Muromachi Period 1392-1573

From the world of passions

I return to the world beyond passions,

A moment of pause.

If the rain is to fall, let if fall;

If the wind is to blow, let it blow.

 - Ikkyu Sojun

Shoto Bokusai Ants Hauling a Pumpkin

Hanging scroll; Ink on paper

Muromachi Period (ca. 1400)

The ants seem to be participating in a familiar kind of Japanese festival procession, complete with music, dancing, and a float - which strongly suggests a Zen parable turned into a picture. Zen emphasizes intuition over rationality in spiritual instruction.