Right to the Core

The ancient buddhas taught the dharma

Not for is own sake but to assist us.

If we really knew ourselves

We would not have to rely on old teachers.

The wise go right to the core

And leap beyond appearances;

The foolish cling to details

And get ensnared by words and letters.

Such people envy the accomplishments of others

And work feverishly to attain the same things.

Cling to truth and it becomes falsehood;

Understand falsehood and it becomes truth.

Truth and falsehood are two sides of a coin;

Neither accept nor reject either one.

Don't waste your precious time fruitlessly

Trying to gauge the depths of life's ups and downs.

~ Ryokan (1758-1831) (translated by John Stevens)