Koho Kenichi

“Shuhu Myocho studied Tendai Buddhism as a youth but came to feel the knowledge of the scriptures was insufficient. He turned instead to Zen with its emphasis on practice. He was a disciple of Koho Kenichi, the teacher of Muso Soseki (1275 – 1351), and after becoming a priest he achieved enlightenment and spent time in Kamakura, where he was briefly abbot of Kencho-ji. He subsequently returned to Kyoto, spending over seven years living with beggars under Gojo Bridge.”

“Here in athatched hut hidden among mountain peaks with barely room for one I am suddenly invaded by wandering white clouds.”

“To depart while seated or standing is all one.All I shall leave behind meIs a heap of bones.In empty space I twist and soarAnd come down with the roar of thunderTo the sea.”