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A human life span is like a fleeting drop of dew.

Renounce people who play. Yet, if possible, I wish

to go to Shangri-la.

Clarification:

“Renounce people who play” refers to Tansui Eekata revering music so much that other statesmen criticized his preoccupation and artistic achievements. The word “play,” in this case, implies his “taste for music.” Hence, Tansui was mistakenly thought to be lethargic, during a period of Okinawan history when men of his position were expected to use their influence and power in more productive ways. After returning from the countryside where he had spent considerable time composing music, he was finally recognized as a great musician, and regarded as the founder of Tansui-ryu (Tansui school). In the end, Tansui was considered a creative genius and an overachiever.

In my opinion, Tansui is a perfect example of one who deeply embraces the spirit of dō mu gen: there is no end to learning. In spite of adversity and misunderstanding, he devoted his entire life to artistic accomplishment. I was deeply moved with Tansui’s chimugukuru (devotion).