Go to the pine if you want to learn about the pine, or to the bamboo if you want to learn about the bamboo. And in doing so, you must leave your subjective preoccupation with yourself. Otherwise you impose yourself on the object and you do not learn.
MATSUO BASHOSeek not the paths of the ancients; Seek that which the ancients sought.
More Matsuo Basho Quotes
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Make the universe your companion, always bearing in mind the true nature of things-mountains and rivers, trees and grasses, and humanity-and enjoy the falling blossoms and the scattering leaves.
MATSUO BASHO -
This autumn- why am I growing old? bird disappearing among clouds.
MATSUO BASHO -
Spring rain conveyed under the trees in drops.
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Sitting quietly, doing nothing, Spring comes, and the grass grows, by itself.
MATSUO BASHO -
The universe and its beings are a complementarity of empty infinity, intimate interrelationships, and total uniqueness of each and every being.
MATSUO BASHO -
Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sought.
MATSUO BASHO -
Plunge Deep enough in order to see something that is hidden and glimmering.
MATSUO BASHO -
First snow-falling-on the half-finished bridge.
MATSUO BASHO -
The moon and sun are travelers through eternity. Even the years wander on. Whether drifting through life on a boat or climbing toward old age leading a horse, each day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.
MATSUO BASHO -
Real poetry, is to lead a beautiful life. To live poetry is better than to write it.
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Farewell, my old fan. / Having scribbled on it, / What could I do but tear it / At the end of summer?
MATSUO BASHO -
Awakened at midnight by the sound of the water jar cracking from the ice.
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He who creates three to five haiku poems during a lifetime is a haiku poet. He who attains to completes ten is a master.
MATSUO BASHO -
April’s air stirs in Willow-leaves, a butterfly Floats and balances.
MATSUO BASHO -
I felt quite at home, / As if it were mine sleeping lazily / In this house of fresh air.
MATSUO BASHO