The Works of Illusion

Physical desire may rage like fire,
But if you think of what happens when you get ill,
    Your fervor will turn cold as ashes.
Fame and fortune may be as sweet as candy,
But if you consider the place of your death,
    They will seem like chewing wax.
Therefore,
    If a man will always take time to think of death,
        and ruminate on illness
    The works of illusion will disappear,
        and the Way-seeking mind will endure.

                                                   ---Hung Ying-ming---