Ippen

Ippen also known as Zuien, (1234 - 1289) was a Japanese Buddhist itinerant preacher (hijiri) who founded the Ji (時宗 time sect) branch of Pure Land Buddhism.

No Abode: The Record of Ippen (1997)

ed. Dennis Hirota. (Hawaii: University of Hawaii Press, 1997)

• From far, far in the distant past,
  Down to this day, this very instant,
  Those things we have longed for most
  Have not been attained, and we sorrow.
  • "Hymn of Amida's Vow" (Chapter 1, p.3)

• Once our false thinking has completely ceased
  There is neither start nor conclusion, beginning nor end
  In the oneness of Buddha and sentient beings
  Say Namu-amida-butsu.
  • "Hymn of Amida's Vow" (Chapter 1, p.4)

• To reach the borders of the uncreated,
  Just let go! This is genuine gratitude.
  • "A Gist in Empty Words" (Chapter 2, p.9)

• In this brief span this body exists,
  Clothing and food are of course indispensable;
  But knowing them to be fruits of former lives,
  I make no effort at all to obtain them.
  • "A Gist in Empty Words" (Chapter 2, p.11)

• With aversion for sect superiors and their pomp,
  I have no wish for monk disciples;
  Not in search of lay supporters,
  I court the favor of no one.
  • "Verse of Aspiration" (Chapter 3, p.16)

• In the Buddha’s teaching, unless you cast away body and life, there can be no realization of benefit.
  • "Words Handed Down by Disciples" (Chapter 9, p.105)

• To become solitary and simple in utter aloneness -- living wholly unconcerned about the multitude of worldly affairs, and abandoning and disentangling yourself from all things -- is to die. We are born alone; we die alone.
  • "Words Handed Down by Disciples" (Chapter 9)

• Food, clothing, and shelter are the three evil paths. To desire and make a display of clothing is karma for the path of beasts. To greedily crave food is karma for the path of famished ghosts. To set up a shelter is karma for the path of hell. Hence, if you aspire to part from the three evil paths, you must free yourself from food, clothing, and shelter.
  • "Words Handed Down by Disciples" (Chapter 9)