March 21st, 2015

The true follower of Tao
does not grasp at the Buddha,
nor at bodhisattvas, nor at arhats,
nor at the exceeding glories in the three realms.

Attaining transcendental independence
and untrammeled freedom,
the true follower adheres to nothing.

Even if the universe should collapse,
their faith would not falter.
Should all the Buddhas
from the ten heavens appear before them,
there would not be the slightest elation.
Nor would they experience the slightest fear,
should all the demons come out.
How can one be this calm?

Lin chi