Ikkyu Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
Ikkyu (1394-1481) was a Japanese Zen Buddhist priest and poet.Ikkyu wrote in classical Chinese, as did literary men in Japan at the time. He was also one of the creators of the formal Japanese tea ceremony.
Ikkyu is one of the most significant, and eccentric, figures in Zen history. To Japanese children, he is a folk hero, mischievous and always out-smarting his teachers and shogun. This is due to very popular animated TV series "Ikkyu-san". Ikkyu was born during the Ashikaga shogunate, during time known as the Muromachi period, where it freshly restored capital of Japan back to Kyoto from Kamakura.
To Zen tradition, he is both heretic and saint,Ikkyu was among the few Zen priests who argued that his enlightenment was deepened by consorting with pavilion girls. He entered brothels wearing his black robes, since for him sexual intercourse was a religious rite. At the same time he warn Zen against its own bureaucratic politicising.
He was eventually named abbot of the seminal, Daitokuji temple, placing him in one of the most important Zen linneages. Ikkyu's dichotomies lie also at the heart of Zen. In 1471, at the age of 77, Ikkyu feel in love with Mori, a blind woman over fifty years his junior. His verse is immediate and poignant, insightful and at times moving. He died eleven years later.
Example of verse by Ikkyu:
Natural, reckless, correct skill; Yesterday's clarity is today's stupidity The universe has dark and light, entrust oneself to change One time, shade the eyes and gaze afar at the road of heaven.
A Fisherman:
Studying texts and stiff meditation can make you lose your Original Mind. A solitary tune by a fisherman, though, can be an invaluable treasure. Dusk rain on the river, the moon peeking in and out of the clouds; Elegant beyond words, he chants his songs night after night.
A Woman's Sex:
It has the original mouth but remains wordless; It is surrounded by a magnificent mound of hair. Sentient beings can get completely lost in it But it is also the birthplace of all the Buddhas of the ten thousand worlds.
A Man's Root:
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!
From Wild Ways: Zen Poems of Ikkyu, translated by John Stevens. Published by Shambala in Boston, 1995.
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