Ryōkan (1758–1831) was a Japanese Zen Buddhist monk, poet, and calligrapher celebrated for his hermit lifestyle and profound simplicity. His Poetry, often imbued with gentle humor and deep humanism, reflects the natural World and Buddhist teachings. Ryōkan’s works, like "One Robe, One Bowl," showcase his Devotion to a Life of Humility, solitude, and Contemplation. His legacy endures as a paragon of the Zen aesthetic and the poetic Spirit in Japanese culture.
Anecdotes
- Lived as a hermit in a single-room hut, where he wrote poetry and played with local children instead of seeking Fame.
- Often traded poems with a nun named Teishin, developing a deep, platonic Friendship expressed through their writings.
- Once spent three days absorbed in watching a rice pot boil, completely Forgetting to eat or Sleep.
Magnitudes
- Embrace simplicity; complexity clouds genuine insight.
- Cultivate simplicity to unleash profound Creativity.
- Embrace solitude to cultivate your inner Genius.
Explore these important ideas through classics in our archives contributed by or related to Ryōkan.
Explore other influential icons and ideas connected to Ryōkan to deepen your learning and inspire your next journey.
