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Every day, priests minutely examine the Law by Ikkyu (Ikkyu Sojun) (1394 - 1481) Timeline English version by Sonya Arutzen Original Language Japanese Buddhist : Zen / Chan 15th Century Every day, priests minutely examine the Law And endlessly chant complicated sutras. Before doing that, though, they should learn How to read the love letters sent by the wind and rain, the snow and moon.     -- from Ikkyu and the Crazy Cloud Anthology: A Zen Poet of Medieval Japan, by Ikkyu / Translated by Sonya Arutzen Amazon.com   / Photo by pellaea /	Themes   Lover and Beloved   Moon   Snow   Water   Recommended Books Crow With No Mouth: Fifteenth Century Zen Master Ikkyu, Translated by Stephen Berg Ikkyu and the Crazy Cloud Anthology: A Zen Poet of Medieval Japan, by Ikkyu / Translated by Sonya Arutzen The Poetry of Zen: (Shambhala Library), Edited by Sam Hamill / Edited by J. P. Seaton Wild Ways: Zen Poems of Ikkyu, Translated by John Stevens Zen Poetry: Let the Spring Breeze Enter, Translated by Lucien Stryk / Translated by Takashi Ikemoto
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Commentary by Ivan M. Granger

So short and sweet, we almost don't notice its deep cut into our pretenses.

If we want to be learned, then we can read the scriptures, memorize them, chant them. But if we want true knowledge, then we must do something much harder -- step outside and fall silent. When we can do that, and recognize the hidden touch behind it all, only then have we really understood what we've been studying all that time.

Have a beautiful day!

Ivan M. Granger's original poetry, stories and commentaries are Copyright © 2002 - 2011 by Ivan M. Granger.
All other material is copyrighted by the respective authors, translators and/or publishers.