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Harmony of Difference & Equality

By Shitou Xiqian (700-790)

The mind of the great sage of India
is intimately transmitted from west to east.
While human faculties are sharp or dull,
the Way has no northern or southern ancestors.
The spiritual source shines clear in the light;
the branching streams flow on in the dark.
Grasping at things is surely delusion;
according with sameness is still not enlightenment.
All the objects of the senses
interact and yet do not.
Interacting brings involvement.
Otherwise, each keeps its place.
Sights vary in quality and form,
sounds differ as pleasing and harsh.
Refined and common speech come together in the dark,
clear and murky phrases are distinguished in the light.
The four elements return to their natures
just as a child turns to its mother;
Fire heats, wind moves,
water wets, earht is solid.
Eye and sight, ear and sounds
nose and smells, tongue and tastes;
Thus with each and every thing,
depending on these roots, the leaves spread forth.
Trunk and branches share the essence;
revered and common, each has its speech.
In the light there is darkness,
but don't take it as darkness.
In the dark there is light,
but don't see it as light.
Light and dark oppose one another
like the front and back foot in walking.
Each of the myriad things has its merit
expressed according to function and place.
Phenomena exist; box and lid fit.
principle responds arrow points meet.
Hearing the words, understand the meaning;
don't set up standards of your own.
If you don't undersand the Way right before you,
how will you know the path as you walk?
Progress is not a matter of far and near,
but if you are confused, mountains and rivers block the way.
I respectfully urge you who study the mystery,
do not pass your days and nights in vain.