The Complete Cold Mountain Quotes

“In the midst of a thousand clouds and countless waters
there is an idle person.
By day, he roams the green mountains,
at night, he returns to sleep beneath the cliff.
Quickly, the seasons pass
in serenity, with no worldly bonds.
How joyful! What does he depend upon?
Quiet, like a large autumn river.”
― Peter Levitt, The Complete Cold Mountain: Poems of the Legendary Hermit Hanshan

“Beneath the moon, chilly winds blow through the pines
as wisps of clouds arise.
So many mountain ridges layer into each other
for miles around!
The valley stream is quiet and clear --
I'm not done with this boundless joy.”
― Peter Levitt, The Complete Cold Mountain: Poems of the Legendary Hermit Hanshan

“Let me say to those who practice the way:
Seeking worthless things exhausts your mind.
People have a spiritual essence, beyond words or description.
When you call on it, it responds clearly,
when it is hidden, you don’t know where it is.
Keep it well, don’t let it be stained.”
― Peter Levitt, The Complete Cold Mountain: Poems of the Legendary Hermit Hanshan