Discussion of Buddhist Principles by Tettō Gikō
This dynamic calligraphy is one of many transcriptions Ikkyū Sōjun made of the adages of the monk Tettō Gikō (1295–1369). A disciple of the famous Zen prelate Shūhō Myōchō, Tettō seamlessly continued his mentor’s legacy as the second-generation abbot of Daitokuji Temple in Kyoto. The text here reads:
Like a wheel drawing water from a well, [the cycle of reincarnation] never ceases. Having now renounced the secular life, I take on the appearance of a monk, with just three robes and a single bowl. I believe this is what I have earned through practice over several past lives. If I were to be reborn into the womb of a donkey or a horse, it is uncertain how many lifetimes it would take to return and rectify past misdeeds. One must strive continuously in this life to achieve understanding to ensure that such a disaster does not occur. Ponder it, contemplate it.
--Trans. Tim T. Zhang
Like a wheel drawing water from a well, [the cycle of reincarnation] never ceases. Having now renounced the secular life, I take on the appearance of a monk, with just three robes and a single bowl. I believe this is what I have earned through practice over several past lives. If I were to be reborn into the womb of a donkey or a horse, it is uncertain how many lifetimes it would take to return and rectify past misdeeds. One must strive continuously in this life to achieve understanding to ensure that such a disaster does not occur. Ponder it, contemplate it.
--Trans. Tim T. Zhang
Artwork Details
- 一休宗純筆 霊山和尚法語
- Title: Discussion of Buddhist Principles by Tettō Gikō
- Artist: Ikkyū Sōjun (Japanese, 1394–1481)
- Period: Muromachi period (1392–1573)
- Date: late 15th century
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Hanging scroll: ink on paper
- Dimensions: Image: 22 5/8 × 14 9/16 in. (57.4 × 37 cm)
Overall with mounting: 58 1/2 × 19 7/16 in. (148.6 × 49.4 cm)
Overall with knobs: 58 1/2 × 21 11/16 in. (148.6 × 55.1 cm) - Classification: Calligraphy
- Credit Line: Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection, Gift of Mary and Cheney Cowles, 2023
- Object Number: 2023.583.6
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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In the Style of Ikkyū Sōjun (Japanese, 1394–1481)
Ikkyū Sōjun (Japanese, 1394–1481)
15th century
Inscription by Ikkyū Sōjun (Japanese, 1394–1481)
late 15th century
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1550s
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