Yes, I’m Truly A Dunce by Taigu Ryokan
Yes, I’m Truly A Dunce
Taigu RyokanYes, I’m truly a dunce
Living among trees and plants.
Please don’t question me about illusion and enlightenment —
This old fellow just likes to smile to himself.
I wade across streams with bony legs,
And carry a bag about in fine spring weather.
That’s my life,
And the world owes me nothing.
MARGINALIA
1.
Here now. It’s past three in the morning and I am exhausted and need sleep but my mind is racing racing racing. Were we ever this lucky and unaware of it? How the world turns, how the universe breathes.
2.
S. and I just talking all night. From one country to the next. One gate to the next. One airport to the next. All the choices I made perhaps led to this moment: the lampposts revealing the bridge bit by bit, myself not really knowing where we’re going, but we’re going nonetheless.
3.
Here now. Perhaps that is enough.
ABOUT TAIGU RYOKAN
Taigu Ryōkan (大愚良寛; Japanese pronunciation: [ɾʲoꜜː.kaɴ], 1758 – 18 February 1831[a]) was a quiet and unorthodox Sōtō Zen Buddhist monk who lived much of his life as a hermit. Ryōkan is remembered for his poetry and calligraphy, which present the essence of Zen life. Ryōkan spent much of his time writing poetry, doing calligraphy, and communing with nature. His poetry is often very simple and inspired by nature. He loved children, and sometimes forgot to beg for food… (more)
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ENDNOTES
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