All my life I have been lazy,
Hating anything solemn, finding light matters
more congenial.
Others may study how to make a profit,
I have my single roll of scripture.
I do not bother to fit it with roller or case,
Or trouble to carry it here and there.
Like a doctor prescribing a medicine
for each disease,
I use what remedy is at hand to save the world.
Only when the mind is free of care
Can the light of understanding shine
in every corner.
(translated by Burton Watson, in Cold Mountain, Columbia UP, 1970)
pea river journal 
Leave a Reply