Wang Yang Ming         Harvard Fogg Museum Homage to Wang Yang Ming O illustrious sage, Wang Yang Ming Master of the mind & realized being ! Idealist philosopher that thou art Teaching wisdom simply from thy heart. Enlightened at the age of thirty-seven Knowing the decrees and laws of heaven With steadfast purpose and a mind at peace Subduing the bandits with quickness & ease Countless rebellions you were to suppress But the court still deprived you of success. The petty officials with cunning deceits Denied the glory of your military feats They challenged you to an archery show But you hit the bullseye thrice in a row. Despite the hardships you had to endure Your mind remained always crystal pure Flock of students came to your lecture hall As you taught enlightenment to one and all. The mind is like a mirror you would say While dull, no reflection would it display A polished mirror that's bright & clear Reflects the true form as they appear. All selfish desires should be wiped out If the mind is to be cleared from doubt Grind the rice till it's refined & white Pursue the path until one sees the light A purified mind is like immaculate gold The infinite wonders which sages behold. Practice the unity of knowledge and action Realizing the Tao through daily subtraction Until the mind embraces all heaven & earth And the soul is fulfilled with eternal mirth.     — Peter Y. Chou         Worcester, MA, 1-9-1979          on the 450th death anniversary          of Wang Yang Ming (1472-1529)