Hsuan Chueh of Yung Chia / Yoka Genkaku: [23] When you truly awaken (from The Shodoka)

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[23] When you truly awaken (from The Shodoka)

by Hsuan Chueh of Yung Chia / Yoka Genkaku
(665 - 713) Timeline

English version by
Robert Aitken

Original Language
Chinese

Buddhist : Zen / Chan

Taoist

7th Century

When you truly awaken,
You have no formal merit.
In the multiplicity of the relative world,
You cannot find such freedom.
Self-centered merit brings the joy of heaven itself,
But it is like shooting an arrow at the sky;
When the force is exhausted, it falls to the earth,
And then everything goes wrong.

Themes

Awakening

Bliss

Freedom

Sky

Sleep

Recommended Books

	Buddhism and Zen, by Nyogen Senzaki / Ruth Strout McCandless

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Poetry Chaikhana Sacred Poetry from Around the World

Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World