A Little Poem by Hanshan

 Pictured to the left are the two legendary poets Hanshan and Shide painted by the Japanese artist Ito Jakuchu.  David Rōshi and I have a similar picture as our Zoom screen saver because we feel so connected to their deep Zen friendship which we feel resembles our own connection of heart and Dharma

Little is known of these two characters, who may have lived in the 9th century in China.  They both left behind a number of poems which have been translated into English.  

According to some legends, Hanshan (whose name means "cold mountain") was the wild one, who wandered around the forests and mountains near the monastery where Shide (whose names means "the foundling") lived.  Shide is often pictured with a broom, which represents his devotion to caretaking practice at his temple.

Here is a poem attributed to Hanshan translated by Arthur Tobias from the book "The View From Cold Mountain."

After all your talk of food...you're still hungry

after all your talk of clothes...you're still cold

eating rice is what fills your belly

wearing clothes is what keeps you warm

without really thinking it through

you grumble that the way to find Buddha is difficult

look inside your heart...there's Buddha

don't look for him outside your self

This poem touches me -- so clearly pointing to the unbelievable truth that Buddha nature is you, exactly as you are.  Stop grumbling and take a good look, Hanshan advises us.  The way is not difficult.  As the 17th century Japanese teacher Hakuin tells us, we're like someone in the midst of water crying out in thirst.  Drink deep and know for yourself.  Everything you seek is already here.