Liber Lunae - Chapter 30

Verses

Verse 72

A monk pointed at the Moon. The cat bit his finger. The monastery advanced considerably that evening.

Verse 73

The master said, Empty your mind. The novice emptied his bowl instead. The cat approved the more practical teaching.

Verse 74

Moonlight entered the hall without opening the door.

Verse 75

Two students argued whether the reflection was real. The cat drank it.

Verse 76

When the pond trembled, ten Moons broke apart. No one called the astronomer.

Verse 77

The master asked, Where is the Moon when clouds cover it? The novice answered, On the other side of the clouds. He was sent to wash cups for being unbearable.

Verse 78

A crescent is not waiting to become full. Only humans turn shapes into career plans.

Verse 79

The cat slept through enlightenment and woke without regret.

Verse 80

Do not polish the mirror to become the Moon.

Verse 81

Do not smash the mirror to escape the reflection.

Verse 82

The Way of the Moon is to arrive everywhere by remaining where it is.

Verse 83

The Way of the cat is similar, except for breakfast.

Verse 84

At dawn the Moon faded. The novice said, It is gone. The master said, Then stop pointing.

Verse 85

The novice finally understood and became very proud.

Verse 86

The cat bit him again.