The Elder Yun's Verse of Bequest
The Elder Yun's verse of bequest reads:
Out of kind regard for the life of ants, the shrimp don't hop back in the water.
That I might pacify aquatic creatures, please toss my body in the river.
I pray that all who partake of my offering of body and vows,
Will in turn attain Bodhi and rescue living beings.
I hope that my Dharma companions will not be sad or worried about me.
Birth and death follow our karma,
just as the cocoon binds the silkworm that has spun it.
If you do not put an end to greed and confusion,
you will remain entrapped by joy and sorrow.
If you wish to be rid of this trouble,
you should cultivate diligently and refine yourself
Until a wonderful tallying with the unproduced occurs
and you gain a thorough understanding of the mind ground.
Through cutting off the emotions of love and hate,
you can be released from the dangerous turning wheel.
As you work to purify the three studies,
firmly hold to the four dwellings in mindfulness.
When your vows are perfected, your body is as illusory
as a dew drop or a lightning flash.
When you certify and awaken to true emptiness,
the myriad dharmas become one substance.
Separation and union, sadness and joy, are as unsubstantial as bubbles.
After I die and my body is cremated,
Please take the ashes of my bones
And grind them into a fine powder.
Mix the powder with oil, sugar, and flour,
Roll it into pellets and then place these in the river
As an offering to the aquatic creatures.
I will be forever thankful if you grant my wish.
Hsu Yun, one who repays his debts, bows in reverence.
Let us take this as our standard of conduct and continue advancing
towards the Buddha-city, never retreating from our resolve to realize
anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.
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