Innumerable affinities and karma (retributions) propel human beings into the cycle of transmigration; only the heart of a Bodhisattva remains still in quietude, still at peace and free, no matter how the Sun and clouds pass or the seasons change.
“In this illusion, I sit still observing the darkness In the realm of enlightened laughter, Light is so brilliant. Autumn’s here, so soon already Watching people flow in the current of transmigration.
Within a breath, I sit still watching thousands of lifetimes Listening to the Heavens recounting past existences White clouds pass by the river clouded with unchanging destinies I fly amidst the worldly realm, carefree!
Peaceful night, I sit still gazing at the past From above, in my mind a waterfall continuously cascades The water flows, and my thoughts wander endlessly And time is reluctant to trace my identity.
O bright-eyed, I’ve been sitting still since that time Impermanence struggles to change its hues all the while I seek not my Origin, yet still can see: There, a rose blossoms under the galaxy.”
On harvest days when the golden rice plants are fully ripe, the countryside is filled with villagers’ joyous laughter. Under the bright moonlight, fragrant with the rural scent, here and there life-loving songs reverberate in unison with the constant pounding of rice grains that continue throughout the night. All constitute a vibrant painting in praise of the industriousness, simplicity, and humility of the gentle and peace-loving rural people.
“A rural scene under the vast golden orb Tender moonlight shines on our humble village Shining on pastoral spirit through songs exalting life. Shining on pastoral spirit through songs exalting life.
Let us sing and dance to welcome the rising moon And hope for the sweet scent of the rice seasons The presence of rice grains gives rise to lovely songs. The presence of rice grains gives rise to lovely songs. Ever resonating in the twilight the piccolo’s softly melancholic tunes Hearts enraptured in rhythm of the breeze and innocent laughter.
In the deep of the night, the moon is tilting low in the sky Its shadow behind the bamboo grove Someone’s singing folklore echoes from afar. Oh brothers and sisters! (Yes!) Pound in unison and pound quickly Pound skillfully before the moon wanes. The sound of the mortar continues in the long night. The sound of the mortar continues in the long night.
Smile as the moon is about to wane and shadows fade Sing to warm the human hearts For the green fields to rejoice in the song of harvest. For the green fields to rejoice in the song of harvest. Ever resonating in the twilight the piccolo’s softly melancholic tunes Hearts enraptured in rhythm of the breeze and innocent laughter.”
Life is like the fleeting breeze and passing cloud; the vibrant time of youth soon withers away. Looking back at half a lifetime struggling with one’s earthly existence, one wonders what is there to regret before one departs this transient life. “It seems only yesterday, though decades have passed; The body is weary from earthly journeys! Fame and fortune, half a lifetime preoccupied, Then laid to rest in a square meter one day.” To be free from the bindings of human life to walk on the road to enlightenment is the eternal aspiration of the immortal soul.
“It seems the dew descended last night, Leaving the lush garden a jeweled sight. This morn delicate sunrays shiver in the cold wind, Reminiscent of spring days gone quickly by.
It seems only yesterday, though decades have passed; The body is weary from earthly journeys! Fame and fortune, half a lifetime preoccupied, Then laid to rest in a square meter one day.
I want to dissolve into the gossamer mist, Put down mundane burdens, shake off the dust... So that I may journey to the Land of Light, pay homage to the Buddha To fulfill my longing from myriad eras. So that I may journey to the Land of Light, pay homage to the Buddha To fulfill my longing from myriad eras.”
A human life is a succession of fleeting days and memories, yet how we are mesmerized by the enchanting worldly drama! A quiet inner voice beckons us to be free from the bonds of this illusory realm. Listen deep within your soul to return to the infinite Kingdom of Serenity and Glory, where Love is forever blissful.
“Love Me! Love Me! Like you’ve never loved anyone. Love Me! Love Me! And love only Me! Love Me! Love Me! Like you’ve never loved anyone. Love Me! Love Me! And I will set you free! Forever and ever, We’ll be together Beyond all frontiers Beyond sorrow and fears Forever and ever.
Follow Me! Follow Me! To the Land of Harmony. Follow Me! Follow Me! Follow only Me! Love Me! Love Me! More than that of your life. Love Me! Love Me! I am your true Life. Forever and ever We’ll be together Beyond all frontiers Beyond sorrow and fears Forever and ever.
Love Me! Love Me! More than all glories. I am your Glory. Follow Me! Love Me! And love only Me! Follow Me! Follow Me! To the Land of Harmony. Follow Me! Follow Me! Follow only Me!
Love Me! Love Me! More than that of your life. Love Me! Love Me! I am your true Life. Forever and ever We’ll be together Beyond all frontiers Beyond sorrow and fears Forever and ever
Love Me! Love Me! More than all glories I am your Glory Follow Me! Love Me! And love only Me! Follow Me! Love Me! And love only Me!”
