Someday I'll be a weather-beaten skull resting on a grass pillow,
Serenaded by a stray bird or two.
Kings and commoners end up the same,
No more enduring than last night's dream.

Ryōkan

Tags: spiritual-warfare

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When all thoughts
Are exhausted
I slip into the woods
And gather
A pile of shepherd's purse.

Like the little stream
Making its way
Through the mossy crevices
I, too, quietly
Turn clear and transparent.

Ryōkan

Tags: mind

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The plants and flowers
I raised about my hut
I now surrender
To the will
Of the wind

Ryōkan

Tags: wind parenthood transcendence sword-sentiments old-songs

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How can we ever lose interest in life? Spring has come again
And cherry trees bloom in the mountains.

Ryōkan

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Keep your heart clear
And transparent,
And you will
Never be bound.
A single disturbed thought
Creates ten thousand distractions.

Ryōkan

Tags: honesty thinking authenticity thought meditation

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Good friends and excellent teachers - Stick close to them! Wealth and power are fleeting dreams but wise words perfume the world for ages.

Ryōkan

Tags: widsom

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

Ryōkan

Tags: truth purpose meaning searching

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In all ten directions of the universe, there is only one truth. When we see clearly, the great teachings are the same. What can ever be lost? What can be attained? If we attain something, it was there from the beginning of time. If we lose something, it is hiding somewhere near us.

Ryōkan

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In this world of dreams, drifting off still more; and once again speaking and dreaming of dreams. Just let it be.

Ryōkan

Tags: dreams

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Too lazy to be ambitious,
I let the world take care of itself.
Ten days' worth of rice in my bag;
a bundle of twigs by the fireplace.
Why chatter about delusion and enlightenment?
Listening to the night rain on my roof,
I sit comfortably, with both legs stretched out.

Ryōkan

Tags: poetry buddhism philosophy zen poem philosophers japan buddhist poems japanese hermit monk ryokan seers zen-monk

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