Verse on Contemplating Impermanence by "Ru Chun"

Disdaining that wealth and treasure were too little, he spared no effort to journey ten thousand miles. When impermanence arrives, he dies a stranger in a foreign land.

When wealth and treasure have piled up high, the time to close one's eyes arrives. A lifetime of striving, yet at death all is empty and void.

Even with immeasurable treasure, one cannot ransom back one's life.

Seeking the merit of generals and ministers, he fears not that ten thousand bones may wither. Where are the generals and ministers now? Only desolate tombs on barren hills can be seen.

Heroes such as Xiang Yu—his hegemonic enterprise turns to emptiness in a blink. Qin Shihuang, who dominated the age, had no lifespan as enduring as metal and stone.

Even relying on his power and might, one cannot avoid the severing of the precious life.

Beautiful women, so loving and affectionate—the Tang Emperor's favor to three thousand consorts. Deeming it most wondrous and excellent, yet it is nothing more than a flower in the sky, an illusion.

When great calamity looms, the fair beauty becomes the source of ruin. For the sake of his realm, the sovereign's consort dies before the horses.

Had the consort lived long, would love not have waned as beauty faded?

Serving others by means of beauty, how long can one win favor? Better to lack a jade-like countenance, and not invite a body full of calamity.

What is romantic love? It is merely a feeling. Worldly beings crave and cling to this, and thus the six realms turn in transmigration.

The bodhisattva, with skillful means, teaches people to practice prajñā. Do not seek worldly dharmas—that is but inverted thinking.

One should study the Four Noble Truths and eliminate self-view (ātma-dṛṣṭi) as soon as possible. Not falling into the three evil destinies—that is what is most practical.

Cultivate much merit, for that is the provisions for the Path. Let the six faculties rarely grasp at objects, and let the mind often contemplate the Dharma.

Deeply cultivate dhyāna and meditative concentration (samādhi); through contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā), wisdom arises. The bodhisattva's heart is earnest and sincere, and the disciples are ever grateful.

One should be ever more diligent, not failing the bodhisattva's grace. May we attain liberation soon, and, having learned from the Buddha, deliver sentient beings.