Five Ranks: The Verses of the Upright and the Inclined

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The Apparent within the Real: In the third watch of the night before the moon appears, no wonder when we meet there is no recognition. Still cherished in my heart is the beauty of earlier days. The Real within the Apparent: A sleepy-eyed grandma encounters herself in an old mirror. Clearly she sees a face, but it doesn't resemble hers at all. Too bad, with lowered head, she tries to recognize her reflection. Coming from within the Real: Within nothingness there is a path leading away from the dusts of the world. Even if you observe the taboo on the present emperor's name, you will surpass that eloquent one of yore who silenced every tongue. Arrival at Mutual Integration: When two blades cross points, there's no need to withdraw. The master swordsman is like the lotus blooming in the fire. Such a person has in and of themselves a heaven-soaring spirit.

license: public_domain

Attribution

• Attributed To
  Dongshan Liangjie

Lineage: Qingyuan line

By Dongshan Liangjie

• Truth Outside Yourselfproverb
• Verses of the Five Ranksverse
• Dongshan Crosses the Streamdialogue
• The Seamless Monumentdialogue
• Host Within Hostproverb

From Five Ranks

• Verses of the Five Ranks
• Host Within Host
• Five Ranks of Lord and Vassal
• Five Ranks of Lord and Vassal (Wǔwèi Jūnchén)

Sources

• contentWikisource — English-language free library

  Five Ranks, verses 1-4

  Five Ranks: Five Ranks: The Verses of the Upright and the Inclined