This mind, this workable mind
Is like mist on a snow mountain
When the mist will dissolve, you never know—go practice
That mist will surely dissolve—go practice the dharma that’s true

This body made of four elements
Is like a tree with rotten roots

When the tree will fall you never know—go practice
That tree will certainly fall—go practice the dharma that’s true

The estates built by your fighting fathers
Are like tricks in a magic show
When the tricks will fail you never know—go practice
Those tricks will certainly fail—go practice the dharma that’s true

This wealth gathered by avarice
Is like the honey gathered by bees

And who will eat the honey you never know—go practice
Others will eat that honey—go practice the dharma that’s true

These relatives, loving, in harmony,
Are like the travelers at a fair
When the travelers leave you never know—go practice
Travelers will certainly leave—go practice the dharma that’s true

These children who came from your flesh
Are like one-hundred-year-old men
When they’ll be of use you never know—go practice
They will not be of use—go practice the dharma that’s true

With reference to the translation in The Rain of Wisdom, pp.254-5, translated by Walker Blaine with the assistance of Ari Goldfield. Holy Island, Scotland, June 6, 2006. Translation copyright 2012, Walker Blaine and Ari Goldfield