The Slouching Monk

Among the living landscape rests a man 
Slouching slightly yet remaining tall 
Born from something, and something from nothing 
He blends in with his surroundings 

He has the inferior as root, making him superior 
The low as his base, bringing him up high 
In quality of mind he has depth 
Clever for knowing others, but truly wise for understanding himself 

Filled with knowledge, he does not speak 
For speaking would only show what he does not know 
He rests in the fields away from the rushing civilized life, so eager to be 
finished 
In the fields, where nature never hurries, he is only eager to be 

Having bestowed all he has on others, he has yet more 
He has released himself from all that is impermanant, a true sage 
His way is forever nameless 
He has lived out his days well
Copyright © | Year Posted 2005

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