTER'S HUT

Is the live branch better than the dead?
Cut through each — what difference?
Back home, desires quelled, you sit by The half-closed brushwood door the spring day through.

— Zotan

63

With no-mind I've enjoyed my stay,
With mind I return to So, my homeland.
Whether in mind or not,
I'm content en route to Heaven.

— Gotsuan, d. 1276

64

My sacred sword's invisible:
Let go, it's light as straw,
Gripped, it jets with flame.
Protecting me these years,
It showed itself today —
Let Mara's army come!

— Ingen, 1592–1673

65

MASTER SUIAN'S BIRTHPLACE

Out shot Master Suian's fist,
Temple crashing round his ears.
The old tiller, unaware, whips His ox across the paddy field.

— Sekirin, 13 c.

66

CROSSING THE SENTO RIVER

Paddling misty straits mid Go and Etsu,
Blue peaks tumbling either bank,
The boat rolls on — yet how compare These surges with the heart of man?

— Masso, 13 c.

67

FROGS CROAKING

Lichen-crusted frogs croak At moonlit mountaintops.
Awakened, mind's clear at last.
Refreshing pine winds Of the Book of Songs
Can't match this.

— Masso

68

LISTENING TO THE LUTE

Perfect melody — like wind Among the pines of far-off slopes.
Mind's washed sky clean:
Hear it beyond itself.

— Jakuan, 12 c.

69

FLYING SNOW ROOK

The thousand-foot snow dragon Sails down from the sky,
Lighting the glazed ravine.
Should it appear in summer,
Toss your silk-gauze gown!

— Zetsuzo, 13 c.

70

DRIED BONES UNDER THE PINE

Bones in the grass beneath the dream body.
Thought, feeling spent, the Truth is out.
Now in the raw-food season,
On Hokubo's path, spring's on the pine.

— Etsudo, 13 c.

71

A vegetarian in shabby robe, my spirit's Like the harvest moon — free, life through.
Asked where I dwell, I'll say:
In green water, on the blue mountain.

— Ryuge, 835–923

72

One room, one bed — enough.
One jar, one bowl.
A road runs to the village,
There's not a house I know.

— Ryuge

73

Mind, mind, mind — above the Path.
Here on my mountain, gray hair down,
I cherish bamboo sprouts, brush carefully By pine twigs. Burning incense,
I open a book: mist over flagstones.
Rolling the blind, I contemplate:
Moon in the pond. Of my old friends,
How many know the Way?

— Zengetsu, 833–912

74

LIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS (1)

What good's world — profit, fame?
Halfway down the path of scarlet mist,
Travelers worry over graying hair,
Cold winds remind them how alone They are. At sunset, cicada's song.
Who'd take the hermit farther,
By deep waters, under thick clouds?

— Sen of Kyuho, 10 c.

75

LIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS (2)

It's not easy to live in the mountains.
Prattling their ignorance, envying My life under moonlit clouds, rainy wind.
Where paths snake through the rocky valley,
My discipline's not all that much.

— Sen of Kyuho

JAPAN

ENLIGHTENMENT

76

Satori seekers make me sick!
Those that find it are deluded.
The old gimlet on Vulture Mountain — laughable.
Over my shoulder flies the broken ladle.

— Kakua, 12 c.

77

I've crossed the sea after Truth.
Knowledge, that snare, must be defied.
Here and there, I've worn out heaps of sandals.
Now — moonlit water in the clear abyss.

— Kakua

78

Forgetting mind, its complications,
My hand is free. The All appears.
I use devices, simultaneously.
Look — a halo penetrates the Void.

— Kakua

79

How can I tell what I've seen?
Fall, stand — it's clear at once.
Wearing my cowl backwards, I Trample the old path. And the new.

— Kakua

80

Fisting, shouting like a petty merchant,
Saying yes, no: quicksand.
Cease pointing, explaining. Keep quiet.
There: now hear the flutist coming home?

— Kakua

81

With one stroke I rammed the demon's den,
Smashing Nada's furious iron face.
My ears are deaf, mouth dumb —
Touch it, stars shoot everywhere.

— Sogen, 13 c.

82

No longer aware of mind and object,
I see earth, mountains, rivers at last.
The Dharmakaya's everywhere.
Worldlings, facing it, can't make it out.

— Daio, 1235–1308

83

Not seeing that a "Zen man" is no Zen man,
I was a lump of doubt for twenty years —
Kozan's poisoned drum destroyed at last,
Earth and heaven soar like Mount Sumeru.

— Guchu, 1334–1409

84

For twenty years I've sought the Other.
Now, letting go, I fly out of the pit.
What use oneness of mind and body?
These days I only sing la-la-la.

— Keso Shogaku, 15 c.

85

Original Face is the reality of realities:
Stretch your hand to the winging bird.
Vertical nose, horizontal eyes — and then?
What if your mind is empty?

— Tokugaku, 15 c.

86

Who said the sea's concave,
Mountains convex?
Why, I swallow them whole —
The boneless sky!

— Heishin, 1287–1369

87

Straw sandals worn through, soles blistered.
Reaching home, I'd bathe my feet, then snooze.
Always I'd weep, uncertain, at the crossroads.
This morning, an awakening — the flaming lotus!

— Taiko, 1233–1321

88

Unmon's barrier pulled down, the old Path lost. Blue sky's my home,
My every action beyond men's reach:
A golden priest, arms folded, has returned.

— Daito, 1282–1337

89

I've swallowed the Eastern Ocean's iron ball —
How dark the universe of three thousand things.
Mother-born eyes plucked out at last,
Look, I hold high the broken bowl.

— Giten, 1396–1465

90

Glittering sky: thirty blows of the staff!
Now earth is black Since last night I've hugged the open window:
Ivy-twined moon, pine wind: I'm frozen to the marrow.

— Toin, 15 c.

91

Any moment now I'll knock my master down:
A single blow's enough to flatten five Sumeru Mounts.
Awe-inspiring, I fill earth and heaven When, as now, I bow thrice to my master.

— Keisen, 1425–1500

92

I flung open all six windows on the moon.
Unju only scolded, "Dust in the eye!"
Gem crushed in my hand, I held A lump of iron.

— Bassui, 1327–57

93

Flint spark? Lightning? All too late.
A timely kwatz crushes Mount Sumeru.
Yet I've a body-turning word:
Place bowl on the tan, fall to.

— Gokei, 1416–1500

94

Awakened under stick and kwatz,
I was driven by the karma wind Into Iron Mountain. Patriarchs Have nowhere else to go.
This morning we returned, hand in hand.

— Hakutei, 1437–1527

95

Kwatz too weak, stick too short,
I've kneaded the universe to an abode.
Spring at the capital is out in peonies.
Laughing, clapping hands, I came back home.

— Seisen, 15 c.

96

Mind and object scrapped,
I move beyond plains, mountains, streams.
Dharmakaya's everywhere —
Yet worldlings stand about stone-blind.

— Daio, 1235–1308

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Excerpted from "Zen Poems of China & Japan"
by .
Copyright © 1973 Lucien Stryk, Takashi Ikemoto, and Taigan Takayama.
Excerpted by permission of Grove Atlantic, Inc..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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