Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn

[dragonyphoenix]

Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn
by Wu Men (Hui-k'ai)
English version by Stephen Mitchell


Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn,
a cool breeze in summer, snow in winter.
If your mind isn't clouded by unnecessary things,
this is the best season of your life.

Comments

[feliciacraft.livejournal.com]

Oooh, I've always loved this one!

Unsolicited context:

This is a classic koan by Wumen Huikai (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wumen_Huikai), one of the greatest Chan (Zen) masters. "Wumen" translates as "gateless", "huikai" is sort of "wisdom opens", or "enlightenment". Not surprisingly he was the author of The Gateless Barrier (aka the Gateless Gate), now considered a central Buddhist text.

Another translation:

In spring, hundreds of flowers
In autumn, a harvest moon.
In summer, a refreshing breeze
In winter, snow will accompany you.
If useless things do not hang in your mind,
Any season is a good season for you.

Thank you for sharing!

[dragonyphoenix.livejournal.com]

Oooh, thank you for the context and alternate translation! That was awesome!

[snogged.livejournal.com]

Gorgeous.

[dragonyphoenix.livejournal.com]

Mmm, yeah.