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 BASHOMake 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 BASHOGo 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 BASHOThere is nothing you can see that is not a flower; there is nothing you can think that is not the moon.
MATSUO BASHOThe desire to break the silence with constant human noise is, I believe, precisely an avoidance of the sacred terror of that divine encounter.
MATSUO BASHOTraveler’s heart. Never settled long in one place. Like a portable fire.
MATSUO BASHOSpring rain conveyed under the trees in drops.
MATSUO BASHOAll my friends / viewing the moon – / an ugly bunch.
MATSUO BASHOPoverty’s child – he starts to grind the rice, and gazes at the moon.
MATSUO BASHOCollecting all The rains of May The swift Mogami River.
MATSUO BASHOCalm and serene The sound of a cicada Penetrates the rock.
MATSUO BASHOThe sea darkens And a wild duck s call Is faintly white.
MATSUO BASHOFarewell, my old fan. / Having scribbled on it, / What could I do but tear it / At the end of summer?
MATSUO BASHOHow much I desire! Inside my little satchel, the moon, and flowers.
MATSUO BASHOCome, butterfly It’s late- We’ve miles to go together.
MATSUO BASHOWhen I speak My lips feel cold – The autumn wind.
MATSUO BASHOOld dark sleepy pool… Quick unexpected frog Goes plop! Watersplash!
MATSUO BASHO