A Hundred and Seventy Chinese Poems/Taoism and Buddhism

by Arthur Waley

TAOISM AND BUDDHISM

Written shortly before his death

A traveller came from across the seas
Telling of strange sights.
"In a deep fold of the sea-hills
I saw a terrace and a tower.
In the midst there stood a Fairy Temple
With one niche empty.
They all told me this was waiting
For Lo-t'ien to come."

Traveller, I have studied the Empty Gate;^[1]
I am no disciple of Fairies.
The story you have just told
Is nothing but an idle tale.
The hills of ocean shall never be
Lo-t'ien's home.
When I leave the earth it will be to go
To the Heaven of Bliss Fulfilled.^[2]

 

1. Buddhism. The poem is quite frivolous, as is shown by his claim to Bodhisattva-hood.
2. The "tushita" Heaven, where Bodhisattvas wait till it is time for them to appear on earth as Buddhas.