White Universe

by Tripitaka Master Hsuan Hua

Ice in the sky, snow on the ground.

Numberless tiny bugs die in the cold or sleep in hibernation.

In the midst of stillness you should contemplate,

and within movement you should investigate.

Dragons spar and tigers wrestle in continual playful sport;

Ghosts cry and spirits wail, their illusory transformations strange.

Ultimate truth transcends words;

Not thought about or talked about, you ought to advance with haste.

With great and small destroyed, with no inside or out,

It pervades every mote of dust and encompasses the Dharma Realm,

Complete, whole, and perfectly fused, interpenetrating without obstruction.

With two clenched fists, shatter the covering of empty space.

In one mouthful swallow the source of seas of Buddhalands.

With great compassion rescue all,

Sparing no blood or sweat, and never pause to rest!