YEAR OF ZEN: AUTUMN: DAY 26

Depiction of Ōtagaki Rengetsu at a high age, writing

Q: Buddhist nun Rengetsu faced more heartbreak than should be humanly bearable, yet she overcame and went on to be one of Japan’s greatest artists, mystics, poets, and teachers. Write her a short note.

A: Dear Rengetsu - this prompt is the first I am hearing of you but I want to take this space to offer you thanks. I thank you for offering an example of perseverance and a life well lived in spite of hardships. I thank you as a testament to aspiring in life even when there are seemingly countless reasons to give up. It is good to learn of you and I will try to keep your name and example in mind as I live my own life.