A More In-Depth Look
Firstly, Saigyo. He was a renowned poet and aspiring Buddhist monk, inspired to write of impermanence and the fleeting nature of life. His writings mark a personal connection with nature and a longing for general tranquility. This specific one tells an illustration of his realization that true peace might be found through a relationship with nature, and renunciation of worldly desires. He paints a vivid scene of the natural world of Japan, towering mountains and bubbly rivers. While wandering, he meets a man in a secluded hut, deep in the woods, practicing simplicity and self-reliance with very few resources. He asks to live with this man and learn from him, but the man declines. Thereafter, Saigyo leaves and never returns. Not with social purpose, but due to negligence of the true matters of a human’s purpose. He reflects on this and reminds the reader that the man is probably still happy, regardless of Saigyo's attendance.
Kamo no Chomei’s The Account of My Hut is his most famous work. It’s a reflective essay about his personal retreat from the chaotic world. He seeks peace and solitude in a small hut in the mountains, similar to the person who Saigyo met. He witnessed much devastation during a period of political and social upheaval in Japan. Chomei reflects on the fleeting nature of power and wealth, resonating with the political climate of today’s world. He suggests that in the end, all material pursuits are ultimately unsatisfying. He highlights the fragility of existence and the value of humility, urging the readers to acknowledge life’s impermanence and focus on their mind before turning to any other matter. He writes until his final moments, wherein he realizes that his foolish pursuit of the Buddhist “Way” was a desire of this world. He died the same death of everybody else, and wasted all his life, the same as everybody else.
Yoshida Kenko’s Essays in Idleness provide a similar recount of beautiful simple living, and the impermanence of time. Through a series of short reflections, Kenko contemplates the transient nature of life. His work suggests that to find true wisdom, you must accept the fleeting nature of existence and cultivate a life of quiet reflection and observation. He invites the readers to ask themselves what truly matters in life, encouraging direct introspection on how to live with mindfulness and simplicity. He offers points ranging from gardening tips to stories of rumors he has heard from others to make-believe hypotheticals in which he projects his mind’s observations and musings.
