Being content

When you have no desire,  everything is sufficient.
But when always seeking, then a lot of things seem impoverished.

However, plain vegetables can soothe hunger.
A patched robe is enough to cover this bent old body.
Alone,  I hike with a deer. Cheerfully I sing with village children.
The stream beneath the cliff cleanses my ears.
The pine on the mountain top fills my heart.

Ryokan, 1758–1831

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