Back Facing　Yutang Lin

One among the statues of the Five Hundred Arhats
Back facing people

Don't think that back facing means that one may be insulted
Behind one's back arbitrarily criticizing right or wrong

Always look only ahead
How many behind one's back are forgotten or left unaware of

If comprehension be complete
Ahead and behind, above and below
Past and present, center and outskirts
Where could there be a dust attached
Where does not lively clarity originally prevail fully

Back facing indicates one corner
Once comprehended all sides understood thoroughly

This work is written in reverent praising of the Reverend's teaching by example.

Written in Chinese and translated on August 23, 2008
El Cerrito, California

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