Han Shan – Like Bugs Inside a Bowl & You Are Priceless Gems

::

Our lives circumscribed by dust

we’re like bugs inside a bowl

going in circles all day long

never leaving our bowl

eternal life is beyond our reach

afflictions never end

the months and years flow by

suddenly we’re old men

*******

Han Shan and Shih Te

All of you are priceless gems

aboard a rotting ship at sea

in front the mast is gone

in back there is no rudder

heading wherever the wind may blow

moving with the waves

how will you reach shore

don’t just sit there stiff

— Han Shan

The Hermit from Cold Mountain