Irrelevant to "Self"

Yutang Lin

The marrow of Buddhist teachings lies in "non-self";
Liberation is irrelevant to how "oneself" is.
Sentient beings before ones eyes are mostly in suffering;
And yet only after the mind opens they become of concern.
Since the fence faded away it is naturally peaceful and quiet;
Floating along unobtrusively in harmonious and tender ways.
Even though deep-rooted habits and propensities are hard to alter,
According to circumstances, carefully point out the path in many words.

Written in Chinese: June 3, 1998
Translated: August 12, 1999
El Cerrito, California

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