You ask why I make my home in the mountain forest

by Li Bai

English version by Sam Hamill
Original Language Chinese

You ask why I make my home in the mountain forest,
and I smile, and am silent,
and even my soul remains quiet:
it lives in the other world
which no one owns.
The peach trees blossom,
The water flows.

-- from Endless River: Li Po and Tu Fu: A Friendship in Poetry, Translated by Sam Hamill

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Commentary by Ivan M. Granger

After a challenging week, I thought I'd share a moment of peace...

I smile, and am silent,
and even my soul remains quiet...


These lines bring me to rest.

The mind at rest, the entire self at rest, all silt having settled, leaving only quiet clarity. One becomes empty, a spacious, silent witness to the world's unfolding.

The peach trees blossom,
The water flows


Have a beautiful weekend!



Recommended Books: Li Bai

The Enlightened Heart: An Anthology of Sacred Poetry The Poetry of Zen: (Shambhala Library) Endless River: Li Po and Tu Fu: A Friendship in Poetry Li Pai: 200 Selected Poems A Feast of Lanterns
More Books >>



You ask why I make