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| View All Poems by Yung Chia (Hsuan Chueh) | Next Poem >>

In my early years, I set out to acquire learning (from The Song of Enlightenment)

by Yung Chia (Hsuan Chueh)
(665 - 713) Timeline

English version by
International Institute for the Translation of Buddhist Texts

Original Language
Chinese

Buddhist : Zen / Chan
7th Century

In my early years, I set out to acquire learning,
And I studied commentaries and inquired into Sutras and Shastras.
Distinguishing among terms and characteristics, I didn't know how to stop.
Entering the sea to count the sands I exhausted myself in vain.
But the Thus Come One reprimanded this folly:
What benefit is there in counting other's treasures?!
Unsuccessful all along, I felt I had practiced in vain.
Many years I wasted as a transient, like dust in the wind.

 

 

-- from Song of Enlightenment: By Great Master Yung Chia of the T'ang Dynasty, Edited by Tripitaka Master Hua / Translated by International Institute for the Translation of Buddhist Texts

Amazon.com

 

Themes

  Water
 
 
 
 


Recommended Books


Poetry of Enlightenment: Poems of Ancient Ch'an Masters, Edited by Sheng-Yen
Song of Enlightenment: By Great Master Yung Chia of the T'ang Dynasty, Edited by Tripitaka Master Hua / Translated by International Institute for the Translation of Buddhist Texts

 

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Ivan M. Granger's original poetry, stories and commentaries are Copyright © 2002 - 2009 by Ivan M. Granger.
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