Ikkyu Sojun's childhood was marked by both tragedy and privilege. He was born in 1394 in a small village in Japan to a noble family. His father, a governor, abandoned his mother while she was pregnant, leaving her to raise Ikkyu alone. This early abandonment would greatly impact Ikkyu's later views on attachment and impermanence.

Despite this, Ikkyu's mother was a strong and influential figure in his life. She recognized his intelligence and arranged for him to receive a high-quality education in literature, calligraphy, and the arts. This education would shape Ikkyu's poetic and artistic talents, which he would later use to express his Zen teachings.

At the age of five, Ikkyu's mother passed away, and he was sent to live with his grandmother. She was a devout Buddhist and introduced him to the teachings of Zen. Under her guidance, Ikkyu began to develop a deep understanding and appreciation for Zen philosophy and meditation.

However, his grandmother's death when he was just eight years old left Ikkyu feeling lost and alone. He turned to his studies and poetry as a way to cope with his grief and find solace. He also found comfort in the company of Buddhist monks who visited his village, and he became determined to follow in their footsteps.

At the age of thirteen, Ikkyu entered a Buddhist temple to become a monk. But his time there was short-lived, as he was forced to leave due to political unrest and the threat of war. He then joined another temple, where he continued his studies and deepened his understanding of Zen.

Despite the challenges he faced in his childhood, Ikkyu's experiences shaped him into a compassionate, introspective, and rebellious individual. His early exposure to both privilege and suffering allowed him to see the world from a unique perspective and influenced his teachings on the impermanence of life and the importance of detachment.

In conclusion, Ikkyu Sojun's childhood was a mixture of tragedy and opportunity. It provided him with the foundation to become a renowned Zen monk and poet, whose teachings continue to inspire and guide people to this day.