Ryokan Taigu, also known as Ryokan, was a Japanese Zen poet and hermit who lived in the late 18th and early 19th century. He was deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism and his poetry reflects his spiritual journey and philosophy.

The core philosophy behind Ryokan's poetry is the concept of impermanence, or the transitory nature of life. This is a central tenet of Zen Buddhism, which teaches that everything in this world is in a constant state of change and nothing is permanent. This concept is beautifully captured in Ryokan's famous haiku:

"The sound of the water Fills the empty valley And disappears."

In this haiku, Ryokan highlights the impermanence of the sound of water, which fills the valley but then disappears, leaving behind an empty space. This mirrors the Buddhist belief that everything in life is temporary and nothing lasts forever.

Another important aspect of Ryokan's philosophy is the idea of simplicity and living in the present moment. As a hermit, Ryokan lived a simple and solitary life, free from material possessions and distractions. This allowed him to fully immerse himself in the present moment and find beauty and joy in the simplest things. This is evident in his haiku:

"Sitting quietly, Doing nothing, Spring comes, And the grass grows by itself."

This haiku reflects Ryokan's belief in the power of stillness and being present in the moment. He encourages us to let go of our worries and simply be in the present, just like the grass grows without any effort.

Ryokan's poetry also reflects his deep connection with nature. He often used natural imagery to convey his spiritual insights and teachings. In his poem "The Moon's Invitation," he writes:

"The moon's invitation to the stillness of the night- a single cloud."

Here, the moon symbolizes enlightenment and the cloud represents the distractions and obstacles that prevent us from reaching it. Ryokan invites us to let go of these distractions and embrace the stillness and clarity of the night, just like the moon.

In summary, Ryokan's poetry is rooted in the philosophy of Zen Buddhism, with its emphasis on impermanence, simplicity, and living in the present moment. His words serve as a reminder to us to let go of our attachments and distractions and find peace and beauty in the here and now. As Ryokan himself said, "This world of dew is only a world of dew, and yet..." – a reminder to appreciate the fleeting moments of life and find joy in the impermanent.