In one of his poems, Kalapati Lay Ill in Bed, Wang Wei makes use of Buddhist terminology. Is it genuine or is it artistic showmanship?

SHIH-FU:

This poem contains many references to the Vimalakirti Sutra, and it also describes certain attitudes that have a Ch'an flavor. Then again, I have read poetry written by intellectuals who have never practiced Buddhism at all, yet who are capable of conveying high levels of Ch'an. This poem doesn't prove anything one way or the other. For instance, two lines of this poem read:

Not one single dharma is real
Not one single dharma is defiled


These lines are taken directly from the sutras. Can we say that the lines come directly from Wang Wei's practice?

STUDENT:

Here is a poem that seems to convey some sort of attainment. Would you comment on this?

Visiting the Temple of Gathered Fragrance

I do not know the Temple of Gathered Fragrance,
For several miles entering cloudy peaks
Ancient trees, paths without people;
Deep in the mountains, where is the bell?
Noise from the spring swallows up lofty rocks,
The color of the sun chills green pines . . .
Toward dusk, by the curve of an empty pond,
Peaceful meditation controls poison dragons.