May 31, 2011

Haiga 593 Matsuo Basho haiku -Geta (wooden shoes)


While I was blogging about Hawaiian things, Basho's journey in the north continued. He was now at Kurobane. He stayed at haijin's house for 13 days, from May 22 through June 2, longest stay at one place in his journey. His intention was to rest and to build enough energy to continue the long journey.

He also visited a temple nearby to pay tribute to the mountain monks who wore the Geta (wooden shoes) with one high tooth, and wondered around the wilderness of mountains to acquire spiritual trainings. He prayed for the success of his long journey.

In this series of haiga, I often draw in various birds, though there is no mentioning of it in the haiku. It kind of symbolizes Basho the traveler.

One tooth Geta

7 comments:

Devika Jyothi said...

unique visualisation for the haiku, if not for the note, and knowing Basho the traveller -- so beautifully rendered, Kuni-san :)

wishes,
devika

kuni_san said...

Thanks for your comment.
I just added a photo of the geta. Just imagine wearing this type shoes and walk on rugged mountain paths...sure is a good training.

Devika Jyothi said...

That looks a modern design...our old monks and even older people used what they called mediyadi (can't find a picture easily) it's with a single knot and no side bars...

climbing mountains seem a task in itself...and to walk on those -- sure would need some traning...but do people of today climb mountains wearing those? --

anyway, i am prone to vertigo...so keep off from mountains, except seeing their majesty from afar...last climbed a range when i was 19/20, and lost my balance,

wishes,
devika

Devika Jyothi said...

Oh i must add, but my native home is in the hilly terrains and there i'm quite used to...can't the climb steep mountains :)

wishes,
devika

kuni_san said...

Normally, we Japanese wear two teethed Geta when we wear the traditional kimono. And the teeth are much shorter. I am a priest but I am not fond of this kind of mountain training.

Devika Jyothi said...

Okay Kuni-san...and continuiing from the earlier response, my honour to be able to connect with you through the blog, Kuni-san,

wishes,
devika

Devika Jyothi said...

oh meant to say, i'm honoured to be able to...

wishes,
devika