Ryokan Quotes

A collection of quotes by Ryokan.

Ryokan (1758-1831) was a renowned Japanese Zen poet and wandering hermit monk during the Edo period. Born in Echigo (now Niigata Prefecture), he entered a Zen temple at age 13 and became a monk. Known for his humility, simplicity, and deep love for nature, Ryokan's poetry reflected his spiritual insight and compassion. He often retreated to the solitude of nature to find inspiration and wrote numerous waka and haiku poems, capturing the beauty and tranquility of his surroundings. Despite his simplicity and unconventional lifestyle, Ryokan's poems continue to touch the hearts of people worldwide, embodying the essence of Zen Buddhism.