Look at the cherry blossoms! Their color and scent fall with them, Are gone forever, Yet mindless The spring comes again.

- Ikkyu

The tree is stripped, All color, fragrance gone, Yet already on the bough, Uncaring spring!

- Ikkyu

My real dwelling Has no pillars And no roof either So rain cannot soak it And wind cannot blow it down.

- Ikkyu

Don't read the sutras - practice meditation. Don't take up the broom - practice meditation. Don't plant tea seeds - practice meditation.

- Ikkyu

Break open the cherry tree: where are the blossoms? Just wait for spring time to see how they bloom.

- Ikkyu

Become a Buddha? The mind can't do it. The body can't do it. Only what can't become a Buddha becomes a Buddha.

- Ikkyu

Like vanishing dew, a passing apparition or the sudden flash of lightning -- already gone -- thus should one regard one's self.

- Ikkyu

Learn how to read the love letters sent by the wind and rain, the snow and moon.

- Ikkyu

You do this, you do that You argue left, you argue right You come down, you go up This person says no, you say yes Back and forth You are happy You a…

- Ikkyu