Shiwu : Paper windows, bamboo walls, hedge of hibiscus

Shiwu, also called Stonehouse (1272–1352 CE) was a Chinese Chan Buddhist monk and hermit who lived during the Yuan dynasty. ‘Tushita’ is one of the heavenly realms in Buddhist cosmology, where Boddhisatvas spend some time before manifesting as Buddhas.

Paper windows bamboo walls hedge of hibiscus
when guests arrive wormwood soup serves as tea
the poor people I meet are mostly content
rare is the rich man who isn’t vain or wasteful
I move my bookstand to read sutras by moonlight
I honor the buddhas with a vase of wild flowers
everyone says Tushita Heaven is fine
but how can it match this old hut of mine

Translation Red Pine


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