The ch'an implication of the poem. As a summary, make a few tentative generalizations as to how the Buddhist as opposed to the Taoist and Confucianist looks at existence and life in the world. To help you with this, three other poems are included following the texts of River Snow . The poem sets forth some of the attitudes of ch'an . The second is another poem by the author of River Snow .
Daily activity is no more than harmony within.
Supernatural power and wonderful functioning are found In the carrying of water and the chopping of wood. There is neither actuality nor emptiness. If there is actuality, I do not care for it. If there is a void, I do not abide in it. In the five aggregates lie true wisdom.