Zen Poetry by Jakushitsu

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Gathering Tea
By Zen Master Jakushitsu

To the branch's edge
and the leaf's under surface
be most attentive

Its pervasive aroma
envelopes people far away

The realms of form and function
can't contain it

Spring leaks profusely
through the basket

Note: according to the translator, this poem is meant to adress the buddhist idea that there is a consciousness beyond subject and object, and he wanted to equate the aroma to this state of consciousness; it is beoynd subject/object or form and function

Cherry Blossom Viewing at Muroyama
By Zen Master Jakushitsu

People playing in hills and meadows
bright afternoon

I come upon a temple garden flush with flowers

A monk passes through a jeweled shadow of trees

Exquisite flowers thickly grown
a bush warbler hidden in their mist

Embracing the stone pavement
they color the moon over the mountain

Fluttering around the window
they grace the incense smoke

A splendid scene
rarely viewed since I've become old

Eyes drunk with this sight
mind going mad