The Old Tea Seller

Book excerpt: "Included in his writings is a remarkable but little-known document, essential to understanding his life, that contains Baisao's response to a customer's inquiry as to why he abandoned the Buddhist priesthood for a tea-selling life. These poems, memoirs, and letters trace his spiritual and physical journey over a long life." "This book includes virtually all of his writings translated for the first time into English, together with the first biography of Baisao to appear in any language. It is bound to establish Baisao's place alongside other Zen-inspired poets such as Basho and Ryokan."--BOOK JACKET.