If you were to ask me
what this life is that you are living,
I would tell you that there is no Truth in that life.
If you were to tell me that
the life you are leading is one of Truth,
I would tell you that your burdens are heavy.
If you were to tell me that
the life you are leading is exciting,
I would tell you that you are dreaming
an exciting dream within a dream.
If you were to tell me that
the life you are leading is an exhausting one,
I would tell you to let go of your useless greed.
If you were to tell me that
the life you are leading is nonsensical,
I would tell you that
there is no such thing as life or death.
If you were to tell me that
the life you are leading is wrong,
I would tell you that
it is because you have an attachment and greed for life.
If you were to tell me that
the life you are leading is savory,
I would tell you that
you have almost reached the true world.
If you were to tell me that
you are terrified of the life you are leading,
I would tell you that you are living well.
If you were to tell me that
the life you are leading is full of pain,
I would tell you to get rid of your self.
If you were to tell me that
you are leading a happy life,
I would tell you that it is nothing more than dust.
If you were to ask me how to live well,
I would tell you that
you must completely be rid of your self.
If you were to ask me what a life of Truth is,
I would tell you that a life that is alive is Truth,
that it is the life Truth lives.
If you were to ask me
to make the life you are leading into that of Truth,
I would tell you that I have the key.
– Woo Myung
