In the realm of Zen and the essence of simplicity, this haiku offers a profound yet understated glimpse into the spirit of Japanese Zen Buddhism:
with my broom I draw
mount fuji
—Issa
“The Moon Through a Crumbling Window” by Yoshitoshi, illustrating a famous story of Bodhidharma meditating for so long that the building crumbled around him.
Dharma, or Bodhidharma, is a revered figure in Zen Buddhism, credited with bringing the teachings of Ch’an (Zen) Buddhism from India to China. His influence spread to Japan, shaping the unique contours of Japanese Zen. There are many great stories about him which have worked their way into both Japanese legend and the culture. One of the most common ways he’s worked into Japanese culture is the Daruma dolls, considered good luck and used for setting goals (or wishes).
Daruma historically is thought to have died on the fifth day of the tenth month on the old calendar, which is sometime in November on the current calendar, so that is when we celebrate his memorial day (daruma ki). It functions as a kigo (season word) for early winter. This day is not just a memorial but a celebration of the profound impact of Dharma’s teachings.
A Daruma Doll – via Wikipedia
Mount Fuji itself is a symbol of Japan, its beauty and majesty. But here, in this haiku, it’s more than just a mountain; it’s a canvas for expression, a metaphor for Zen’s simplicity and profundity. The broom, an everyday object, becomes a tool for artistic and spiritual expression, emphasizing that enlightenment and beauty can be found in the most ordinary of activities.
Issa followed Pure Land Buddhism, not Zen, but he would have been more than aware of Zen ideals. The act of drawing Mount Fuji with a broom is a beautiful metaphor for the Zen approach to life and art: simplicity, spontaneity, and the beauty of the moment. Here he is inviting us to see beyond the obvious, to find depth in simplicity, and to appreciate the spontaneous moments of beauty that life offers.
