Lotus Poems

Most of the lotus poems I have come across have been from Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese sources. I include a few here, but would be most pleased to hear from you if you know of others. Just contact us.

Cloud above lotus—
it too
becomes a Buddha.

Boryu (18th Century)
Translated by Lucien Stryk

Not much to offer you—
just a lotus flower floating
in a small jar of water.

Ryokan (late 18th Century)
Translated by John Stevens

A lotus stem,
slightly bent—
in this world.

Issa (early 19th Century)
translated by Lewis Mackenzie

When you contemplate
The waters at daybreak
You can hear the lotus
bloom. . .

Kyokusai (1874)