Let go of all your previous
imaginings, opinions, interpretations,
worldly knowledge, intellectualism, egotism, and
competitiveness; become like a dead tree, like cold ashes.
When you reach the point where feelings are ended, views
are gone, and your mind is clean and naked, you open up
to zen realization. After that it is also necessary to
develop consistency, keeping the mind pure
and free from adulteration
at all times.
Cut through resolutely,
and then your state will be peaceful.
When you cannot be included in any stage,
whether of sages or of ordinary people,
then you are like a bird freed
from its cage.