Sitting in the Mountains

by Jakushitsu

English version by Arthur Braverman
Original Language Japanese

Rock slab seat
     legs folded
          sitting alone

Not loathing noise
     not savoring silence

The carefree clouds concur

-- from A Quiet Room: The Poetry of Zen Master Jakushitsu, Translated by Arthur Braverman

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Commentary by Ivan M. Granger

I like this poem! Nothing wasted, just a bare sketch of words and image: the poet, seated on a rock. Not clinging. Not pushing away. A still witness to the flow of mind and life.

The carefree clouds concur



Recommended Books: Jakushitsu

A Quiet Room: The Poetry of Zen Master Jakushitsu Zen Masterclass: A Graduated Course in Zen Wisdom from Traditional Masters The Roaring Stream: A New Zen Reader



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