A mountain is famous not for its height, but for its immortals.
A lake is magical not because of its depth, but because of its dragons.
This house may be humble, but it is fragrant with my virtue.
The steps are covered with green moss;
the window screens reflect the verdant grass.
I laugh and chat with learned gentlemen;
there are no illiterates among my visitors.
I can play the harp and read the Vajra Sutra.
There is no noise of string and wind instruments to disturb my ears,
nor any documents to tire me out.
Zhuge Liang lived in a thatched hut in Nanyang;
Yang Ziyun dwelt in a tiny shack in western Shu.
Confucius said, “How can that be considered humble?”
A mountain is famous not for its height, but for its immortals. A lake is magical not because of its depth, but because of its dragons. By the same token, men don’t have to be tall and handsome. The most important thing is to nurture and cultivate good character. You have a Buddha nature, which is what makes you “magical.”
This house may be humble, but it is fragrant with my virtue. This may be a simple house, small and plain. Although I may not be good-looking, I have virtue, that is, I have the good conscience that is found in everyone. If you can cherish it and use it well, then that is enough.
The steps are covered with green moss; the window screens reflect the verdant grass. This describes the small house, which is plain and unadorned, yet possesses an uncommon and serene air. Green moss grows over the stone steps, and the lush green color of the grass is reflected in the window screens. It’s a natural scene.
I laugh and chat with learned gentlemen; there are no illiterates among my visitors. My friends are all educated and important people. I never associate with coarse or illiterate fellows. Though my house is humble, my friends are not common people. We all get together to exchange knowledge and look into the meaning of life. Isn’t this joyful?
I can play the harp and read the Vajra Sutra. There is no noise of string and wind instruments to disturb my ears, nor any documents to tire me out. In my leisure time, I play the harp to amuse myself; and when all is quiet, I read the Vajra Sutra. How carefree and transcendent this state is; it’s not the least bit worldly. In ancient times, some musical instruments were made of strings or bamboo. The music those people listened to was very elegant and lofty, not like the rock-n-roll music of today, which makes people dazed and confused. They didn’t have to rush to work, sit in the office, and get bombarded with work every day. That’s what’s meant by “being tired out by documents.” He didn’t lead that kind of hectic life, but one that was very leisurely and comfortable.
Zhuge Liang lived in a thatched hut in Nanyang; Yang Ziyun dwelt in a tiny shack in western Shu. Confucius said, “How can that be considered humble?” In Nanyang, Zhuge Liang lived in a thatched hut as a hermit; and in western Shu [Sichuan Province], Yang Ziyun lived in a small and simple shack. These were a lofty gentleman and a hermit of the past, who didn’t admire the superficial splendor of the world, but secluded themselves in humble dwellings. Confucius commented, “How can that be considered humble?” What’s vulgar about that? Isn’t it a fine thing?
From this poem, “Inscription for a Humble House,” we should learn not to crave superficial beauty. Rather, we should cherish our own energy and use our sense faculties in a good way. Then we won’t be wasting the wisdom of our Buddha nature. Each of us should set our goal and march towards it!
