Read, reflect, pray
The moonlight: waka
月かげの
Traditionally attributed to Hōnen
Poem and reading aid
月かげの
tsukikageno
いたらぬ里は
itaranu satoha
なけれども
nakeredomo
ながむる人の
nagamuru hitono
心にぞすむ
kokoronizosumu
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
No village lies beyond the moonlight’s reach, yet it settles clear within the heart of the one who looks upon it.
Background and attribution
Jōdo-shū materials transmit this waka as Hōnen’s. Zōjōji relates the moonlight to Amida’s light and devotion to the nembutsu. Hōnen’s authorship and Amida as the object of devotion remain distinct.
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 (2)
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.