Lancet of Seated Meditation,
by Ch'an Master Hung-chih.

Essential function of all the Buddhas,
Functioning essence of all the Patriarchs -
It knows without touching things,
It illumines without facing objects,
Knowing without touching things,
It's knowledge is inherently subtle;
Illumining without facing objects,
Its illumination is inherently mysterious.

Its knowledge inherently subtle,
It is ever without discriminatory thought,
Its illumination is inherently mysterious,
Its knowledge is rare without peer;
Ever without a hair's breadth of sign,
Its illumination comprehends without grasping.

The water is clear right through to the bottom,
A fish goes lazily along.
The sky is vast without horizon,
A bird flies far far away.