Dairin Soto

“Dairin Soto (1480-1568), ninetieth abbot of Daitokuji temple in Kyoto and founder of Nanshuji Temple in Sakai, wrote on a portrait of {{w|Takeno Jōō}}. Jōō practiced Zen under Dairin and received the layman's title Ikkan ~53 in 1549, at the age of forty-eight.”

“Zen master Dairin Soto (1480-1568), founder of Nanshuji temple in Sakai, wrote [a verse] on a portrait of {{w|Takeno Jōō}}: Formerly, he maintained bonds to the unhindered cause of Amida Buddha's [Vow], Then changed schools and actively endeavored [in Zen].”

“Realize that the taste of tea and the taste of Zen are the same and absorb the wind in the pines. Then will your mind be undefiled.”

“My whole life long I've sharpened my swordAnd now, face to face with deathI unsheathe it, and lo -The blade is broken -Alas!”