One Robe, One Bowl: The Zen Poetry of Ryokan by John Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This translation and introduction by John Stevens is highly recommended for its beauty. It is also a marvellous introduction to the way of living of the Japanese hermit-monk Ryokan
One example: after returning to his small hut – metaphor for clinging to his earthly ego? – Ryokan noticed that all was gone, he composed the haiku:
The thief left behind
the moon
At the window.
Another translation of this haiku:
The thief leaves behind,
the ever changeful Moon
at the firmament
Moon is often used to refer to Tao; it also indicates the firm belief of Ryokan.
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