If you were to ask me

what this life is that you are living,

I would tell you that there is no Truth in that life.

 

If you were to tell me that

the life you are leading is one of Truth,

I would tell you that your burdens are heavy.

 

If you were to tell me that

the life you are leading is exciting,

I would tell you that you are dreaming

an exciting dream within a dream.

 

If you were to tell me that

the life you are leading is an exhausting one,

I would tell you to let go of your useless greed.

 

If you were to tell me that

the life you are leading is nonsensical,

I would tell you that

there is no such thing as life or death.

 

If you were to tell me that

the life you are leading is wrong,

I would tell you that

it is because you have an attachment and greed for life.

 

If you were to tell me that

the life you are leading is savory,

I would tell you that

you have almost reached the true world.

 

If you were to tell me that

you are terrified of the life you are leading,

I would tell you that you are living well.

 

If you were to tell me that

the life you are leading is full of pain,

I would tell you to get rid of your self.

 

If you were to tell me that

you are leading a happy life,

I would tell you that it is nothing more than dust.

 

If you were to ask me how to live well,

I would tell you that

you must completely be rid of your self.

 

If you were to ask me what a life of Truth is,

I would tell you that a life that is alive is Truth,

that it is the life Truth lives.

 

If you were to ask me

to make the life you are leading into that of Truth,

I would tell you that I have the key.

 

-W00 Myung