Closed Ears

Before listening to the way, do not fail to wash
.....your ears.
Otherwise it will be impossible to listen clearly.
What is washing your ears?
Do not hold on to your view.
If you cling to it even a littel bit,
you will lose your way.
What is similar to you but wrong, you regard
....as right.
What is different from you but right, you regard
....as wrong.
You begin with ideas of right and wrong.
But the way is not so.
Seeking answers with closed ears is
like trying to touch the ocean bottom with a pole.

---Ryokan---