Everyday Life is the Path

In spring, hundreds of flowers bloom,

In autumn, a harvest moon shines,

In the summer, a refreshing breeze blows,

In winter snow will accompany you.

If trivial things do not linger in your mind,

Every season is the best season of your life.

-     Wu-Men Hui-Kai

Wu-Men Hui-Kai (1183-1260), also known as Mumon Ekai in Japanese, was the Chief Monk of Long-Xiang monastery in China during the Song Dynasty. He was a classical eccentric Chan (Zen) master who wandered from temple to temple, wearing shabby old robes, with long hair and beards until he founded a temple at the age of 64. Wu-Men is esteemed by later generations for the writing the Mumonkan.

The Mumonkan or “The Gateless Gate” is a compilation and commentary of 48 koans, first published in 1228. Each koan is accompanied by a commentary and poetic verse written by Wumen. The poem above is the poetic verse of the koan called “Everyday Life is the Path” in Mumonkan.

To read the full work of the Mumonkan, visit the Sacred Text website.