[Volume One, Part One]
When a single thought stirred, past causes arose.
The Great Way must be sought with a sincere heart.
Until immortal destiny arrived, do not cease your striving.
The mortal world best polished the mirror of the heart.
[Volume One, Part Two]
Know that the Great Way had no name.
How many mediocre souls were lost in empty forms.
In living, speaking, and resting, the Way could be realized.
A child's pure, devoted heart was proof enough.
[Volume One, Part Three; Poem One]
Envy neither gods nor Buddhas, nor immortals.
Stay true to your nature, and the heart found peace.
Let all beyond the self shift and change.
To commune with the Great Void in dreams, Xing Yan must awaken.
[Volume One, Part Three; Poem Two]
Weary, I lay upon the White Stone, gazing at the bright moon,
The river of stars shone splendidly; the evening breeze was gentle.
At leisure, I forgot the affairs of the red-dust world,
The unsullied spirit's terrace drew near Jade Clarity.
[Volume One, Part Four]
That night, moonlight washed this mortal frame,
A seed of spiritual destiny was planted deep within the heart.
Waters upon waters, mountains upon mountains, wore the colors of passing years,
Who could have known the immortal path would open here?
[Volume One, Part Five]
Do not mock madness; do not mock folly,
Heaven's secrets were not for mortals to know.
Only because a thread of earthly destiny stirred,
Wind and rain awakened love's longing.
"Idle Writings, Scattered Verses," composed by Xiao Lang; updates ongoing.
Ping Chao's appraisal: This cycle of poems attained a lofty poetic realm and closely accorded with the underlying meaning of the chapters. Its author truly deserved to be called a "kindred spirit."