The great Tang Dynasty poet, Han Shan ("Cold Mountain") left behind 307 poems that describe a life committed to the great matter of life and death.



Many of us who train in the Zen tradition have found inspiration in these poems, and perhaps also the challenge to look more deeply into our own circumstances. For example:

All of you are priceless gems

aboard a rotting ship at sea

in front the mast is gone

in back there is no rudder

heading wherever the wind may blow

moving with the waves

how will you reach shore

don't just sit there stiff

Today's video (which runs almost 30 minutes) focuses on Han Shan's life and work.



The film is shot on location in China, America and Japan and features Burton Watson, Red Pine and Gary Snyder. I found it a charming and fascinating look not only at one of my favorite Zen poets, but at the spiritual life of modern China.

Thank you for reading Ox Herding! May you enjoy a fine spring weekend.

Barry

Translation by Red Pine from his book The Collected Songs of Cold Mountain.