虛堂和尚語錄 10.49

10.49

A hungry dog dragging a boat is an ancient tune made new;
in recent years it has been played into the nomad's reed-pipe songs.
The melody rises to the highest reaches of Lingxiao;
those who listen and those who harmonize are both found wanting.
Blown scattered by heavenly winds, it falls into West Lake;
at the southern flats, the wild rice and reeds, spring waters run green.
In the deep of night, facing each other, with whom can he speak?
In the rank without position, he accompanies the line of patriarchs.