Ryokan

“The rain has stopped, the clouds have drifted away,and the weather is clear again. If your heart is pure, then all things in your world are pure... Then the moon and flowers will guide you along the Way”

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

“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 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.”

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

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

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

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

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

“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.”

“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.”