Beneath the Aqueduct, Nanzen-ji, Kyoto

In addition to the unexpected find of a real aqueduct, one of the treats at Nanzen-ji is a small sub-temple nestled on the wooded mountainside in back, called Saisho-in. There, on a sign, is written the following poem.

The evening bell, solemn and bronze
in the grandfather temple down the hill,
sounds dimly here.
Slow beat of the mountain's heart, perhaps,
or determined pulse of pine tree (gift of the birds)
growing out of a crotch of the slippery monkey tree.
All one, perhaps --
bell, mountain, tree...
and steady cicada vibratto
and little white dog
and quiet artist-priest, carver of Noh masks,
fashioning a bamboo crutch for the ancient peach tree --
symbol of strength, symbol of concern.
All cool under the nodding crowns of the vertical forest,
all seeking in this place,
all finding in this place --
hidden yet open to all --
the spirit in the cedar's heart.