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]
[ 242 ]
