Basho's Poetry

"Zen - Basho's poetry

There was once a great Japanese poet named Basho. He was a very bright young man, and as a serious Buddhist he had studied many sutras. He thought that he understood Buddhism. One day he paid a visit to Zen Master Takuan. They talked for a long time. The Master would say something and Basho would respond at length, quoting from the most profound and difficult sutras. Finally, the Master said, "You are a great Buddhist, a great man. You understand everything. But in all the time we have been talking, you have only used the words of the Buddha or of eminent teachers. I do not want to hear other people's words. I want to hear your own words, the words of your true self. Quickly now - give me one sentence of your own."

Basho was speechless . . . . Suddenly there was a sound in the monastery garden. Basho turned to the Master and said,

Still pond ...
a frog jumps in ...
The splash.

The Master laughed out loud and said, "Well now! These are the words of your true self!" Basho laughed too. He had attained enlightenment.

- ZEN MASTER SEUNG SAHN, IN DROPPING ASHES ON THE BUDDHA

posted by dave, April 20, 2005, at 10:53 PM at Elephant Eyes, a photo blog.