A Little Poem by Hanshan

 Pictured to the left are the two legendary poets Hanshan and Shide painted by the Japanese artist Ito Jakuchu.  David Rōshi and I have a similar picture as our Zoom screen saver because we feel so connected to their deep Zen friendship which we feel resembles our own connection of heart and DharmaLittle is known of these two characters, who may have lived in the 9th century in China.  They both left behind a number of poems which have been translated into English.  According to some legends, Hanshan (whose name means "cold mountain") was the wild one, who wandered around the forests and mountains near the monastery where Shide (whose names means "the foundling") lived.  Shide is often pictured with a broom, which represents his devotion to caretaking practice at his temple.Here is a poem attributed to Hanshan translated by Arthur Tobias from the book "The View From Cold Mountain."After all your talk of food...you're still hungryafter all your talk of clothes...you're still coldeating rice is what fills your bellywearing clothes is what keeps you warmwithout really thinking it throughyou grumble that the way to find Buddha is difficultlook inside your heart...there's Buddhadon't look for him outside your selfThis poem touches me -- so clearly pointing to the unbelievable truth that Buddha nature is you, exactly as you are.  Stop grumbling and take a good look, Hanshan advises us.  The way is not difficult.  As the 17th century Japanese teacher Hakuin tells us, we're like someone in the midst of water crying out in thirst.  Drink deep and know for yourself.  Everything you seek is already here.