If you’re a true practitioner —
You don’t see the world’s faults.
The moment you see them —
You’ve already strayed.
Always see your own faults —
Then you’re right on the path.
Other people’s wrongs?
That’s theirs.
Your own wrongs?
Those are yours.
If you keep hunting their faults —
Now you’re the one who’s wrong.
Real work is simple:
Drop that fault-finding heart —
All your afflictions shatter,
The heavy weight is gone.
Love and hate no longer stir you.
Stretch your legs out wide,
Lie back easy —
Total ease.
Layer by layer,
Old heavy karma sheds away.
You’re awakened.
Really free.
— Translated from The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch


