By: Katagiri Roshi
Being told that it’s impossible,
One believes, in despair, “Is that so?”
Being told that it is possible,
One believes, in excitement, “That’s right.”
But whichever is chosen,
It does not fit one’s heart neatly.
Being asked, “What is unfitting?”
I don’t know what it is.
But my heart knows somehow.
I feel an irresistible desire to know.
What a mystery “human” is!
As to this mystery:
Clarifying
Knowing how to live
Knowing how to walk with people
Demonstrating and teaching,
This is the Buddha.
From my human eyes
I feel it’s really impossible to become a Buddha.
But this “I,” regarding what the Buddha does,
Vows to practice
To aspire
To be resolute,
And tells me, “Yes, I will.”
Just practice right here, now
And achieve continuity
Endlessly
Forever.
This is living in vow.
Herein is one’s peaceful life found.