Sosei
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Sosei (Japanese: 素性 or 素性法師, c. 844 – 910) was a Japanese waka poet and Buddhist priest. He is listed as one of the Thirty-six Poetry Immortals, and one of his poems was included in the famous anthology Hyakunin Isshu. His father Henjō was also a waka poet and monk.
Sosei entered religious life sometime after his father, who took the tonsure after the death of Emperor Ninmyō in 850.
Waka Poems
Sokoi-naki fuchi-yawa-sawagu yamagawa-no asaki-seni-koso adanami-wa-tate (Kokin waka shu)
Translation: The deep pools do not have waves, but the shallow rapids of mountain rivers often have waves.
Interpretation of love: My deep love for you is unmoved. It is frivolous love that causes rumors.
Interpretation of a life lesson: The fine man is quiet, but the petty man is noisy.
External links
- E-text of Sosei's poems
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