Po Chiu-i (772-846)

SITTING ALONE IN THE PLACE OF PRACTICE

I straighten and adjust robe and headcloth, wipe clean the platorm:

one pitcher of autumn water, one burner of incense.

Needless to say, cares and delusions must first be gotten rid of;

then when it comes to enlightenment, you try to forget that too.

Morning visits to court long suspended, I’ve put away sword and pendants;

feasts and outings gradually abandoned, jars and wine cups are neglected.

In these last years, when I’m no more use to the world,

best just to be free and easy, sitting here in the place of practice.

From, The Roaring stream; page 83