Read the above-linked entry about Ryokan on Wikipedia. It contained the sentence:
There is some debate as to whether Ryokan was enlightened, but he lived a very simple, very pure life, and stories about his kindness and generosity abound.
I took the liberty to edit that phrase and changed it to:
Ryokan lived a very simple, very pure life, and stories about his kindness and generosity abound.
I love Wikipedia! Don’t like pointless discussions regarding the enlightenment of a man who lived two hundred years ago. Kokusen gave him a document certifying his enlightenment – that’s good enough for me. Read his poetry, the beauty of his words is much more important than any discussion regarding his enlightenment.
At Yahiko Mountain
you can see
Both flowers and children bloom
and
Not much to offer you –
just a small lotus flower floating
In a small jar of water.
From the book One Robe, One Bowl, which I have been carrying around with me since 1979 or 80.
Beautiful…Thank You!
Yes, I agree. I feel such peace with those few words. I hope a book is available.