[updated September 2022]
Another Poem in a Series, Visiting Master Xuan
谒 璿 上 人 并 序
少 年 不 足 言
識 道 年 已 長。
事 往 安 可 悔？
余 生 幸 能 飬。
誓 從 断 葷 血
不 复 婴 世 網。
浮 名 寄 缨 佩
空 性 无 羈 鞅。
夙 從 大 導 師
焚 香 此 瞻 仰。
积 然 居 一 室
覆 載 纷 萬 象。
高 柳 早 鶯 啼
長 廊 春 雨 蠁。
床 下 阮 家 屐
牕 前 筇 竹 杖。
方 将 见 身 云
陋 彼 示 天 壤。
一 心 在 法 要
願 以 舞 生 獎。
Ye Xuan Shang Ren Bing Xu
Shao nian bu zu yan
Shi dao nian yi chang.
Shi wang an ke hui ?
Yu sheng xing neng yang
Shi cong duan hun xue
Bu fu ying shi wang.
Fu ming ji ying pei
Kong xing wu ji yang.
Su cong da dao shi
Fen xiang ci zhan yang.
Ji ran ju yi shi
Fu zai fen wan xiang.
Gao liu zao ying ti
Chang lang chun yu xiang.
Chuang xia ruan jia ji
Chuang qian qiong zhu zhang.
Fang jiang jian shen yun
Lou bi shi tian rang.
Yi xin zai fa yao
Yuan yi wu sheng jiang.
Another Poem in a Series, Visiting Master Xuan
Youthful years, no adequate words
Learning the Dao period in one’s life already improving.
Can regret for previous matters be fixed ?
One’s remaining years, good fortune able to grow and cultivate.
Follow a solemn vow to stop eating animals
Do not resume contact with the web of society.
Superficial reputations depend on tassels and wearing a pendant at the waist
Empty character without restraints or controls.
Long-time follower of great guides and teachers
Burn incense to pay tribute and show reverence.
Gather righteousness, live in one room
Though enveloped and filled with the appearance of ten thousand things.
Orioles sing from tall willows in the morning
On the long veranda, spring rain echoes.
Under the master’s bed, his shoes and qin
In front of the window, a zhu bamboo cane.
Talk of the method to facilitate moral character and accomplishment
Manifestations of heaven and earth plain and humble.
The essential Dharma relies on living with one heart-mind
Vow to use the No Birth reward.
Notes:
Tassels and a pendant at the waist: A government official
Qin: An ancient stringed musical instrument.
Zhu: A type of bamboo used for walking canes.
No Birth: Buddhist belief that upon achieving a certain level of enlightenment, reincarnation is no longer required.