Make It New

Based on a traditional Chinese story; prose based on Water Mirror Reflecting Heaven, by Master Hua

Born in this age, we should resolve to be new people. The engraving of Tang says, “If once made new, every day make it new. Let there be daily renewal.”

Emperor Tang of China, he had a real clear head
He also had a sign on his bathtub, and this is what it said
“Make it new today; renew yourself, return the light
Make it new every day, renew yourself and set things right.”

Look at modern science, stranger every day, weapons more ingenious every day, wars more brutal every day.

Not by hatred can hatred be defeated
And you can’t stop a fight with a fight my friend
Only with compassion can hatred be defeated
And to find compassion you must look within

Make it new today; renew yourself, return the light
Make it new every day, renew yourself and set things right

Although this is called progress, it is progressive cruelty. Taking human life as a toy, using force to gratify desire and ambition. Why not instead wash clean the body and mind? Righting former wrongs, establishing merit for all beings of the Dharma Realm.

Emperor Tang of China, he knew the way to win
The hearts of all his people by setting an example for them As it was in the old days, so it remains today
Getting rid of greed and anger, there just isn’t any other way

If you make it new today; renew yourself, return the light
Make it new every day renew yourself and set things right
Make it new today; renew yourself, return the light
Make it new every day renew yourself and set things right

Be a model for all under heaven. Be a model for all under heaven. With faith and filial piety, for the sake of the country, teach the people.