Who is Matsuo Basho
Matsuo Bashō (松尾 芭蕉, 1644–1694), born 松尾 金作, then Matsuo Chūemon Munefusa (松尾 忠右衛門 宗房), was the most famous poet of the Edo period in Japan. During his lifetime, Bashō was recognized for his works in the collaborative haikai no renga form; today, after centuries of commentary, he is recognized as the greatest master of haiku (then called hokku). Matsuo Bashō's poetry is internationally renowned; and, in Japan, many of his poems are reproduced on monuments and traditional sites. Although Bashō is justifiably famous in the West for his hokku, he himself believed his best work lay in leading and participating in renku. He is quoted as saying, "Many of my followers can write hokku as well as I can. Where I show who I really am is in link...Read Full Biography
Matsuo Basho Poems
- Autumn Moonlight
Autumn moonlight--
a worm digs silently
into the chestnut.
... - Winter Solitude
Winter solitude--
in a world of one color
the sound of wind.
... - With Every Gust Of Wind
With every gust of wind,
the butterfly changes its place
on the willow.
... - The Shallows
The shallows â??
a craneâ??s thighs splashed
in cool waves
... - Haiku
scent of plum blossoms
on the misty mountain path
a big rising sun
...
Top 10 most used topics by Matsuo Basho
Winter 12 Autumn 11 Rain 9 Moon 9 Morning 8 Cold 6 Wind 5 Snow 5 World 5 Butterfly 5Matsuo Basho Quotes
- Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the men of old; seek what they sought.
- Seek not to follow in the footsteps of men of old; seek what they sought.
Comments about Matsuo Basho
- Wendy_tokunaga: an art museum in japan has rediscovered a handscroll containing illustrations and haiku rendered by 17th century poet matsuo basho, known as his first poetry travelogue.
- Reading_guru: think for yourself take ownership of yourself. matsuo basho's wise words should be heeded by those seeking freedom: "do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. seek what they sought."
- Bestroofers1: great words from matsuo basho...i couldn't agree more! via:
- Ranaawdish: sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows, by itself. -matsuo basho
- Nippon_en: today, visitors can make rice crackers the old-fashioned way, or nibble on the crisp snacks while wandering the lanes and pine-lined trails once traversed by the famed poet matsuo bashō.
