From behind the temple the moon is ascending.
Buddha’s ancient aureole gleams on the shiny top.
From a bamboo flute a lonely tune flows suspiring:
Nostalgic linger of a melancholic, wagging heart!
Wild grass sprouts in the slit of the stairway stones
Along the road that leads to the golden-lit Buddha!
The image of Buddha is getting clearer and clearer.
The Living Buddha’s yard is hard to see in the starlight.
From behind the temple the moon is ascending.
Buddha’s suavely sieving evening twilight and
The grave, sad tune of the flute confer solace
To the pilgrims, who come from back of beyond!
Simple alcoves, old scrolls of painted characters!
It’s a heavenly renewed temple filled with mystery
The silhouettes reflect the people’s world in deep
Pondering to become like Buddha’s shiny heart!
Whatever you want, just show off looking at Buddha’s
Image, where the cross-legged Buddha sits abidingly.
Let the heavenly bamboo flute flow out its pneuma
While the moon from behind the temple is ascending!
English translation by Imre P. Zsoldos svd
