Lotus Position


Sitting cross-legged on a rock

Listening to the cool drips

Of a mountain brook

Relishing subtle changes in the breeze

I realize the empty nature of hazy dreams

Resting in a slant of sunlight, the tree casts a low shadow

Gazing at my own mind

I watch a lotus flower

Emerging slowly from the puddle

~ Translated by Dot, from Cold Mountain’s original verses written in the Tang dynasty

盘陀石上坐,溪涧冷凄凄。静玩偏嘉丽,虚岩蒙雾迷。

怡然憩歇处,日斜树影低。我自观心地,莲花出淤泥。

~ 寒山 (唐代)