Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TAOISM AND BUDDHISM by PO CHU-YI

First Line: A TRAVELLER CAME FROM ACROSS THE SEAS
Last Line: TO THE HEAVEN OF BLISS FULFILLED.
Subject(s): BUDDHISM; CHINA - TANG DYNASTY (618-905); RELIGION; TAOISM; BUDDHA; BUDDHISTS; THEOLOGY;

A TRAVELLER came from across the seas
Telling of strange sights.
"In a deep fold of the sea-hills
I saw a terrace and tower.
In the midst there stood a Fairy Temple
With one niche empty.
They all told me this was waiting
For Lo-t'ien to come."

Traveller, I have studied the Empty Gate;
I am no disciple of Fairies.
The story you have just told
Is nothing but an idle tale.
The hills of ocean shall never be
Lo-t'ien's home.
When I leave the earth it will be to go
To the Heaven of Bliss Fulfilled.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net