Is all vanity?

May 15, 2007 5:29 PM

"All is vanity" is, among other things, a quote from the bible. I'm looking for a bit of Japanese poetry, however, in which I remember seeing that phrase. Anybody got a clue? My google-fu was not strong enough.
posted by BlackLeotardFront to Writing & Language (4 answers total)

"shikisoku zekuu" is a Buddhist expression which is translated as "matter is void" and "form is emptiness." [link]
posted by jayCampbell at 5:43 PM on May 15, 2007

Best answer: It may be one translation of the opening passage of the Tale of the Heike:
The bell of the Gion Temple tolls into every man's heart
to warn him that all is vanity and evanescence.
The faded flowers of the sala trees by the Buddha's death-bed
bear witness to the truth
that all who flourish are destined to decay.
Yes, pride must have a fall,
for it is as unsubstantial as a dream on a spring night.
The brave and violent man - he too must die away in the end,
like a whirl of dust in the wind.
(quoted from here; it looks like this version is from this translation.)
posted by shirobara at 5:58 PM on May 15, 2007

Response by poster: shirobara, that rings right, but I felt the "all is vanity" came at the end. If anyone else can think of anything, that'd be awesome, but I think shirobara nailed it and my memory is failing.
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 6:24 PM on May 15, 2007

Not poetry, but it's a strong theme in the Tale of Genji - for example:

"Kaoru asked to open the chapel where the Eighth Prince practiced and, clearing the dust away carefully prayed to Buddha. 'Beneath the oak I meant to search for shade. Now it has gone and all is vanity.'"
posted by Liosliath at 6:53 PM on May 15, 2007