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Ikkyu Sojun

I lived from 1394-1481. I was from Japan, and am in the Asian category.

My poetry

  • A Fisherman
    Studying texts and stiff meditation can make you lose your Original Mind.
    A solitary tune by a fisherman, though, can be an invaluab
    4 lines, 1 comment
  • To Lady Mori with Deepest Gratitude and Thanks
    The tree was barren of leaves but you brought a new spring.
    Long green sprouts, verdant flowers, fresh promise.
    5 lines
  • I Hate Incense
    A master’s handiwork cannot be measured
    But still priests wag their tongues explaining the “Way” and babbling about “Zen.”
    4 lines
  • After they die
            Why are people called Buddhas
    After they die?
    4 lines
  • Exhausted with gay pleasures
    Exhausted with gay pleasures, I embrace my wife.
    The narrow path of asceticism is not for me:
    4 lines
  • My Hovel
    The world before my eyes is wan and wasted, just like me.
    The earth is decrepit, the sky stormy, all the grass withered.
    4 lines
  • A Meal of Fresh Octopus
    Lots of arms, just like Kannon the Goddess;
    Sacrificed for me, garnished with citron, I revere it so!
    4 lines
  • It is nice to get a glimpse of a lady bathing
    It is nice to get a glimpse of a lady bathing--
    You scrubbed your flower face and cleansed your lovely body
    3 lines

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