Matsuo Basho Water Quotations

Before enlightenment, chopping wood and carrying water. After enlightenment, chopping wood and carrying water.

When your consciousness has become ripe in true zazen-pure like clear water, like a serene mountain lake, not moved by any wind-then anything may serve as a medium for realization.

Awakened at midnight by the sound of the water jar cracking from the ice

Breaking the silence Of an ancient pond, A frog jumped into water - A deep resonance.

The old pond, ah! A frog jumps in: The water's sound.

Collecting all The rains of May The swift Mogami River.

At the ancient pond the frog plunges into the sound of water