Bassui

Just stop your wandering,
Look penetratingly into your inherent nature,
And, concentrating your spiritual energy,
Sit in zazen
And break through.

Ts'ao Shan (840-901), Roaring Stream

In illusion what is true?
Illusion is from the outset true.
In illusion what is manifested?
The very illusion itself is manifestation.
If this is so,
then one can never be apart from illusion?
No matter how you seek illusion,
you won't find it."

Dogen Zenji, 1200 - 1253

In the third month of spring
the fruit is full on the enlightenment tree;
One night the flower blooms
and the whole world is fragrant.

Vimalakirta Nirdesa Sutra

All these things arise dependently, from causes,
Yet they are neither existent nor nonexistent,
Therein is neither ego, nor experiencer, nor doer,
Yet not action, good or evil, looses its effects.

Hsu Yun

AFTER THE RAIN, CLIMBING A TALL BUILDING TO VIEW THE MOUNTAINS

It was just clearing after the rain of the night before
Mossy traces were on the steps.
I didn't climb the building thinking about writing a poem.

This poet's fest doesn't need any wine warming.
Just open the window, the mountain range will come in.
Before the eye, the village, drenched in smoke,
Will materialize.

I write now and see it as I saw it then -
The mountains and the sea -
Viewing it in detail
Like a painted picture.

Li Shangyin

The Pleasure Plain
.
Towards evening my thoughts became uncomfortable,
I drove my carriage upon the ancient plain.
The setting sun is good without limit,
But only comes when yellow dusk is near.

Ts'ao Shan 840-901

In illusion what is true?
Illusion is from the outset true.
In illusion what is manifested?
The very illusion itself is manifestation.
If this is so,
then one can never be apart from illusion?
No matter how you seek illusion,
you won't find it."

Zen Saying

When I see
Heaven and earth as
My own garden,
I live that moment
Outside the Universe.

Dogen Zenji, 1200 - 1253

Coming, going, the waterbirds
don't leave a trace,
don't follow a path.