A Place of Clear Stillness

I set my old dreams down at the water's edgeasking neither where they came from nor by what cause

A clear wind passes over the far mountainsand blows a little of the cold from my brow

Only after seeing every lamp of the human worlddid I know the bright moon lights the thousandfold worlds

I do not ask the blossom for perfectionI do not ask the dust about sorrow or joy

When a thought rises, let it show itselfwhen a thought falls, let it scatter

The stream's voice runs past banks of green stonebamboo shadows sway before an ancient Buddha

This body is still within the human worldthis heart has already passed ten thousand gates

Floating fame comes and goes like geese overheadold thoughts enter the empty pool without a sound

I only lower my head and walk slowlydisturbing no grass or tree, startling no spring

Dusk drapes itself over the empty courtyard at eveninga bell crosses far above the white clouds

I ask no date of return, I ask no yearone censer of aloeswood keeps me company late into the night

If the heart seeks nothing, heaven and earth are wideI look back: clouds gather deep, the moon grows full of its own accord