Translation of the calligraphies of the "Mind of Zen" Calendar.
Often the actual words in the writiings are only hinted at, so by looking at the picture or by knowing the background story,
can a well versed person imagine a translation of the art piece.
January - February
by Yamamoto Genpo
Matsu kokon no iro nashi
There is no past or present in the green of the pine.
The green of a pine tree does not change.
of course, there is no green that will stay green for eternity, yet it is about Buddha Nature. There is no past or present in Buddha Nature. That which is
unchanging, is Buddha Nature.
March - April
By Suio san, Hakuin´s student
Sunawachi (hamaguri ) wo arawasu
The shell is bringing forth Kannon Sama
May - June
By Torei san
Shin no daimyo jin
The farmer brings forth all - as God does
Be thankful for the work of the farmers
July - August
By Hakuin Zenji
The wick of the candle needs to be cut at times for it to shine brightly
(it was made from paper in the past)
According to the cutting of the wick, the candle burns brightly
Old thoughts in our mind need to be cut as well for our mind to be fresh and bright again
September - October
By Genpo Roshi
Tsuki nagarete, mizu nagarezu
The water flows but the moon does not
Even if the surroundings change, your mind does not
November - December
By Hakuin Zenji
Everyone wants a good name and position
Which is no more than the name of some grass
(play with words in Japanese)