Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World

Buddhist : Zen / Chan

18th Century

About Hakuin

Timeline (1686 - 1768)

Hakuin, Hakuin poetry, Buddhist, Buddhist poetry, Zen / Chan poetry, [TRADITION SUB2] poetry, poetry

<<Previous Poem | View All Poems by Hakuin |

English version by
Lucien Stryk and Takashi Ikemoto

Original Language
Japanese

You no sooner attain the great void

Themes

Snow

Sound

Recommended Books

	Essential Teachings of Zen Master Hakuin, by Norman Waddell
	Secrets of the Blue Cliff Record: Zen Comments by Hakuin and Tenkei, Translated by Thomas Cleary
	Wild Ivy: The Spiritual Autobiography of Zen Master Hakuin, Translated by Norman Waddell
	The Zen Koan, by Isshu Miura / Ruth Fuller Sasaki
	Zen Poetry: Let the Spring Breeze Enter, Translated by Lucien Stryk / Translated by Takashi Ikemoto

You no sooner attain the great void
Than body and mind are lost together.
Heaven and Hell -- a straw.
The Buddha-realm, Pandemonium -- shambles.
Listen: a nightingale strains her voice, serenading the snow.
Look: a tortoise wearing a sword climbs the lampstand.
Should you desire the great tranquility,
Prepare to sweat white beads.

-- from Zen Poetry: Let the Spring Breeze Enter, Translated by Lucien Stryk / Translated by Takashi Ikemoto

Amazon.com

<<Previous Poem | View More Poems by Hakuin |

Please support the Poetry Chaikhana, as well as the authors and publishers of sacred poetry, by purchasing some of the recommended books through the links on this site. Thank you!

Poetry Chaikhana Sacred Poetry from Around the World

About Hakuin

Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World