Lately I've spent my time reading outside traditional Zen literature, so not many interesting koans have come my way. I appreciate the steady support of everyone who reads Go Drink Tea - I do expect, within the next week or so, to begin posting on a more regular basis.
Here's a poem by Su T'ung-Po (1037-1101 C.E.):
WRITTEN ON THE WALL AT WEST FOREST TEMPLE
From the side, a whole range; from the end, a single peak;
far, near, high, low, no two parts alike.
Why can't I tell the true shape of Lu-shan?
Because I myself am in the mountain.
From the side, a whole range; from the end, a single peak;
far, near, high, low, no two parts alike.
Why can't I tell the true shape of Lu-shan?
Because I myself am in the mountain.
Commentary
We enjoy clear vistas while hiking on a mountain. How is it that Su T'ung-Po cannot see the true shape of Lu-shan while in the mountain?
Source: Roaring Stream, edited by Nelson Foster and Jack Shoemaker
Photo of Lu-shan by mars
