Ryōkan Quotes

The plants and flowersI raised about my hutI now surrenderTo the willOf the wind

Ryōkan

Keep your heart clearAnd transparent,And you willNever be bound.A single disturbed thoughtCreates ten thousand distractions.

Ryōkan

When all thoughtsAre exhaustedI slip into the woodsAnd gatherA pile of shepherd's purse.Like the little streamMaking its wayThrough the mossy crevicesI, too, quietlyTurn clear and transparent.

Ryōkan

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

Ryōkan

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

Ryōkan

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