People ask the way to Cold Mountain
but roads don’t reach Cold Mountain
in summer the ice doesn’t melt
and the morning fog is too dense
how did someone like me arrive
our minds are not the same
if they were the same
you would be here
Han Shan 9th Century
Translation by Red Pine
Han Shan, the poets name, means Cold Mountain. Cold Mountain is a place that is both outside and inside. It is the one inside us that Han Shan is speaking of here – and the one we should concern ourselves with.
What does this frozen landscape have to do with our daily life? How can it help us? Why would we want to join Hanshan’s mind in this barren place?
Cold Mountain is not barren at all. It is open and lustrous. It does not harbor concepts, beliefs or illusions.
Find it, practice it and it reveals the truth to you. It gives you the power of the “Way” – which is inexhaustible and can be used for all of your life.
Do that and you will repay Han Shan’s kind instruction.
Doen, why does he say ‘our minds are not the same’?
Maybe people are too busy “asking” about Cold Mountain to actually attempt a climb. Do they expect to be magically transported to the top of Cold Mountain since there are no roads, no sign posts and no directions?
How many times do we sit and think about taking action? I think in daily life, the “frozen landscape” is a resevoir of pure of energy that is always available. The Way IS the frozen landscape.
We are all Cold Mountain, but can’t seem to see it.