The Dharma Body Meets Chariot Forces; Subduing Demons at Ridge Pass

Evil in the Heart's Centre Crosses the Backbone Pass There is a poem that goes: They travel West escaping dangers to seek the scriptures; Nor can they stop at all the famous mountains. They press on night and day, starting crows and hares; The seasons turn amid falling blossom and bird-song. In the dust under one's eyes are three thousand worlds; Four hundred prefectures rest on the head of a staff. Sleeping in dew and dining on wind they climb the purple slope; Never knowing when they will be able to start back. The story tells how after the dragon prince had subdued the demon and the God of the Black River had divided the waters, master and disciples crossed the Black River and took the main trail West. They faced wind and snow, and traveled under the moon and the stars. After they had been going for a long time it was early spring again. The sun returns; All comes back to life. The sun returns; Beauty fills the sky like an opened scroll. All comes back to life, As flowers cover the earth with embroidered cushions. A few snowflakes of plum blossom remain, While......