In the Footsteps of Matsuo Basho
A mystery, whether my journey was a pilgrimage, coming of age or penance. 17th century Japan closed its borders to nurture its culture and likewise, I locked myself off to family, friends and the world in order to develop my mind. Regarding Matsuo Basho as an absent master, I was following in his footsteps. “Footsteps” being the ultimate word as I was determined to walk from his birthplace in Ueno and follow his route. Along the way I contemplated this supreme Japanese who abandoned his samurai life to develop poetry. Like Basho, I studied Zen philosophy and spent many hours meditating.
The meagre contents of my backpack emphasised that I had said goodbye for a time to Western dependence on commodities. A few changes of clothes, toiletries, bedding and cash intermingled with his books. In fact “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” was my prized possession. Like my Master, I wrote haiku about peonies, bees, frogs and nature. Sadly, I had not met any fellow poets, so there was no renga composed yet. Perhaps just as well locals shied away from my unkempt rugged appearance, as I had not perfected harmony, a Zen quality or simplistic comparisons in my haiku. Gazing at a perfectly formed peony, I was beginning to see the secretive promises in small things and interdependence of all life. Walking through ancient villages, I began to appreciate the sabi in his poetry, his love of the dimmed, inconspicuous and the hoary. Like my master, I wanted to live like a gentle spirit. Other than eating in simple restaurants, showering in lodges, I lived austerely. Now I was heading towards his Cottage of the Plantain, but unlike my Master, I could not totally retire from society.
Under a cherry blossom tree inhaling both its delicate fragrance and travelogue words, I hoped for spiritual enlightenment and reaffirmation of values. Deluding myself into believing that I was a meditative hermit-like poet. In reality, I knew that the 21st century would tear me back to the corporate world. But meanwhile-
Basho’s haiku
Strong plain tender fragile mindful
Par excellence
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI truly enjoyed this story, Margarida. I especially liked this line: “I was beginning to see the secretive promises in small things and interdependence of all life.” I too am aspiring to see those same things. In fact, the Voice flash and micro fiction have encouraged me to see a great deal in small things. Thank you for writing this, Margarida.
Thank you Juma for your kind words. Being immersed in technology, dependent on our cell phones and computers, it seems more difficult to take pleasure in small simple things. We all need to slow down and smell the roses.
I enjoyed the spiritual journey you took me on, Margarida. Sadly, in the real world, many find it impossible to escape from the corporate way of life. A thought-provoking story.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleIt was indeed a spiritual journey for the protagonist, but he was realistic to know that he would be pulled back to the 21st century. Hopefully he would retain a deeper appreciation of nature.
I like how realistic your protagonist is. Knowing that whilst they can enjoy the little wonders of nature, that they likely wouldn’t avoid getting sucked back into our fast-paced, technological world. Balance is key!
Thank you Emily for your feedback. Really it is a shame that the protagonist is not content with a simplistic zen life of haiku and meditation.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI believe that many of us fantasize about escaping from our daily lives in the corporate environment, even if only for a short while. This, like your protagonist’s situation, unfortunately isn’t always possible. I agree with Emily, I also like that your protagonist is realistic about what the future holds, but at the same time, can take time-out to appreciate the beauty of nature.
Yes, Marianna, my protagonist was humble enough to appreciate the simplicity of nature. He also never became preachy about how men are ruining the environment, so he had attained some level of zen.
I like it so much, Margarida. Thank you for taking me on this kind of journey for a while. I really love imagining when under a cherry blossom tree – that’s too relaxing. I was carried away. Great work.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you Lotchie for your kind words. It would be so easy to attain a zen like relaxation under cherry blossom trees.
You are welcome. I am hoping that time will come when I can experience to relax and attain that zen under the cherry blossom tree.
Hi Margarida – I really enjoyed this story and beautiful picture, and also learned many new vocabulary words. I find your last line very familiar: “In reality, I knew that the 21st century would tear me back to the corporate world. But meanwhile-“
I too have vehemently veered away from the 21st century corporate world, and hope that defiled world never entraps me again ?
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleUnfortunately we all seem to chase that alluring big pound sterling or dollar sign. Glad that you enjoyed my story Chris and that you leaned some Japanese vocabulary.
Well done Margarida! Very inspirational. I love the story of this person who abandoned the unessential to become one with life at its best!
Thank you Greene. I am happy that you found inspiration in my writing.
I am just wondering if it is correct to use “Japanese” as a noun or should I have added Japanese man or nihonjin.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleLovely read Margarida. Beautifully written with profound thought woven in. ?
Thank you for reading my story and providing feedback. The words easily flowed from my pen, perhaps helped by having written about Basho previously.
I loved reading about your protagonist being so inspired by Basho and zen-Buddhism that he distanced himself from other people and even decided to follow in Basho’s footsteps on a pilgrimage in Japan. Even if he returned to the western, corporate world, I am sure that he was deeply affected and inspired by his experience for the rest of his life. A great read, Margarida!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you for your kind words, Christer. Money will draw him back into society, but I feel that his outlook on life will be more refined and simplistic. He will retain his love of nature, zen and peacefulness.
A wonderful journey, Margarida, for both the protagonist and readers, and thoughts and impressions that will carry long into the future. I think Basho would love it 🙂
Thank you truly Sandra for your kind words. This would be an amazing eye opening pilgrimage, but so few would have the bravery to undertake it. We are too embedded in the western world.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHello, Margarida. Congratulations that your ” In the footsteps of Matsuo Basho” is one of the many stories posted for the new theme transformation. I loved re-reading it, as it becomes lovelier. And on this time I appreciate and love this phrase, ” I was beginning to see the secretive promises in small things and interdependence of all life. ” It resonates with me so much.
Lotchie, you are a sweet young lady with such kind words! A million thanks for both reading and commenting on my story. You always burst with such positivism in your feedback, and have the gift of making me feel like a champion. Truly, I have missed hearing from you and hope that life treats you well. We should all like Basho and his followers take time to ponder nature and discover joy… Read more »
Hello, Margarida. Life is a continuous lesson. And each day is a battle to win. I am happy that I am always winning despite all the circumstances in my life. Thank you so much for the compliment.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleGreat to hear from you, Lotchie. I think you too Like Basho, live by the proverb “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
Apparently, this is an antimetabole, meaning it is “The repetition of words in successive clauses, but in transposed order…” according to Wikipedia. I think Matsuo Basho lived by this saying.
Yes. You are right, Margarida. I do like Basho too.