“Draw well water. The cold shakes my teeth. I clear my heart, brush the dust from my robes, and solemnly lift a palm leaf book. I recite with each step to the east to study all. I have not yet found the root of the truth – overlooked it as I pursued this life’s path. How I aspire to these deep and sagely words, hoping that I can cultivate my nature in full. I find the whole of the way quiet and still, amid colourful moths and dark bamboo. Sun glimmers in the mist and heavy dew. Pines appear bathed in the thickest paste. Tranquil. Suddenly I leave both words and speech. Awareness. Joy. My heart is finally content.”
Visiting Master Chow’s Temple at Daybreak to Read a Zen Scripture by Liu Jong Yuan (773 – 819)
Chorlton Unitarians 