To Die a Great Death

 

Yutang Lin

 

 

To Die a Great Death
Is a saying often encountered in Chan sayings

Death can be counted as once
Signifying a certain resurrection after a great death

Death is mentioned as a great one
Indicating that death of mind is not easy

Usually people look after only what is in this life
As age advanced, perhaps thoughts will reach the hereafter

A Dharma practitioner could well dwell on the hereafter
To appreciate what it would be like

All in front of the eyes suddenly have no relevance
Nothing to rely on, and also nothing to tangle in
Only the real situation of mind to face

Going into retreat
Is a kind of imitation of the hereafter
So that one may clean up delusions of mind

 

Written in Chinese and translated on May 15, 2011
El Cerrito, California