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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 273 by HAN SHAN

First Line: AGAIN I SEE THOSE WHO LEAVE HOME
Last Line: THEY SEEK MAITREYA SOMEWHERE ELSE
Subject(s): BUDDHISM; CHINESE LITERATURE; IGNORANCE; MONKS; BUDDHA; BUDDHISTS; DULLNESS; STUPDITY;

Again I see those who leave home
both the able and the weak
those of peerless conduct
gods and spirits praise their virtue
rulers share their seats
nobles welcome and escort them
fit to serve as fields of blessings
they're protected by the world
meanwhile those who lack all wisdom
deal in lies and endless greed
renowned for corruption
bewitched by wealth and beauty
wear the robes of blessedness
still they farm for food and clothes
give out loans with oxen interest
don't act fair in what they do
every day another crime
their backsides are always sore
still they can't imagine
the endless pain of Hell
until one day snared by illness
they lie sick three long years
although they have the buddha nature
it's become the thief of darkness
@3Homage to the Buddha@1
they seek Maitreya somewhere else



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