Matsuo Bashō
9 quotes
Biography
Matsuo Bashō ; born Matsuo Kinsaku , later known as Matsuo Chūemon Munefusa was the most famous Japanese poet of the Edo period. During his lifetime, Bashō was recognized for his works in the collaborative haikai no renga form; today, after centuries of commentary, he is recognized as the greatest master of haiku.
"Winter solitude-in a world of one colourthe sound of the wind."
"This autumn-why am I growing old?bird disappearing among clouds."
"Real poetry, is to lead a beautiful life. To live poetry is better than to write it."
"Summer grasses,All that remainsOf soldiers' dreams"
"I feel lonely as I gaze at the moon. I feel lonely as I think about myself, and I feel lonely as I ponder upon this wretched life of mine. I want to cry out that I am lonely, but no one asks me how I feel."
"Even if you have three or four extra syllables—or as many as five or seven—you need not worry as long as the verse sounds right."
"It was a rainy day when I crossed over the Hakone Barrier, and all the mountains were veiled in clouds."
"Mount Fuji, towering up from the earth, supporting the firmament so high above, seems to rend open the clouds that the sun and moon might shine through. Viewed from any position, the mountain seemingly presents its finest vista, infinitely changing. The poet is at a loss for suitable verses; the scholar finds his words lacking; the painter, throwing down his brushes, scurries off. Even if by chance an immortal should descend from Mount Miǎogūyè, would he be able to compose suitable verses, or paint a faithful picture?"
"... the sparrow’s chirp, the crow’s caw, the willow’s green, the cherry blossom’s pink, are the truth of the Zen master and the essence of Basho's style."