Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 241, by HAN SHAN


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 241, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I see people everywhere
Last Line: End your attachment to form
Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan
Subject(s): Buddhism; Chinese Literature; Family Life; Parents; Buddha; Buddhists; Relatives; Parenthood


I see people everywhere
dignified and fond of form
not repaying their parents' kindness
square-inches of the smallest sort
incurring debts to others
not embarrassed until they have hooves
caring for wives and children
not supporting their parents
treating brothers like enemies
always becoming upset
remembering when they were young
asking the gods to make them older
and now they're unworthy sons
of which the world has plenty
they buy meat and never share
wipe their lips and say they're fine
ramble on about themselves
their wisdom knows no equal
the old ox glares in anger
when he sees his time is up
he picks a buddha to worship
and chooses a monk to support
but when an arhat begs for food
he drives him from his door
unaware of the effortless man
who never assumes any form
he invites eminent clerics
and gives them alms and money
Dharma masters like Yun-kuang
with horns upon their heads
unless your mind's impartial
no sages will appear
fools and sages are the same
end your attachment to form





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