While reading “Zen Antics” I came across a poem written by Zen Master Gisan in 1866. He recited these poems in response to being given an honorary title by the emperor of Japan. These three poems are as applicable today as they were in 1866.
Humanity and Law
Self-Help and helping others:
this trance of mine
is dutiful at home, loyal in public,
never obscured in daily affairs.
The Benefit of Buddhism for Nations
Do not kill, and life will be sufficient;
do not steal, and goods will be plenty.
How excellent the moral teaching:
they enrich nations and stabilize families.
Protecting the Nation
Whatever is bad, do not do;
whatever is good, carry it out:
then above and below will harmonize,
the good and the bad won’t compete.
Hi William, the quotes above are beautifully true! 🙂
This is my favorite part: “Do not kill, and life will be sufficient;
do not steal, and goods will be plenty.
How excellent the moral teaching:
they enrich nations and stabilize families.” So true!!
Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Please visit my blog: http://www.subhanzein.wordpress.com and see what’s in store. My newest post, “She Surrendered to the Transcend” may be of interest to you..
Warm regards from Down Under,
Subhan Zein