The Old Tea Seller Quotes

“When the mind is truly at peace,
wherever you are is pleasant,

Whether you live in a marketplace
or in a mountain hermitage.”
― Baisao, The Old Tea Seller: Life and Zen Poetry in 18th Century Kyoto

“Pine trees rise through cloud
soar up into the blue skies,
bush clover spangled with dewdrops
sways in the autumn breeze;
As I dip cold, pure water
at the edge of the stream,
a solitary white crane
comes lolloping my way.”
― Baisao, The Old Tea Seller: Life and Zen Poetry in 18th Century Kyoto

“...everywhere I am is true.”
― Baisao, The Old Tea Seller: Life and Zen Poetry in 18th Century Kyoto

“This rootless shifting east and west
I can't suppress a smile myself
but how else can I make
the whole world my home.
If any of my old friends
come around asking
say I'm down at the river
by the Second Fushimi Bridge.”
― Baisao, The Old Tea Seller: Life and Zen Poetry in 18th Century Kyoto

“The Zen Monk Kyō Has Changed His Name to Mujū Dōryū. I Wrote This Verse to Celebrate The Great Prospects That Lie Before Him

Unwillingness to remain in the ruts of former Buddha patriarchs
Unsurpassed aspiration and fierce passion to achieve the Way
These are precisely the qualities found in a true Zen monk
Attained the very moment you "have been there and back.”
― Baisao, The Old Tea Seller: Life and Zen Poetry in 18th Century Kyoto

“The price for this tea is anything from a hundred in gold to a half sen. If you want to drink free, that's all right too. I'm only sorry I can't let you have it for less.”
― Baisao, The Old Tea Seller: Life and Zen Poetry in 18th Century Kyoto