From far, far in the distant past, Down to this day, this very instant, Those things we have longed for most Have not been attained, and we sorrow. - Ippen

To become solitary and simple in utter aloneness -- living wholly unconcerned about the multitude of worldly affairs, and abandoning and disentangling yourself from all things -- is to die. We are born alone; we die alone.

In this brief span this body exists,
Clothing and food are of course indispensable;
But knowing them to be fruits of former lives,
I make no effort at all to obtain them.

With aversion for sect superiors and their pomp,
I have no wish for monk disciples;
Not in search of lay supporters,
I court the favor of no one.