A Poem from Layman Pang

In the annals of Chan Buddhism there is a notable figure named Layman Pang, who is often compared to Vimalakirti, as an exemplar for how to pursue a dharma path outside of the monastic orders.  Among other things Layman Pang wrote a few very fine poems, one of which I translated this morning.

Every day the same routine

Only with myself in harmony

Not right or wrong but abiding

Nothing revealed or misplaced

Paying no heed to purple or vermillion

Or the distant mountains beyond the dust

Just the miracle and wonder here and now

Of hauling water and firewood

日日事無別

惟吾自偶諧

頭頭非取捨

處處沒張乖

朱紫誰爲號

邱山絶塵埃

神通並妙用

運水及搬柴