« Robert Frost for everyone | Main | Rose »

August 07, 2007

His green eyes

South and north, sharing
A single mountain gate,
Above and below, two temples
Both named T’ien-chu.

Dwelling therein is
An old dharma master,
Built tall and skinny
Like a stork or swan.

I do not know what
Practice he engages in,
But his green eyes
Reflect the mountain valleys.

Just looking into them
Makes one feel fresh and pure,
As if all one’s baneful vexations had been cleansed.

-- Su Shih   (1073)

Comments

Post a comment

If you have a TypeKey or TypePad account, please Sign In