Zen Fool Ryokan

by Ryōkan

This book is a collection of more than 150 poems by the beloved poet and Zen monk Ryokan, born in Echigo, Niigata Prefecture in 1757. His poems, which remain widely popular in Japan today, are celebrations of the quotidian, capturing the joys and sadness of daily life.

Genres: Poetry, Zen, Buddhism

Paperback

First published February 1, 2000

About the author

Ryōkan Taigu (1758–1831) was a quiet and eccentric Sōtō Zen Buddhist monk who lived much of his life as a hermit. Ryōkan is remembered for his poetry and calligraphy, which present the essence of Zen life.

Ryōkan lived a very simple, pure life, and stories about his kindness and generosity abound. However, even though he lived his simple and pure life, he also displayed characteristics that under normal circumstances would be out of line for a normal monk.

Reviews

[Shashank · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting to get into poetry for a while, but haven’t found many western poets I really respond to. So I decided to give some Zen poets a try. Already having an interest in Zen I thought it might be a way into both poetry and aspects of Zen literature I’m less familiar with.

Given my purposes this was a great books. I love these short imagistic poems. It really does add to the more discursive Zen books I’ve read, and also motivates me to read more poetry.

Two of my favorite poems:

Like a thread of water
Trickling down the mossy rock,
I’m growing clearer and clearer
In the heart of the mountain
------------------

Since I lived here,
So far away from the maddening crowd
I know not how many winters and springs
Have gone. During all these years
I have been feeding myself on the herbs of the fields
And the rice my neighbors have spared.
Heartily contented with my life
Among the woods on the mountains
Ready to enjoy eating under the trees,
I am making the best and most
Of my daily living. Especially
When I come home, I may sit up or lie down
As I am inclined to.
What a blessing
This life of mine has been to me!