Once I lay amid clouds of Mount Song
Cloudy window in the cold of night.
Wrapped in fur, a dream suddenly born
As if to the temple of the Void King.
A lone peak stands piercing the sky
Balustrades stretch across half the cliff.
Steps lean on the green summit's edge
The pass opens to the crimson heavens.
Groping emptiness, climbing the lone steep
No less than a thousand feet high.
Cupped hands gaze at the palace screen
Clearly, the shoulder-baring monk.
Burning incense, prostrations done
A clear cry... (text missing).
High gates ride the north wind
Its roar like great white waves.
In the light, eyes cannot follow
Only by fixed test can one see.
Trees fine, misty primordial haze
Islands sparse, scattered azure.
Soon all sounds enter
Empty waters clash and spray.
Piled waves press cold mounds
Gaping like battling perilous rocks.
Leaping notes cluster like war drums
Splashing foam crosses spear and halberd.
Birds swift, sails also race
Chaotically aiding the fierce foe.
If not the water spirit's wrath
Then a hungry dragon's rending.
Timid, I dare not advance
My robe soaked with sweat.
Returning past the settled monk's place
Spring and trees shine on each other.
Cloud clans dwell on rocky steps
Twigs fit with dewy blossoms.
Carefree, I find the true path
Winding along the usual traces.
The mountain's belly stores a lone pavilion
Mist-roots hang like curtains on four sides.
Who inscribed the line of snow and moon?
It is the style of Cao and Liu.
A single jade branch at the palace gate
A few flute notes from the border tower.
Chanting high, I startle up
As if cast from the blue firmament.
Short candle sheds its last sparks
Full moon hangs aslant.
Since the divine bestowed this realm
Nowhere have I not climbed.
Suddenly atop Mount Nanxu
My heart's hope opens and is gained.
How could these bones of vexation
Come to such a清凉 domain?
Secretly gaining a butterfly's form
All hidden trysts are met.
Yet alas, having name and clan
Not listed in the golden闺 register.
Shamed instead by the child with topknot
Who receives the true Dharma teaching.
Cloud-billows touch the wind-vista
Fine brush held amid mist.
Let me record this dream journey
Keep it to ask the禅 guest.