The Moon in Autumn

As summer turns to autumn, my mind goes to this Koan by Wu Men Hui-k'ai:

Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn.

I have committed the words to memory because each time a season turns it helps me to pay attention to the passing time and reflect on the changes each season brings.

If you wanted to memorize a saying or a poem, this is a good one. It's short and filled with imagery. The act of memorization is also a mindfulness practice that improves brain function. Always good!

Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn, a cool breeze in summer, snow in winter. If your mind isn't clouded by unnecessary things, this is the best season of your life.

English version by Stephen Mitchell

Original Language Chinese

-- from The Enlightened Heart: An Anthology of Sacred Poetry, by Stephen Mitchell

--Photo by Dave Hoefler on Unsplash