Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TAOISM AND BUDDHISM, by PO CHU-YI


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TAOISM AND BUDDHISM, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A traveller came from across the seas
Last Line: To the heaven of bliss fulfilled.
Alternate Author Name(s): Bai Juyi; Bo Juyi; Po Chu-i; Lo T'ien; Jyu-yi
Subject(s): Buddhism; China - Tang Dynasty (618-905); Religion; Taoism; Buddha; Buddhists; Theology


A TRAVELLER came from across the seas
Telling of strange sights.
"In a deep fold of the sea-hills
I saw a terrace and 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;
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.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net