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Song of The Grass Roof Hermitage Shitou Trans. Kaz Dan

The poem 'Song of the Grass-Roof Hermitage' by Shitou Xiqian reflects on the simplicity and tranquility of a monk's life in a humble grass hut, emphasizing the importance of inner peace over worldly desires. It suggests that true understanding and enlightenment come from turning one's attention inward and letting go of attachments. The poem concludes by asserting that the essence of existence transcends physical surroundings and that the true self is present in the here and now.

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48 views1 page

Song of The Grass Roof Hermitage Shitou Trans. Kaz Dan

The poem 'Song of the Grass-Roof Hermitage' by Shitou Xiqian reflects on the simplicity and tranquility of a monk's life in a humble grass hut, emphasizing the importance of inner peace over worldly desires. It suggests that true understanding and enlightenment come from turning one's attention inward and letting go of attachments. The poem concludes by asserting that the essence of existence transcends physical surroundings and that the true self is present in the here and now.

Uploaded by

scribd.grievance598
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Song of the Grass-Roof Hermitage

By Shitou Xiqian (700 - 790 CE), Translated by. Kazuaki Tanahashi and Dan Leighton

I’ve built a grass hut where there’s nothing of value. Just sitting with head covered, all things are at rest.
After eating, I relax and enjoy a nap. Thus, this mountain monk doesn’t understand at all.
When it was completed, fresh weeds appeared. Living here he no longer works to get free.
Now it’s been lived in – covered by weeds. Who would proudly arrange seats, trying to entice
guests?
The person in the hut lives here calmly,
Not stuck to inside, outside, or in between. Turn around the light to shine within, then just return.
Places worldly people live, he doesn’t live. The vast inconceivable source can’t be faced or turned
Realms worldly people love, he doesn’t love. away from.
Meet the ancestral teachers, be familiar with their
instruction,
Though the hut is small, it includes the entire world.
Bind grasses to build a hut, and don’t give up.
In ten square feet, an old man illumines forms and their
nature.
A Great Vehicle bodhisattva trusts without doubt. Let go of hundreds of years and relax completely.
The middling or lowly can’t help wondering; Open your hands and walk, innocent.
Will this hut perish or not? Thousands of words, myriad interpretations,
Are only to free you from obstructions.
If you want to know the undying person in the hut,
Perishable or not, the original master is present,
Don’t separate from this skin bag here and now.
not dwelling south or north, east or west.
Firmly based on steadiness, it can’t be surpassed.
A shining window below the green pines —
Jade palaces or vermilion towers can’t compare with it.

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