The blush of the Jajang plum blossom deepens,

while the pine trees in cold stand verdant ever!

Ven. Jungbong Seongpa 

(Patriarch of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism)

激石灘聲如戰敲

翻天浪色似銀山

灘驚浪打風兼雨

獨立亭亭意愈閑

The roaring of the waves against the rugged rocks resounds like the clamor of battle drums,

And the tumultuous sea resembles a mountain of silver.

Though the waves startle with wind and rain,

The solitary crane stands alone, its spirit ever serene.

The practitioners of all the meditation monasteries have completed the three months winter retreat and now are about to embark on a journey!

While adhering to the Pure Rules, uniting in harmony, you strived to single-mindedly focus on Koan practice. The ups and downs of mundane affairs have passed like a dream.

Just as the lone crane amidst the rushing waters overcomes the vigorous streams, you have broken through the Koans and reveal the true essence of practitioners.

If it were not for the straight and strong legs that stand the rushing waters, the crane could not enjoy the majestic scenery beyond the tempest. If it were not for the ability to see through the cascading of spray, the scenery would remain unseen. Monks, what have you seen?

To the monastics leaving the mountains!

How will you respond when asked about the signs of spring on Mt. Vulture?

細思乃不然

眞巧非幻影

欲令淨土妙

不厭空且靜

Upon careful contemplation, it is not so,

True ingenuity is not an illusion.

To create the wondrous Pure Land,

One must not tire of emptiness and tranquility.