Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, REALIZING THE FUTILITY OF LIFE; WRITTEN ON THE WALL OF A PRIEST'S CELL, by PO CHU-YI


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

REALIZING THE FUTILITY OF LIFE; WRITTEN ON THE WALL OF A PRIEST'S CELL, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Ever since the time when I was a lusty boy
Last Line: That very striving will make one's error more.
Alternate Author Name(s): Bai Juyi; Bo Juyi; Po Chu-i; Lo T'ien; Jyu-yi
Subject(s): China - Tang Dynasty (618-905); Religion; Zen Buddhism; Theology


EVER since the time when I was a lusty boy
Down till now when I am ill and old,
The things I have cared for have been different at different times,
But my being busy, that has never changed.
Then on the shore, -- building sand-pagodas;
Now, at Court, covered with tinkling jade.
This and that, -- equally childish games,
Things whose substance passes in a moment of time!
While the hands are busy, the heart cannot understand;
When there are no Scriptures, then Doctrine is sound.
Even should one zealously strive to learn the Way,
That very striving will make one's error more.





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