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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE POEMS OF PICKUP: 14 by HAN SHAN

First Line: THE BUDDHA FORSOOK THE JOYS OF RANK
Last Line: THEY SNEAK INSIDE OF TEMPLES
Subject(s): BUDDHISM; CHINESE LITERATURE; BUDDHA; BUDDHISTS;

The Buddha forsook the joys of rank
because he pitied fools
vowing to suffer no rebirth
he performed the noblest deeds
those who leave home nowadays
are mostly out of work
hard-pressed to earn a living
they sneak inside of temples



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