Poem by Yichao

to Layman Red Pine

when your mind dwells nowhere

no corrupting thoughts arise

when you don't cling go the world

suffering and joy have no place to grow

every thought that you think

becomes the cause of life and death

understand impermanence

and find your ever-present body

- Yichao, attendant of Xuyun (the last great Chan master of 20th century China)

2006. quoted in Zen Baggage: A Pilgrimage to China. Bill Porter 2009 Counterpoint Press.