Page 48

On Zen

There is a reality prior to Heaven and Earth.

Indeed, it has no form, much less a name.

Eyes fail to see it;

It has no voice for ears to detect.

To call it Mind or Buddha

Violates its nature, for it then becomes

Like a visionary flower in the air;

It is not Mind or Buddha;

Absolutely quiet, and yet illuminating

In a mysterious way,

It allows itself to be perceived

Only by the clear eye.

It is Dharma

Clearly beyond form and sound;

It is Tao having nothing to do with words.

Wishing to entice the blind,

The Buddha has playfully let words

Escape his golden mouth;

Heaven and Earth are ever since

Filled with entangling briars.

All my good worthy friends gathered here,

If you desire to listen

To the thunderous voice of the Dharma:

Exhaust your words, empty your thoughts,

For then you may come

To recognize the One Essence.

Daio Kokushi