In the space of a lightning flash,
the world is built and established.

– Su Shih (1073)

All
things are perfectly resolved in the
Unborn.

– Bankei (1622-1693)

“Enlightenment” and “Nirvana”?
They are dead trees
to fasten a donkey to.

What can these things
have to do with you
becoming free?

– Te-shan (780-865)

Do you know how to let the
mountain stream cleanse your mind?

Every thought is pulled out along the smooth,
polished stones, disappearing
downstream in the frothy current.

The mind keeps on making more thoughts
until it sees that they are
all being carried away downstream;
until it realizes that they
are all vanishing,
dissolving into an unseen point.

Then it won’t bother for awhile.

– Ji Aoi Isshi

– Ji Aoi Isshi

How elegant is the morning sun
Shining on the rafters and eaves.

– Ni Tsan (1301-1374)

Green waters and verdant mountains
are the places to walk in meditation;
by the streams or under the trees
are places to clear the mind.

– Keizan Jokin

Though I think not
To think about it,
I do think about it
And shed tears
Thinking about it.

– Ryokan (1758-1831)

There is nothing in the world
So weak as water,
Nor anything strong enough
To overcome it.
The person of great wisdom
Is like water which,
Though benefiting all things,
Never strives.

– Lao-tzu

I lie at peace in moonlight.
Or, hearing water plashing on the rock,
Sit up.

– Ryushu Shutaku (1308–1388)

The substance of a sage
Is nameless and cannot be spoken of;
The empty door of truth as it really is
Cannot be tarried in.

– Pai-chang (720–814)