Murray Alfredson

Ch'an music II

Drink in a while
the image of
an unfilled teacup.

Enter that space
flawless, open,
enclosed by porcelain walls.

Sit still, sit quietly:
just breathe and wait;
cherish no thought.

Then, perhaps, in silence
beyond the stillness
you will find the void.

Dwell inside that space,
dwell but do not fill it;
and do not seek to grasp it.

For there is neither hold
nor holding. Let go.
Be still and know

the void as void.
Hear that soundless singing.