Visiting Hengshan Temple, staying at the monastery and writing on the gate

Visiting Hengshan Temple, staying at the monastery and writing on the gate

The five sacred mountains receive sacrifices equal to the Three Lords,

With the four directions encircled and Song at the center.

The fire region's wilderness abounds with demons and spirits,

Heaven has entrusted divine power to make it sovereign.

It spews clouds and exhales mist, hiding half its mass—

Though it has a summit, who can fully explore it?

I arrive just as the autumn rains begin,

The yin forces dark and murky, no clear breeze blowing.

I silently pray with focused heart, and something seems to respond—

Could it be that upright sincerity can move the spirit world?

In an instant the skies clear and all the peaks emerge,

I look up and see them towering, propping up the blue sky.

The Purple Canopy stretches and joins with Heavenly Pillar,

Stone Granary leaps and tumbles, piling up with Zhurong.

My soul is stirred with awe; I dismount and bow,

Following a single path of pines and cypresses toward the sacred temple.

Whitewashed walls and crimson pillars shimmer with light,

Paintings of spirits and creatures fill the blue and red.

I ascend the steps, stooping, offering dried meat and wine,

Hoping that this humble gift may express my sincere heart.

The old temple keeper understands the god's intent,

He peers about, watching closely, and bows with care.

He holds the crescent-shaped blocks and guides me to cast them,

Saying this is the most auspicious sign—the others do not compare.

Banished to the southern wilds, I have survived by fortune,

With enough food and clothing, I would gladly live out my days.

Princes and great ministers have long ceased to appear—

Even if the god wished to bestow blessings, how could it avail?

At night I take lodging at a Buddhist temple, ascending a high pavilion,

The stars and moon shine dimly through the hazy clouds.

The apes cry and the bell tolls—I do not know dawn has come,

Till the bright, cold sun rises in the east.