Ryokan Quotes

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

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.

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

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.