Ippen

Ippen (一遍上人) (1234–1289), also known as Zuien, was a Japanese Buddhist itinerant preacher (hijiri) who founded the Ji (時宗 time sect) branch of.

No Abode: The Record of Ippen (1997)
ed. Dennis Hirota. (Hawaii: University of Hawaii Press, 1997)


 * From far, far in the distant past, Down to this day, this very instant, Those things we have longed for most Have not been attained, and we sorrow.
 * "Hymn of Amida's Vow" (Chapter 1, p. 3).


 * Once our false thinking has completely ceased There is neither start nor conclusion, beginning nor end In the oneness of Buddha and sentient beings Say Namu-amida-butsu.
 * "Hymn of Amida's Vow" (Chapter 1, p. 4).


 * To reach the borders of the uncreated, Just let go! This is genuine gratitude.
 * "A Gist in Empty Words" (Chapter 2, p. 9).


 * In this brief span this body exists, Clothing and food are of course indispensable; But knowing them to be fruits of former lives, I make no effort at all to obtain them.
 * "A Gist in Empty Words" (Chapter 2, p. 11).


 * With aversion for sect superiors and their pomp, I have no wish for monk disciples; Not in search of lay supporters, I court the favor of no one.
 * "Verse of Aspiration" (Chapter 3, p. 16).


 * In the Buddha’s teaching, unless you cast away body and life, there can be no realization of benefit.
 * "Words Handed Down by Disciples" (Chapter 9, p. 105).


 * To become solitary and simple in utter aloneness -- living wholly unconcerned about the multitude of worldly affairs, and abandoning and disentangling yourself from all things -- is to die. We are born alone; we die alone.
 * "Words Handed Down by Disciples" (Chapter 9).


 * Food, clothing, and shelter are the three evil paths. To desire and make a display of clothing is karma for the path of beasts. To greedily crave food is karma for the path of famished ghosts. To set up a shelter is karma for the path of hell. Hence, if you aspire to part from the three evil paths, you must free yourself from food, clothing, and shelter.
 * "Words Handed Down by Disciples" (Chapter 9).