“Like water” by the Zen master Yamada Mumon

Like water Not stagnating Flowingly Hope to go Even if we meet good things Even if we meet bad things Never look back Keep advancing Hope to go flowingly Even if we see the beautiful flowers on either bank of the river Even if we hear the birds chirping cheerfully Praising their beauty Taking joy in their cheer Continue on moving forward They say that flowing water never freezes They say that running water never stagnates I believe it is alive Nourishes farms Raises plants Rears fish Never want a higher place Towards a lower and lower place Like water I hope to flow