2月19日

擁毳對芳叢
五代 法眼文益 ( 885~958 )

擁毳對芳叢，由來趣不同；
髮從今日白，花是去年紅。
艷冶隨朝露，馨香逐晚風；
何須待零落，然後始知空。
──選自《五燈會元》

February 19th

Wrapped in a Woolen Robe, Looking at the Fragrant Plants
Fayan Wenyi (885 - 958, Five Dynasties Period)
English translation: Alex Amies

Wrapped in a cui* looking at the fragrant
    plants, each one with its own delightfully
    unique characteristics;
My hair has become white now, the flowers were red yesteryear.
Changing colors are ephemeral, like the morning dew,
the fragrance of incense is like the evening breeze;
Why should one wait to wither and fall,
    only to later understand emptiness?

── from Wudeng Huiyuan (Compendium of the Five Lamps)

* A woolen robe, a name used by monastic for this garment worn by monastics.