Back Roads to Far Towns
by Basho
reviewed by Nicholas Beatty

In my mind, a beautiful garden exists. It rests high on top of a mountain where a light breeze carries the heavenly scent of cherry blossoms and violets from the valley below. Having never felt so peaceful in all my life, I rest on the bank of a gently flowing stream. Although not thirsty, I feel compelled to taste the cool water. As I bring my cupped hands slowly to my face, I am amazed by the revelation. In my hands the bright blue sky, the water and my body have all become one.

With the pressures and obligations that are present in today's fast paced world, it is important to enjoy life in all of its simplicity.

The master Haiku poet, Basho, lived in Japan during the late 1600's. Born into a noble class, his life was more fulfilled living as a simple peasant. Valued for his inability to distinguish the difference between economic barriers, he was well respected and highly sought after as a teacher.

The 1000 Mile Pilgrimage

Travel and nature were very much a part of his life. During the spring of his 46th year, Basho set off on a 1,000 mile pilgrimage. Travelling by horse and on foot, he bathed in cool streams and rested in fragrant meadows. His amazing journey is recorded in his journal and haiku collections called Back Roads to Far Towns. His philosophy was simple. Everything he needed to know about life was learned from nature

When he came upon a little violet hiding shyly in the grass on a mountain pathway, it whispered it's secret to him. "Modesty, gentleness and simplicity," it said, "these are truly beautiful things." Glistening drops of dew on a flower had words of wisdom for him as well, "Purity is the loveliest thing in life", they said. Basho once wrote, "Real poetry is to lead a beautiful life. To live poetry is better than to write it".

Everyone who reads Basho's words will take away something different. Enjoying nature, the ability to look beyond social boundaries and living a simple life make Basho's writing an encouraging and pleasant way to meditate on what life has to offer.