silent illumination

 


Silently and serenely one forgets all words;

Clearly and vividly That appears…
When one realizes it, it is vast and without limit;
It is Essence, it is pure awareness.
Singularly reflecting in this bright awareness,
Full of wonder in this pure reflection…
Infinite wonder permeates this serenity;
In this Illumination all intentional efforts vanish.
Silence is the final word.
Reflection is the response to all [manifestation].
Devoid of any effort,
This response is natural and spontaneous…
The Truth of silent illumination
Is perfect and complete.

–Chan Master Hung Chih

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