Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Master Tong'an Changcha's Ten Talks of Unfathomable Depth (6)

We continue our series based on master Tong'an Changcha's 'Ten Talks of Unfathomable Depth', and this month we tackle two more of the talks, the sixth and seventh, called The Song of Returning Home and The Song of Not Returning Home. The short texts says:

6. The Song of Returning Home

Don’t be distracted by the King of Emptiness when you are still on the Way.

You must drive your staff forward, moving on until you reach home.

If you travel for a long time like clouds and water, don’t get attached to it.

Even in the deep recesses of snowy mountains, don’t forget your mission.

Ah! I regretted that in past days my face was like jade.

And I lamented that at the time of my return my hair had turned white.

Returning to my old home with dangling arms, there was no one who recognized me.

Also, I had nothing to offer my parents.

7. The Song of Not Returning Home

Having the intention of going to the source, of returning to the origin, is already a mistake.