Out of green cogongrass, over fertile land,
Surrounded by mountains, an untainted white.
Wild flowers falling over a secluded abode,
Inside which live guests with detached minds.

What concerns existence was never clinging,
Attaining emptiness needs no discriminating.
All sounds arise upon sufficient conditions,
Sadly they fall silent amidst disturbances.
Intrinsically, the mind works in the same way,
Not leaving a trace, like birds that fly away.

── from Chanlin Xiangqijian
(Encyclopedia of the Chan Monastery)

Mountain rain, rivers of clouds, and scattering traces of ink,
Pines in the wind, quietly sitting, stopping roots of impurity.
The brush originates from awareness, obtaining true samadhi,
In the same way is the Tathagata’s non-dual gate.

── from Song Feng Ge Shi Tie Ti Ba
(Commentary on “Pavilion of Pines in the Wind”)

To emerge from a hundred battles victorious
is nevertheless inferior to a moment of patience;
To make ten thousand appropriate comments is nevertheless inferior to a moment of silence.

── from Quan Song Shi
(Complete Collection of Song Poems)
NOTE: Our purpose inside the Meditation Hall is not to train others but ourselves, so that we are able to grin and bear adversity. When faced with challenges, remain tranquil at heart; when faced with chaos, remain at ease. My heart is the place for cultivation, my heart is the Buddha land, inside which there is naturally perfect ease and serenity.