Chapter 1: Who was Ryōkan and what is his significance in Zen Buddhism?
In the shadow of the mountain, like the water that trickles through the moss-covered rocks, thus do I live, quiet, unnoticed, but free of impurity. It may seem that I have locked myself away from the people of the world. And yet, why is it I have never ceased to think of them?
If my arms draped in these black robes were only wide enough, how gladly I would shelter in them all the people of this floating world.
Chapter 2: What themes are present in Ryōkan's poetry?
The water of the valley stream never shouts at the tainted world. Purify yourself. But naturally, as it is, shows how it is done. All alone, leaning against a solitary pine, together with the tree again, letting the time slip by. Is there anyone in this whole wide world who'll come along with me?
The breath going out, the breath coming in, over and then over again, only leaves me to reflect what a fleeting world this is.
Chapter 3: How does Ryōkan reflect on the nature of existence?
The breath going out, the breath coming in, over and then over again. Know that this is itself the proof that this world never ends. Who would ever have known it was there beneath the duckweed that chokes the water by the shore?
Chapter 4: What insights does Ryōkan offer about solitude and connection?
the full moon.