The old woman....the unborn

[jewel]

The term `Old Woman' occurs in a number of Great Master Dogen's Chinese poems, as a metaphor for the Eternal Buddha Nature, the Unborn. The following is one such poem:

"When you take a pine branch in your hand
its blossom opens five petals;
When you take a monk's staff in your hand
crooked and straight become one.
At this moment great thunder rumbles
and the rain of the Dharma pours in
abundance over heaven and earth;
Thanks to the Old Woman,
you enjoy the Spring Breeze."