Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Nothing is as it Appears


"Know all things to be like this:
A mirage, a cloud castle,
A dream, an apparition,
Without essence, but with
qualities that can be seen.

Know all things to be like this:
As the moon in a bright sky
In some clear lake reflected,
Though to that lake
the moon has never moved.

Know all things to be like this:
As an echo that derives
From music, sounds, and weeping,
Yet in that echo is no melody.

Know all things to be like this:
As a magician makes illusions
Of horses, oxen,
carts and other things,
Nothing is as it appears." 

(2nd century CE)

No comments: