March 19th, 2017

At P'o-shan Monastery

Clear dawn
Enters the ancient temple.
First sun brightens lofty grove.
Winding paths:
Lead off toward secret places.
Ch'an chamber:
Flowers deep among the trees.
Mountain light:
Joy, the birds' nature.
Pool shadows:
Empty, the hearts of men.
All sounds,
Here fall to silence.
All that remains,
The bell-stones tone.

Ch'ang chien (708-765)