Ikkyū was an eccentric, iconoclastic Japanese Zen Buddhist monk and poet. He had a great impact on the infusion of Japanese art and literature with Zen attitudes and ideals. Wikipedia
“If it rains, let it rain, if the wind blows, let it blow.”
As quoted in The Essence of Zen : Zen Buddhism for Every Day and Every Moment (2002) by Mark Levon Byrne, p. 28.
Context: From the world of passions returning to the world of passions:
There is a moment's pause.
If it rains, let it rain, if the wind blows, let it blow.
“Yesterday's clarity is today's stupidity
The universe has dark and light, entrust oneself to change”
As quoted in Ikkyū and The Crazy Cloud Anthology : A Zen Poet of Medieval Japan (1986) by Sonja Arntzen.
Context: Natural, reckless, correct skill;
Yesterday's clarity is today's stupidity
The universe has dark and light, entrust oneself to change
One time, shade the eyes and gaze afar at the road of heaven.
"A Fisherman" in Wild Ways : Zen Poems (2003), edited and translated by John Stevens, p. 37.
Context: Studying texts and stiff meditation can make you lose your Original Mind.
A solitary tune by a fisherman, though, can be an invaluable treasure.
Dusk rain on the river, the moon peeking in and out of the clouds;
Elegant beyond words, he chants his songs night after night.
"A Man's Root" as quoted in Mishima's Sword : Travels in Search of a Samurai Legend (2007) by Christopher Ross, p. 195.
"A Woman's Sex" in Wild Ways : Zen Poems (2003), edited and translated by John Stevens, p. 74.
Japanese Death Poems. Compiled by Yoel Hoffmann. ISBN 978-0-8048-3179-6
“Having no destination, I am never lost.”
Attributed to Ikkyu in Nine-headed Dragon River : Zen journals, 1969-1985 (1986) by Peter Matthiessen
Disputed
“South of Mount Sumeru
Who understands my Zen?
Call Master Kido over-
He's not worth a cent.”
Lucien Stryk. Encounter with Zen: writings on poetry and Zen, 1981. p. 66.
