Quote by Ryokan: “In this world of dew, yes, a world of dew indeed. And yet, and yet.”

This poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of life, like morning dew, combines acceptance with a lingering sense of wonder or longing. The repetition emphasizes impermanence, while 'and yet' adds a touch of persistent hope or appreciation for existence despite its fragility.

Ryōkan, like many Zen poets, often contemplated the Buddhist theme of impermanence (mujo). His poetry frequently expressed both the beauty and the sorrow inherent in the transient nature of existence, reflecting on the human condition.

Japanese Zen Buddhist monk and poet of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, renowned for his simple lifestyle, love of children, and deeply personal calligraphy and verse. He lived alone in a mountain hut for much of his life, refusing temple appointments and administrative roles in favor of wandering, writing, and play. His poems are among the most beloved in Japanese literary tradition.