“When hungry, eat. When cold, put on clothes—even children, three feet tall, are aware of these things. The teaching beyond doctrine is transparently clear. Why should you have your eyes open and still act foolishly? Someone asked me for one of my coarse comments, so I wrote out this gatha as a response.”¹

                       

Isshi Bunshu, a Zen monk and later an abbot in Kyoto, was renowned for his refined and flowing cursive script, which this work showcases, especially in his exclusive use of Chinese characters. A gatha is a kind of short poem or saying that can be memorized and recited when needed.

 

—Bradley Bailey