Shih Shu: "nothing to do; nothing to lose"

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Sacred Poetry from Around the World

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"nothing to do; nothing to lose"

by Shih Shu
(1660? - 1740?) Timeline

English version by
James H. Sanford

Original Language
Chinese

Buddhist : Zen / Chan

17th Century

"nothing to do; nothing to lose"
among the flowers, darkening clouds
above the pines, a sinking sun
spring deepens with urgent birdcalls
autumn declines to the cries of insects
dawn: darkness wrapped in darkness
this, the end of every quest.

-- from The Clouds Should Know Me By Now: Buddhist Poet Monks of China, Edited by Red Pine

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Themes

Dawn

Garden

Lotus

Night

Rose

Recommended Books

	The Clouds Should Know Me By Now: Buddhist Poet Monks of China, Edited by Red Pine
	A Drifting Boat: Chinese Zen Poetry, Edited by J. P. Seaton / Edited by Dennis Maloney
	Sunflower Splendor: Three Thousand Years of Chinese Poetry, Edited by Wu-chi Liu / Edited by Irving Yucheng Lo

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Poetry Chaikhana Sacred Poetry from Around the World

Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World