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VERSES ON THE FAITH MIND (EXTRACTS)

The Great Way is not difficult for those unchained to their prefer-
ences.

Attach to the smallest preference, however, and heaven and earth

are set infinitely apart.

To set up what you like against what you dislike is the disease of
the mind.

The Way is perfect like vast space where nothing is lacking and
nothing is excess.

When the mind exists undisturbed in the Way, nothing in the
world can offend, and when a thing can no longer offend, it ceases
to exist in the old way.

Just let things be in their own way, and there will be no coming nor
going.

To fathom the mystery of this One-essence is to be released from
all entanglements. When all things are seen equally the timeless
Mind-essence is reached. No comparisons or analogies are possible
when we return to the origin where we ever have been.

To come directly into harmony with this reality just simply say
when doubt arises, “Not two.” In this “Not two” nothing is sepa-
rate, nothing is excluded. No matter when or where, enlightenment
means entering this truth. And this truth is beyond extension or
diminution in time or space; in it a single thought is ten thousand
years.

Words fail; for the Way is fundamentally beyond language, in it
there is no yesterday,
no tomorrow,
no today.

Verses on the Faith Mind, Sosan Ganchi Zenji (d. 603 CE), Third Zen Ancestor
Extracts curated by Rev. Seifu Anil Singh-Molares

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