Monday, April 1, 2013

He Was Always Free From Attainment


Ryokan's diligence merged with total relaxation. His wisdom converged with seeming stupidity. Through his lack of possessions, comfort, and regular human contact, he found contentment in each moment.

He once wrote:


As long as I don't aim,
I won't miss.
With the catalpa bow,
I shoot an arrow
toward the open sky.


Becasue he did not strive to become free, he was always free from attainment--even from the attainment of freedom.

---Based on the writtings of Kazuaki Tanahashi---

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