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“It is easy to see why Ryokan has become so beloved, not only in Japan, but in the rest of the world as well.”– Stephen Addis, author of The Art of Zen

“In this translation, we find an insightful introduction and poem after poem revealing Ryokan’s great good humour, his aloneness, his eccentricities, his poverty in a small hut in the mountains, his Buddhist insightfulness, his love of children and silk-thread balls… This is a marvellous achievement and a joy to read.” – Sam Hamill, author of Almost Paradise.

A collection of poetry, divided into key stages of the poet’s life, from one of the most popular poets of Japanese history. Zen monk Ryokan’s 16th century musings on life that touch upon his experience of wandering through Japan with are relayed through gentle humour, perceptive poignancy and ultimately, deep seated humanity. This collection of writings have been carefully translated into English by Kazuaki Takahashi, a Zen teacher, translator and world renowned calligraphy artist.