Harmony of Difference & Equality


The mind of the great sage

is intimately conveyed from west to east.

Among human beings are wise and fool,

but in the way there is not northern or southern patriarch.

The subtle source is clear and bright, the tributary streams

flow through the darkness.

To be attached to things is an illusion;

to encounter the absolute is not yet enlightenment.

All the objects of the senses interact and yet do not.

Each and all, the subjective and objective spheres are related,

and at the same time independent.

Related, yet working differently,

though each keeps its own place.

Form makes the character and appearence diffeerent,

sounds distinguish comfort and discomfort.

The dark makes all words one; the brightness

distinguishes good and bad phrases.

The four elements return to their natures

just as a child turns to its mother;

Fire heats, wind moves,

water wets, earht is solid.

Eye and sight, ear and sounds

nose and smells, tongue and tastes;

Each is independent of the other; cause and effect

must return to the great reality.

 

The words high and low are used relatively.

Thus with each and everything,

depending on these roots, the leaves spread forth.

Within the light there is darkness,

but do not try to understand that darkness.

within darkness there is light,

but do not look for that light.

Light and darkness oppose one another

like the foot in front and the foot behind in walking.

Each thing has its intrinsic value and is related to everything else

in function and position.

Ordinary life fits the absolute as a box and its lid.

The absolute works together with the relative,

like two arrows meeting in mid air.

Reading the words you should grasp the great reality.

Do not judge by any standarts.

Hearing the words, understand the meaning;

don't set up standards of your own.

If you do not see the Way, you do not see it as you walk on it.

Progress is not a matter of far and near,

if you are deluded, mountains and rivers block the way.

I respectfully urge you who study the mystery,

do not waste your days and nights in vain.

(Shitou Xiqian 700-790 - Sekito Kisen)