What does the chicken soup written by the great monk during the Song Dynasty mean? Do you understand?

Spring has hundreds of flowers, autumn has the moon; summer has cool breezes, winter has snow. If there are no idle matters weighing on your mind, then every moment is a good time on earth.

It means: Throughout the four seasons, each has its own beauty—spring with flowers, autumn with the moon, summer with cool breezes, winter with snow. If your heart is free of unnecessary worries, attachments, and delusions, then any time is the best time in life. The key is not external circumstances, but “idle matters weighing on the mind.”

Goodness is like a green pine; evil is like a flower. Look at the present—it's not as good as others. One day, after frost hits, only the green pine remains, and the flowers are gone.

It means: Good deeds are like green pines, which may not seem as dazzling as flowers; evil deeds are like flowers, bright and tempting in the moment. But once faced with frost and trials, flowers quickly wither, while the green pine endures. This teaches the cause-and-effect time difference.

Having no resentment on the face is offering; speaking without resentment releases wonderful fragrance. A heart free of resentment and greed is a priceless treasure; it is endless and eternal—true permanence.

It means: No anger on your face is a form of offering to all beings; no resentful words spoken are naturally pure and fragrant; a heart free of resentment and hatred is the most precious treasure in the world. It is unborn and undying, and that is true “permanence.” Zen emphasizes “practice” through emotional management.

The Buddha is not far at Ling Mountain; Ling Mountain is only in your heart. Everyone has a Ling Mountain pagoda in their heart; practice should be under the Ling Mountain pagoda.

It means: Don’t go outside to find the Buddha or sacred places; the true Ling Mountain is within your heart. Everyone has a “Ling Mountain pagoda” inside; practice is not about escaping life but working diligently on your own mind.

Finally, if condensed into one sentence: All of life's unease comes from “placing attention in the wrong place.” Focusing on external circumstances will always lead to dissatisfaction; comparing oneself breeds anxiety; emotional turmoil consumes energy. Turn your attention inward and adjust everything within your heart. This verse truly teaches not just “let it go,” but a sequence: first stabilize the mind → then observe the world → naturally clarity follows.