Poem: The Great Way (Excerpt from The Hsin-Hsing Ming of the Third Zen Ancestor)

John reads an excerpt from the very beautiful and truly insightful Hsin-Hsing Ming 'Verses on The Faith Mind.' Written in the sixth century by Seng-ts'an - the 3rd Zen Ancestor, the text is the first clear statement of Zen to be written. This wonderful translation is by the late Richard B. Clarke. If you enjoy this reading please check out the full text which is published as a beautiful pamphlet by White Pine Press.

Transcript

The great way is not difficult for those not attached to preferences.

When neither love nor hate arises,

All is clear and undisguised.

Separate by the smallest amount,

However,

And you are as far from it as heaven is from earth.

If you wish to know the truth,

Then hold to no opinions for or against anything.

To set up what you like against what you dislike is the disease of the mind.

When the fundamental nature of things is not recognized,

The mind's essential peace is disturbed to no avail.

The way is perfect,

As vast space is perfect,

Where nothing is lacking and nothing is in excess.

Indeed,

It is due to our grasping and rejecting that we do not know the true nature of things.

Live neither in the entanglements of outer things,

Nor in ideas,

Nor in ideas or feelings of emptiness.

Be serene and at one with things,

And erroneous views will disappear by themselves.

When you try to stop activity to achieve quietude,

Your very effort fills you with activity.

As long as you remain attached to one extreme or another,

You will never know oneness.

Those who do not live in a single way cannot be free in either activity or quietude,

In assertion or denial.

Deny the reality of things,

And you miss their reality.

Assert the emptiness of things,

And you miss their reality.

The more you talk and think about it,

The further you wander away from the truth.

So cease attachment to talking and thinking,

And there is nothing you will not be able to know.

Reviews

The Great Way is a Good reminder. Puts my perspectives where I can be at peace without and not hold to fixed views.
I will read this more often. At 75, I am opening more to what is, without commentary. That’s how I wish to die.

Just what I was asking for … ask and you will receive, knock and the door shall be opened….🙏

A favorite text/writing/chant … and a comforting reading of it’s beginning.

YOUR work for me is life-altering John. I am grateful you honored your calling. I think it may feel inevitable when the pull is as strong as I assume yours is, but it is still ultimately a choice. Thank you for choosing faith in stillness and love.

Thank you again. Your choices in poetry always seem to be just what is needed. Love and blessings

Very needed in the world today - many pearls of wisdom that I will continue to attempt in my life.
Thank you John 🙏

Love your poetry John! Some of my absolute favorite tracks on insight timer.

Wonderful reading of a classic. Serene mind- no attachment. Many thanks 🙏 😊🕊

Excellent, helpful insight, calming and easy to listen to. Thank you

Read more! Would love to hear a 30 min meditation on this poem :) excellent thank you

So deep and profound dear John! Thank you so much, will think deeply about it now....🙏💚🏵🙌🧡

Pondering... last line touched the deepest.

A very nice reading of the wise teachings on oneness and non attachment. Thank you, John 🙏💫

Love his teachings always❤️

Thank you. I struggle to find good poems about oneness and spirituality. This is greatly appreciated!

So beautiful. Thank you. Sue

With gratitude... thank you for sharing this wonderful insight 🙏

Thought provoking-will listen to this again and again. 🙏

Superb, sublime, soothing

I’m biased
I love John’s voice and delivery; he could probably read me the ingredients of my frozen meal and I’d feel better! Thank you for sharing your gifts with the 🌎 💜