The Mountain Poems of Stonehouse
TRULY, I love this life of seclusion. Carrying my staff, I walk toward a friend’s cottage. The trees in his garden, soaked by the evening rain, Reflect the cool, clear autumnal sky. The owner’s dog comes to greet me; Chrysanthemums bloom along the fence. These people have the same spirit as the ancients; An earthen wall marks their separation from
... See moreJohn Stevens • One Robe, One Bowl: The Zen Poetry of Ryokan
Stonehouse’s Four Mountain Postures go: “Walking in the mountains / unconsciously trudging along / grab a vine / climb another ridge. Standing in the mountains / how many dawns become dusk / plant a pine / a tree of growing shade. Sitting in the mountains / zig-zag yellow leaves fall / nobody comes / close the door and make a big fire. Lying in the
... See moreRed Pine • The Diamond Sutra: The Perfection of Wisdom
“Dwelling in one's true abode, unconcerned with that without. The river flows tranquilly on and the flowers are red. From the beginning, truth is clear. Poised in silence, I observe the forms of integration and disintegration. One who is not attached to "form" need not be "reformed." The water is emerald, the mountain is indigo,
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