Thomas Steele-Maley

March 5, 2021

Laying aside my brush


1st day of Deutzia Month:16 worshiped at the sacred mountain. In ancient times the mountain’s name was written Niko, Twice Ravaged Mountain, but when Great Master Kukai founded a temple here, he changed the name to Nikko, Light of the Sun. Perhaps he saw a thousand years into the future, for now the radiance of this mountain shines throughout the heavens, its blessings extending through the eight directions, the Four Classes secure and at peace. And still more-but it’s all so awesome, I can only lay aside my brush. 



so holy:


       green leaves, young leaves


               in sun’s light


ara toto / aoba wakaba no / hi no hikari



- Basho