August 16th, 2019
Shih t’ao (1641–1717)My nature has no liking
For life in the cities.
To be free from the noise,
I built a little thatched cottage
Far away in the depth of the mountains.
Wandering here and there,
I carry no thought.
When spring comes
I watch the birds;
In summer I bathe
In the running stream.
In autumn I climb
The highest peaks;
During the winter I am
Warming up in the sun.
Thus I enjoy the real flavor of the seasons.
Let the sun and the moon
Revolve by themselves!
When I have time, I read the sutras,
When I am tired, I sleep on my straw bed.