We sit together, the mountain and me, until only the mountain remains.

Apr 22, 2020 · 8th century Chinese poet Li Bai writes about the experience of zazen (meditation) using the simple and common imagery of birds, clouds and mountains.

Aug 24, 2020 · This teaching poem of his, The Song of Zazen or Meditation, is an encapsulation of the merits of meditation, in which he encourages the student to focus on the immediate experience of presence.

Aug 3, 2017 · Here with this poem we get a taste of Hakuin’s spiritual call, a direct pointing the way of simple presence. Here are three translations, by Norman Waddell, Robert Aitken, and Zenkei Shibyama ...

Apr 9, 2016 · Zazen on Ching-t’ing Mountain Li Po Translated by Sam Hamill. The birds have vanished down the sky. Now the last cloud drains away. We sit together, the mountain and me, until only the mountain remains.

Hakuin's Song of Zazen. All beings are primarily Buddhas. There are no Buddhas apart from beings. Beings seek for it afar -- what a pity! Cry out for water, feeling thirst. Goes astray amongst the poor. Of the Six Paths of existence. How can they ever be free from birth-and-death? No amount of praise can exhaust its merits.

The gateway to freedom is zazen Samadhi. Beyond exaltation, beyond all our praises the pure Mahayana. Observing the Precepts, Repentance and Giving, the countless good deeds and the Way of Right Living, all come from zazen. Thus one true Samadhi extinguishes evils. It purifies karma, dissolving obstructions.

For those of us who make zazen our primary practice, the words of Hakuin Zenji in the Song of Zazen are of great importance. They are an excellent guide for understanding the actual essence of doing zazen. Before we look at the Song of Zazen itself, however, I would like to tell you about Hakuin Zenji. This will help you to understand. Hakuin

Feb 19, 2016 · Sam Hamill: “Zazen on Ching-t’ing Mountain” by Li Po. The birds have vanished down the sky. Now the last cloud drains away. We sit together, the mountain and me, until only the mountain remains. — From Crossing the Yellow River: Three Hundred Poems from the Chinese published by Tiger Bark Press. Copyright 2013 Sam Hamill.

[Zazen on Ching-t’ing Mountain, by Li Po (701-762)] translated from the Chinese by Sam Hamill.