Zen Words' Wonderful Charm

Author: Liang Shenwei et al.
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The translation of Zen into "Samatha" refers to settling within oneself, calming the mind, and achieving stillness. Although Zen schools are diverse, with five houses and seven sects, transcending the ordinary and the sacred; and although Zen styles are ever-changing, carrying forward the tradition while embracing continuity. Amidst the rising tide of Zen culture, we have compiled this "Threefold Delight in Zen Series," namely "The True Charm of Zen Verses," "The Wondrous Charm of Zen Poetry," and "The Subtle Charm of Zen Lyrics," to share with readers the essence of Zen, to observe the world, to explore Zen wisdom, and to savor life. Verses, poems, and lyrics resonate with Zen, embodying fullness and clarity, passion and tranquility, transcendence and emptiness, depth of thought and truth of reason, with highly penetrating life content and a vast cultural foundation. Reading them is like sweet dew nourishing the heart, and appreciating them is like nectar enlightening the mind. They will guide readers to wholeheartedly engage with life, to inherit the light of human nature, to forget the troubles of fame and fortune, to avoid the disputes of ignorance, to break free from the bonds of favor and disgrace, not to sink passively in the whirlpool of material desires, but to progress along the path of liberating the mind. The verses, poems, and lyrics selected in this series are not for interpreting Buddhist principles or doctrines, but for cultivating oneself and nurturing one's character. May these works bring readers spiritual insights, the purity of Bodhi, the perspective of Prajna, and spiritual elevation. If one can understand the mind through Zen, preserve truth through verses, see one's nature through poetry, and cherish the spirit through lyrics, it would be as if "sitting in meditation amidst heaven and earth," as if "observing this to open the Zen gate." The compilers' wish would be fulfilled, just as "the autumn moon is both void and bright," and even more so, "the Zen mind is also pure and clear."