Nibbling On Asian History & Philosophy Series
Source:
Hakuin Ekaku (1685-1768)
“Everyone is born a Buddha.
Why start seeking and trying to become one?
Why seek to become enlightened?”
Musō Kokushi also known as Musō Soseki (1275-1351)
“A bowl and its cover,
plain unvarnished wood
straight from the mountains,
no lacquer to put on,
no color to wear off.”
From the book:
Hakuin’s Precious Mirror Cave (A Zen Miscellany)
Edited and Translated by Norman Waddell
Available above on Amazon.com
Hermit Poet’s Comments:
The squirrel eats peanuts, has enough, and then goes away.
The butterflies visit, and then float away.
The sun warms and the rain cools the garden.
A new flower comes to life, while another one dies. New plant growth pops up from the soil, while old vegetation falls to the ground, decomposes, and starts the process over again.
Nature moves from day to night and back to day, unconcerned with success or failure.
See also:
Nibbling On Asian History & Philosophy
Eastern Philosophy Book Reviews
