Chan practice is not gaining something

Since nothing was ever lost

Chan practice does not require giving up anything

Since nothing was ever attained

.

Because of ignorance

There are illusions of something missing and thus the endless pursuit

Mistaken that there was something unwelcome

There are illusions of something needing to be abandoned

. 

Not arising or ceasing

Neither increasing nor decreasing

No gaining and no losing

Chan practice is just transforming ignorance into clear understanding

 .

Chan practice is turning delusion into enlightenment

Perceiving true essence of mind

Flowing naturally in this moment

And living with contentment

.

(2012/8/2 written during Chan retreat in Poland.  Published in the book《話說從頭》by Dharma Rain Publications)