Sadly, I part from you; Like a clam torn from its shell, I go, and autumn too.
MATSUO BASHOSadly, I part from you; Like a clam torn from its shell, I go, and autumn too.
MATSUO BASHOReal poetry, is to lead a beautiful life. To live poetry is better than to write it.
MATSUO BASHOSeek not the paths of the ancients; Seek that which the ancients sought.
MATSUO BASHOWhy so scrawny, cat? Starving for fat fish or mice… Or backyard love?
MATSUO BASHOI am one who eats breakfast gazing at morning glories.
MATSUO BASHOThe fact that Saigyo composed a poem that begins, “I shall be unhappy without loneliness,” shows that he made loneliness his master.
MATSUO BASHOWhen I speak My lips feel cold – The autumn wind.
MATSUO BASHOWhen your consciousness has become ripe in true zazen-pure like clear water, like a serene mountain lake, not moved by any wind-then anything may serve as a medium for realization.
MATSUO BASHONo matter where your interest lies, you will not be able to accomplish anything unless you bring your deepest devotion to it.
MATSUO BASHOWinter solitude- in a world of one colour the sound of the wind.
MATSUO BASHOCome out to view / the truth of flowers blooming / in poverty.
MATSUO BASHOFriends part forever wild geese lost in cloud.
MATSUO BASHOBetween our two lives there is also the life of the cherry blossom.
MATSUO BASHOPoverty’s child – he starts to grind the rice, and gazes at the moon.
MATSUO BASHOWith every gust of wind, the butterfly changes its place on the willow.
MATSUO BASHOA thicket of summer grass / Is all that remains / Of the dreams of ancient warriors.
MATSUO BASHO