Worldly Matters

Yutang Lin

Honey on sharp blade still eagerly licked;
Allured by sweets one couldn't avoid hurt.
Worldly matters are mostly similar to this;
Gain and loss, like and dislike, all mix up.

Comment:

Worldly affairs could hardly be perfect; gain and loss are often in conflict. Desiring to gain its benefits could hardly avoid its injuries. Recognize the fact that inherent contradictions are rampant so that wishful thinking is merely silly daydreaming. To be free from many sorrows one needs to avoid getting entangled in advance.

Written in Chinese on August 25, 2001
Translated on August 29, 2001
El Cerrito, California

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