Zen Master Shitou Xiqian is famous for two poems that are classic Zen texts. I recently started reading “Inside the Grass Hut” by Ben Connelly which analyzes each line of “Song of the Grass Roof Hermitage” and discusses the significance in our world today. The author mixes his own experiences and applies the teachings to his daily life, showing how it is possible for everyone to life more compassionately within a community with less suffering and less attachment.
1. Harmony of Difference and Sameness
2. Song of the Grass Roof Hermitage
2 responses to “Zen Master – Shitou Xiqian (700-790)”
I will have to study this poetry. Observation and meditation. An outgoing Catholic priest I know told of an encounter with a Buddhist monk. He asked him if his deity talked to him and the Buddhist monk said no.
His poetry is chanted and taught at many buddhist centers, including the Minnesota Zen Center.