We
have lost the
power even of imagining what
the ancient idealization of poverty could
have meant: the liberation from material attachments,
the unbribed soul, the manlier indifference, the paying our way
by what we are or do and not by what we have, the right to
fling away our life at any moment irresponsibly—
the more athletic trim, in short,
the moral fighting
shape.
Those people
who actually realize it just
keep serene and free at all times,
without cravings, without
dependence.
Sage Cold Mountain is
forever like this: dwells alone and
free, not alive, not dead.
Just let your
mind be free; don’t
do contemplative exercises,
and don’t think of sorrow or worry.
Clear and unobstructed, free as you will,
not contriving virtues, not perpetrating evils,
walking, standing still, sitting, lying down, whatever
meets the eye, in any circumstance, is all the subtle
function of Buddha. It is called Buddahood
because of happiness without
sorrow.
treasury of the eye of true teaching
Now is the time
to apply effort toward the Path
every moment, without your mind wavering
or your attention faltering. Catch sight of it right where
you are. When you reach the point where not a single
thought is born and before and after are cut off,
you will suddenly penetrate through
to freedom.