Read, reflect, pray
Spring flowers: waka
春は花
Traditionally attributed to Dōgen
Poem and reading aid
春は花
haruha hana
夏ほととぎす
natsuhototogisu
秋は月
akiha tsuki
冬雪さえて
fuyu yukisaete
すずしかりけり
suzushikarikeri
How to use the Roman letters
Roman letters follow the kana displayed in this site’s Japanese reader; some readings are editorial additions documented on the Japanese page. These are a reading aid, not restored Sanskrit or a recording of a temple’s chanting. Historical spellings (such as wo, wi, we and ha used as a particle) are kept. Double vowels and repeated vowels mark the written kana; rhythm and pronunciation can differ by tradition.
You can simply read the meaning or sit quietly. No recitation is required. For a temple or shrine’s own recitation, follow that tradition’s published guidance.
Meaning in English
Spring: flowers. Summer: the cuckoo. Autumn: the moon. In winter, snow shines clear: how cool and pure.
Background and attribution
Sōtō commentary links this traditional poem of Dōgen with receiving the Buddha’s presence in seasonal nature and daily living. It is separate from the modern hymn also discussed on the cited page.
The English meaning and explanation are this site’s own rendering. The poem’s speaker, author and object of devotion are not necessarily the same.
Connected figures
Sources and edition (1)
English explanations on this page were prepared by Inori no Mori from the cited text and its Japanese explanations. They are not an official translation or a prescribed liturgy.