Always acting alone, walking alone,
Together the enlightened travel the Nirvana road.
The tune is ancient, the spirit pure, the style poised,
The face drawn, the bones hardened; people take no notice.


The penniless Buddhist monks say they are destitute;
Though they have nothing, they are not poor in Tao.
Poverty shows in the ragged robes they always wear.
The priceless treasures of the Tao are stored in their minds.


These priceless treasures have endless functions;
There is no hesitation in helping others.
The three bodies and four wisdoms ore complete in essence;
The eight liberations and six psychic powers are the mind-ground seal.


For the great ones, one breakthrough accomplishes all;
For the middling and inferior, the more they hear, the less they believe.
You only have to discard the dirty garments within;
No need to flaunt your diligence to others.


When criticized by others, let them wrong you;
They will tire themselves trying to burn the sky with a torch.
When I hear abuse, it is like drinking ambrosia;
Melt it, and suddenly one enters the inconceivable.


If we regard criticism as merit,
The critics will become reliable friends.