Nansen Fugan Zenji answered to Joshu, "I will reborn as a water buffalo of a supporter of the temple." Isan Reiyu Zenji said this water buffalo will be the nature of myself in 100 years later. The mystery grass has no root. He enjoys the eternal spring. Painted and text added by Gyu zui.

This water buffalo is one's original true nature, one's self awakened to its own Buddha - nature, the real self. He worked hard to cultivate paddy fields for the people. He takes a short break and sits enjoying the spring under heaven. He can recognize the suffering world for the real playground.

Zuiko Chingyu 1743-1822  Zen. Soto.

Pen name: Gyu-rai. Dharma transmission from Kaigai Ryoten. He moved to Bansho-ji, Nagoya in 1817. He retired in 1820 and moved to Keiun-ken. He is very famous for the Zen master with a talent for calligraphy and painting.

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