Description

This print shows a tsukubai stone basin in the back of Ryoan-ji Temple in Kyoto. The inscription of kanji combined with the square opening of the basin: Ware Tada Shiru Taru also seen as Ware Tada Taru wo Shiru. Roughly translated, this means “I know only satisfaction” or “I am content with what I have” or “I alone know I am content with things”. The text is now found often on water basins in Japan. This is a Zen saying that can also be interpreted as: “If you learn to be content, you are rich in spirit!” or “I learn only to be contented”.