1.
Having no destination, I am never lost.
Ikkyu
2.
Learn how to read the love letters sent by the wind and rain, the snow and moon.
Ikkyu
3.
Eight inches strong, it is my favourite thing;
If I'm alone at night, I embrace it fully -
A beautiful woman hasn't touched it for ages.
Within my fundoshi there is an entire universe!
Ikkyu
4.
Like vanishing dew,
a passing apparition
or the sudden flash
of lightning -- already gone --
thus should one regard one's self.
Ikkyu
5.
Break open the cherry tree: where are the blossoms? Just wait for spring time to see how they bloom.
Ikkyu
6.
Many paths lead from the foot of the mountain, but at the peak we all gaze at the single bright moon.
Ikkyu
7.
Look at the cherry blossoms!
Their color and scent fall with them,
Are gone forever,
Yet mindless
The spring comes again.
Ikkyu
8.
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
9.
From the world of passions returning to the world of passions:
There is a moment's pause.
If it rains, let it rain, if the wind blows, let it blow.
Ikkyu
10.
We must become what we were
Before we were born
Ikkyu
11.
Break open
A cherry tree
And there are no flowers;
But the spring breeze
Brings forth myriad blossoms.
Ikkyu
12.
My real dwelling
Has no pillars
And no roof either
So rain cannot soak it
And wind cannot blow
it down.
Ikkyu
13.
Don't read the sutras - practice meditation. Don't take up the broom - practice meditation. Don't plant tea seeds - practice meditation.
Ikkyu
14.
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 are really happy
Ikkyu
15.
I and other humans no difference.
Ikkyu
16.
The tree is stripped,
All color, fragrance gone,
Yet already on the bough,
Uncaring spring!
Ikkyu
17.
Watching my four year old daughter dance
I cannot break free of her.
Ikkyu
18.
The salvation of birds and beasts, oneself included - this is the object of Shakyamuni's religious austerities.
Ikkyu