Baisao

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Baisao


Born
Japan
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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.
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Average rating: 4.27 · 77 ratings · 18 reviews · 1 distinct workSimilar authors
The Old Tea Seller: Life an...

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4.27 avg rating — 77 ratings — published 2008 — 6 editions
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Quotes by Baisao  (?)
Quotes are added by the Goodreads community and are not verified by Goodreads. (Learn more)

“When the mind is truly at peace,
wherever you are is pleasant,

Whether you live in a marketplace
or in a mountain hermitage.”
Baisao, The Old Tea Seller: Life and Zen Poetry in 18th Century Kyoto

“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 Old Tea Seller: Life and Zen Poetry in 18th Century Kyoto

“...everywhere I am is true.”
Baisao, The Old Tea Seller: Life and Zen Poetry in 18th Century Kyoto



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