Catalogue information
Commonly known as Tōdaiji-gire (東大寺切)
Heian period, 12th century
Page from book, mounted as hanging scroll; ink on decorated paper
23.7 x 15 cm (9 3/8 x 5 7/8 in.)
See also
This artwork was published as catalogue entry 515 in Volume I of Art through a Lifetime.
Additional details
Text
So he went to a quiet place, put his thoughts in order, calmed his heart, and was never disturbed. As a result, his meditations and his wisdom joined to help him achieve enlightenment. They acted like the two wings of a bird, the two wheels of a cart. If you have wisdom but you do not meditate, your mind will not come to rest. The radiance of enlightenment will not be able to shine but will merely flicker as a lamp flickers in the wind, and you will be like a sea tossed by waves.