Quotes from Saigyo

I'd like to divide myself in order to see, among these mountains, each and every flower of every cherry tree.

Every single thing changes and is changing always in this world. Yet with the same light the moon goes on shining.

Limitations gone: Since my mind fixed on the moon, Clarity and serenity Make something for which There's no end in sight.

Tightly held by rocks Through winter, the ice today Begins to come undone: A way-seeker also is the water, Melting, murmuring from the moss.

Now seen...now gone, The butterfly flits in and out Through fence-hung flowers; But a life lived so close to them I envy...though it's here and gone.

Today's satori: Such a change of mind would Not exist without My lifelong habit of having My mind immersed in blossoms.

Beyond this life and This world I'll have it til My heart's content: The bright moon that passed over The horizon before I had my fill.

Last year, Yoshino, I walked away bending branches To point me to blossoms-- Which now are everywhere and I can Go where I've never been before.

Returning to where It used to see blossoms, My mind, changed, Will stay on at Yoshino... Home now, and see anew.