Brian’s Reflection: Tuesday, April 17, 2007


"The moon and the sun are eternal travelers. Even the years wander on.
A lifetime adrift in a boat or in old age leading a tired horse into the years,
every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home."


- Basho: Narrow Road to the Interior

Born Matsuo Munefusa, in 1644, the poet Basho is considered one of the finest writers of Japanese Haiku. He lived to be fifty. He lived in “blissful poverty”, supported by his students. And he travelled a great deal - wish I could learn that art - being poor and a traveler!

“The journey itself is home”. I believe this, essentially. Essentially, we are not “good” to be rewarded. Essentially, we do not love to be loved. Essentially we do not follow the divine path in order to go to Heaven. Essentially we do not compromise the present moment in hopes of redeeming the past or of guaranteeing the future. Jesus said, Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow has enough troubles of its own - that is, the Journey is Now. The Journey is, as Basho says, Home. I have made wandering somewhat of a Call. It has been a good Home, with many fine waystations.

Basho also said: “Do not follow in the footsteps of the old masters, but seek what they sought.” Wise. Don’t be a slave to another’s journey. We each have our own to claim.

What better company to be in, than the moon and sun, the years. Adrift, leading a tired horse - or even whooping it up until we drop dead!!

Brian+