Marie Bortolotto

Marie Bortolotto 2017

Marie Bortolotto 2017

Nothing is better than getting free
but freedom is not luck.

- Shiwu (Stonehouse) Zen Monk 14th c.

Marie Bortolotto 2017

This body's lifetime is like a bubble's

by Shiwu (Stonehouse) 14th C. Zen Monk Hermit

This body's lifetime is like a bubble's
may as well let things go
plans and events seldom agree
who can step back doesn't worry
we blossom and fade like flowers
we gather and part like clouds
earthly thoughts I forgot long ago
withering away on a mountain peak

Marie Bortolotto 2017

Marie Bortolotto 2017

Marie Bortolotto

Marie Bortolotto

Marie Bortolotto 2017

Marie Bortolotto 2017

Marie Bortolotto 2017

To glorify the way what should people turn to
to words and deeds that agree
but oceans of greed never fill up
and sprouts of delusion keep growing
a plum tree in bloom purifies a recluse
a patch of potatoes cheers a lone monk
but those who follow rules in their huts
never see the way or get past the mountain

-  Shiwu (Stonehouse) 14th c. Zen Monk Hermit

Artwork by Marie Bortolotto 2017

Scorpion tails and wolf hearts overrun the world
everyone has a trick to get ahead
but how many smiles in a lifetime
how many moments of peace in a day
who knows a toppled cart means try another track
when trouble strikes there is no time for shame
this old monk isn't just talking
he's trying to remove your obstacles and chains

- Stonehouse, 14th Century Zen Monk Hermit