Ryōkan

Ryōkan (1758–1831) was an eccentric Sōtō Zen Buddhist monk who lived in Echigo, Japan, as a hermit, most famous for his poetry and calligraphy.

 Careless Serenity 

Whence has this life of mine arrived at its present abode and after its departure whereto is it destined to vanish

Seated below the sagebrush window of my cottage by myself, I meditated on these questions, mute in the dead of night

I searched my heart many times but the answers failed me

Neither the wherefrom nor the whereto of my life I know

Equally unknown to me is my life's existence here and now

For all the world is in a nimble flux and void therefore

I am suspended midair in the vacuity but for a twinkling

How am I supposed to know the subtlety of right and wrong

I must perforce receive what descends on me as my destiny, and live accordingly, while I may, with careless serenity

Quotes


nothing is better, nothing worse'''; The flowering branches are of themselves, some short, some long.
 * '''In the scenery of spring,
 * As translated in Haiku : Spring (1950) by Reginald Horace Blyth

We doze And talk of dreams —''' Dream, dream on, As much as you wish
 * '''In this dream world
 * As translated in Lust for Enlightenment : Buddhism and Sex (1990) by John Stevens, p. 28

The gloomy clouds''' Covering the mountaintop Otherwise, how will you Ever see the brightness?
 * '''You must rise above
 * As translated in Lust for Enlightenment : Buddhism and Sex (1990) by John Stevens, p. 117

the moon at my window.'''
 * '''The thief left it behind:
 * Written after a thief robbed his hut, as translated in The Enlightened Heart: An Anthology of Sacred Poetry‎ (1993) by Stephen Mitchell, p. 162

Recalling my youth — '''Was it only a dream? Was I really young once?'''
 * Late at night, listening to the winter rain
 * As quoted in One Robe, One Bowl : The Zen Poetry of Ryōkan (2006) edited by John Stevens, p. 71


 * Cling to truth and it turns into falsehood. Understand falsehood and it turns into truth. Truth and falsehood are two sides of the same coin. Neither accept one nor reject the other.
 * As translated in 1,001 Pearls of Wisdom (2006) by David Ross, p. 36

I take a few phrases and they just turn into poems
 * Easily moved by beauty—such is my nature.
 * As translated in Great Fool: Zen Master Ryōkan; Poems, Letters, and Other Writings (1996) by Ryūichi Abé and Peter Haskel, p. 117

Dewdrops on a Lotus Leaf : Zen Poems of Ryokan (1993)

 * As translated by John Stevens



My poems are not poems. When you know that my poems are not poems, Then we can speak of poetry.''' Who says my poems are poems? My poems are not poems. After you know my poems are not poems, Then we can begin to discuss poetry!
 * '''Who says my poems are poems?
 * Variant translation:
 * "Zen Poetics of Ryokan" in Simply Haiku: A Quarterly Journal of Japanese Short Form Poetry (Summer 2006)

He models his work on the classic verse of China. And his poems are elegant, full of fine phrases. But if you don't write of things deep in your own heart, What's the use of churning out so many words?''' With gaudy words their lines are formed And further adorned by novel and curious phrases. Yet if they fail to express what is in their own minds What is the use, no matter How many poems they compose!
 * '''It's a pity, a gentleman in refined retirement composing poetry:
 * Variant translation:
 * "Zen Poetics of Ryokan" in Simply Haiku: A Quarterly Journal of Japanese Short Form Poetry (Summer 2006)

Enough fallen leaves To make a fire
 * The winds gives me

A fading Mountain echo Void and Unreal
 * This world

Zen Poetics of Ryokan (2006)

 * "Zen Poetics of Ryokan" in Simply Haiku: A Quarterly Journal of Japanese Short Form Poetry (Summer 2006)


 * When you encounter those who are wicked, unrighteous, foolish, dim-witted, deformed, vicious, chronically ill, lonely, unfortunate, or disabled, you should think: “How can I save them?” And even if there is nothing you can do, at least you must not indulge in feelings of arrogance, superiority, derision, scorn, or abhorrence, but should immediately manifest sympathy and compassion. If you fail to do so, you should feel ashamed and deeply reproach yourself: “How far I have strayed from the Way! How can I betray the old sages? I take these words as an admonition to myself.”

Never shouts at the tainted world: “Purify yourself!” But naturally, as it is, Shows how it is done.'''
 * '''The water of the valley stream

If you want to find the meaning, Stop chasing after so many things.'''
 * '''I have nothing to report, my friends.

Look for delusion and truth in the bottom of your own hearts.'''
 * '''Why do you so earnestly seek the truth in distant places?

And the path is hard to follow. Walking through the pines, I return to my lonely hut.
 * The village has disappeared in the evening mist

If your heart is pure, then all things in your world are pure. Abandon this fleeting world, abandon yourself, Then the moon and flowers will guide you along the Way.
 * The rain has stopped, the clouds have drifted away, and the weather is clear again.