Baisao
Baisao (1675 -1763) was a Japanese Buddhist monk of the Obaku school of Zen Buddhism, who became famous for traveling around Kyoto selling tea.
Baisao, "Old Tea Seller", was a name he picked up from his act of making tea in the Kyoto area. His Zen priest name was Gekkai Gensho.
Later in his life, he denounced his priesthood and adopted the layman name of Ko Yugai.
Baisao's poetry and calligraphy are considered important in the Zen history of Japan, especially in Kyoto where Baisao was well known for offering tea to passers-by in return for donations. His poetry was highly regarded by the artists of 18th century Kyoto, which was at the time more "liberal" than the capital city of Edo (modern Tokyo). Over 100 of his poems have survived.
“This rootless shifting east and west I can't suppress a smile myself but how else can I make the whole world my home. If any of my old friends come around asking say I'm down at the river by the Second Fushimi Bridge.”
Baisao
“The Zen Monk Kyō Has Changed His Name to Mujū Dōryū. I Wrote This Verse to Celebrate The Great Prospects That Lie Before HimUnwillingness to remain in the ruts of former Buddha patriarchs Unsurpassed aspiration and fierce passion to achieve the Way These are precisely the qualities found in a true Zen monk Attained the very moment you "have been there and back.”
Baisao
“Pine trees rise through cloud soar up into the blue skies, bush clover spangled with dewdrops sways in the autumn breeze; As I dip cold, pure water at the edge of the stream, a solitary white crane comes lolloping my way.”
Baisao
“The price for this tea is anything from a hundred in gold to a half sen. If you want to drink free, that's all right too. I'm only sorry I can't let you have it for less.”
Baisao
“When the mind is truly at peace, wherever you are is pleasant, Whether you live in a marketplace or in a mountain hermitage.”
Baisao
“...everywhere I am is true.”
Baisao