When composing a verse let there not be a hair’s breath separating your mind from what you write; composition of a poem must be done in an instant, like a woodcutter felling a huge tree or a swordsman leaping at a dangerous enemy.
MATSUO BASHODo not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they 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 -
From the pine tree, learn of the pine tree; And from the bamboo, of the bamboo.
MATSUO BASHO -
The temple bell stops but I still hear the sound coming out of the flowers.
MATSUO BASHO -
No matter where your interest lies, you will not be able to accomplish anything unless you bring your deepest devotion to it.
MATSUO BASHO -
Old pond, leap-splash – a frog.
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 -
Sitting quietly, doing nothing, Spring comes, and the grass grows, by itself.
MATSUO BASHO -
A weathered skeleton in windy fields of memory, piercing like a knife.
MATSUO BASHO -
I am one who eats breakfast gazing at morning glories.
MATSUO BASHO -
Spring rain leaking through the roof dripping from the wasps’ nest.
MATSUO BASHO -
Awakened at midnight by the sound of the water jar cracking from the ice.
MATSUO BASHO -
Winter garden, the moon thinned to a thread, insects singing.
MATSUO BASHO -
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 -
Felling a tree and gazing at the cut end – tonight’s moon.
MATSUO BASHO -
Come, butterfly It’s late- We’ve miles to go together.
MATSUO BASHO