Phases

Phases –

The same

yet different,

Still the same.

"Written at Random"

There’s nothing I do but with ease when I’m at leisure;

Awake, I find east window reddened in sunlight.

Nature contemplated calmly has its own pleasure;

I enjoy four seasons with all men in delight.

Law is formless but reigns over heaven and earth;

Thoughts assume various shapes and change like wind and cloud,

Wealth can’t seduce me; poverty won’t reduce mirth.

A man who attains this of his deeds may be proud.

Cheng Hao

Like a kite

Like a kite

Let me hold you -

Loose, I may lose you

Firm, I may lose you

Let go, I lose you;

Like a kite,

Let me know you.

"Reflections"

I seek no drink nor meditation deep;

Hungry, I take my meal, and tired, I go to sleep.

I live on selling verse and pictures as I please;

I rove among red flowers and green willow trees.

My face grows old from year to year in mirror bright;

My wife and I enjoy candlelight as moonlight.

I drink till drunk as often as I enjoy pleasure;

An immortal on earth, I love my life of leisure.

Tang Yin

"...If a man's life ..."

“… If a man’s life could be reduced to a road map, it would be quite worthless.  You’re a human being, in all your complexities and mysteries.  Your personal scripture is inside you.  You must decode that for your own realization.”

"Sitting Alone"

With friends I open wide my eyes;

Friendless, I speak to falling flowers.

The slender grass in warm wind sighs;

On sparkling sand cool moonlight showers.

Life seems a dream in countries strange;

Companions make me forget home.

My lute and books I won’t arrange;

I sit to see evening cloud roam.

Li Zhi (1527-1602)