Once our false thinking has completely ceased</br>There is neither start nor conclusion, beginning nor end</br>In the oneness of Buddha and sentient … - Ippen

From far, far in the distant past,
Down to this day, this very instant,
Those things we have longed for most
Have not been attained, and we sorrow.

In the Buddha’s teaching, unless you cast away body and life, there can be no realization of benefit.

In this brief span this body exists,
Clothing and food are of course indispensable;
But knowing them to be fruits of former lives,
I make no effort at all to obtain them.