True Essence

The essence of true mind
transcends causality and pervades time.
It is neither profane nor sacred;
it has no oppositions.

Like space itself it is omnipresent,
Its subtle substance is stable,
and utterly peaceful;
Beyond all conceptual elaboration.

It is unoriginated, imperishable,
neither existent nor nonexistent.
It is unmoving, unstirring,
profoundly still and eternal...
Neither coming nor going,
it pervades all time.

Neither coming nor going
it pervades all space.
All activities at all times are manifestations
of the subtle function of the mind.

--Korean Ch'an master Chinul (1158-1210)