Song of Mind, Xin Ming, 564-657 ce

[earl]

"The nature of mind is non-arising,
what need is there of knowlege and views?
Originally there is not a single dharma;
why discuss inspiration and training?

Coming and going without beginning;
sought for, it is not seen.
No need to do anything;
it is bright, still, self-apparent.

The past is like empty space;
know anything and the
Basic principle is lost,
casting a clear light on the world,
illuminating, yet obscured.

If one-mindedness is impeded
all dharmas are misunderstood.
Coming and going thus,
is there need for thorough investigation?

Arising without the mark of arising,
arising and illumination are the same.
Desiring to purify the mind,
there is no mind for effort.

Spontaneous wisdom
throughout time and space
nothing is illuminated;
this is most profound.
Knowing dharmas is non-knowing;
non-knowing is knowing the essential.

Using the mind to maintain quietude,
birth and death forgotten;
this is original nature.

The highest principle cannot be explained.
It is neither free nor bound.
Lively and attuned to everything,
it is always right before you.

There is nothing in front of you;
nothing, yet everything as usual.
Do not belabor wisdom to examine it;
substance itself is empty and obscure.

Thoughts arise and pass away,
the preceding no different from the succeeding.
If the succeeding thought does not arise,
the preceding thought cuts itself off.

In past, present, and future,
there is nothing;
no mind, no buddha.
Sentient beings are without mind;
out of no-mind, they manifest."

That's 1 classic Zen poem to wrap our "no-minds" around Earl