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.
– Ryokan (1758-1831)
Ryokan was a Zen master, hermit, calligrapher, and poet. He was known for his great kindness – he would pick lice out of his robe, place them outside so that they could get some sun and then later put them back into his robe. He smiled continuously, and people said that when he visited they felt “as if spring had come on a dark winter’s day.” He took the name “Great Fool” for himself. When a thief stole his few simple possessions, he wrote this famous haiku:
The thief left it behind:
the moon
at my window.
. . .
Ryokan worked at his poetry
And kindness
And listened to the rain
He mastered the arts of idleness
And of enjoying life.
- Journal Note
. . .
Today’s post explores the use of imaginary guides in journaling. Visit here to check it out.
The latest post can always be found on the Art Journal page at the Heron Dance website here.
