Wisdom from Chinese Literary and Buddhist Classics
365 Days for Travelers
8/11: UNPLANNED VERSES ON A SPRING DAY
Cheng Hao (1032 - 1085, Song Dynasty)English translation: Zhi Yue
Sparse clouds and a light breeze, nearing noon,
Among flowers and willows, I cross the riverfront,
Passersby watch, not knowing my heartfelt joy,
Only thinking of a youth dawdling away.
CHENG YI’S FOUR ADMONITIONS (EXCERPT)
Cheng Yi (1033 - 1107, Song Dynasty)English translation: Miao Guang
On speech:
Speech is what causes the human mind to stir; whether good or
bad, honor or disgrace, it is all determined by such.
On vision:
The mind is originally empty, only showing traces upon
reflecting on matters; practice self-discipline when viewing the
external to maintain inner peace.
On hearing:
Prevent unwholesomeness and maintain honesty, listen not to
what is inappropriate.
On conduct:
If one is in accord with propriety, one will be prosperous; if
driven by desire, danger will arise. Upon impetuous behavior,
such thoughts must be restrained, self disciplined, and prudent.
── from Ercheng Wenji
(Collected Works of Cheng Hao and Cheng Yi)
What's New?
AUGUST
Humble Table, Wise Fare
INSPIRATION
Recorded by Leann Moore
Language
—should be like sunshine
and convey a bright view,
—should be like a flower
and convey fragrant thought,
—should be like pure water
and convey clear ideas.
Dharma Instruments
Venerable Master Hsing Yun grants voices to the objects of daily monastic life to tell their stories in this collection of first-person narratives.
Sutras Chanting
The Medicine Buddha SutraMedicine Buddha, the Buddha of healing in Chinese Buddhism, is believed to cure all suffering (both physical and mental) of sentient beings. The Medicine Buddha Sutra is commonly chanted and recited in Buddhist monasteries, and the Medicine Buddha’s twelve great vows are widely praised.
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