Birth date: 
1118
Death date: 
1190
Birth town: 
Country: 
Japan

23 year old Norikiyo Satoh, an elite warrior who served the retired emperor, became a Buddhist monk and called himself Saigyo. His reasons for becoming a monk are not known.

However, it is said that the actual person was quite different from the rustic image one might have of a wandering Buddhist monk and hermit. He had connections with the highest authorities of his time, such as the retired emperor Suitoku, worked with Taira no Kiyomori as a warrior, met with the first Shogun, Minamoto no Yoritomo, and left us with many episodes from his time as a political coordinator, at which he worked even after becoming a monk.

He was, of course, also a famous poet. Since his death, his life has become legend in Japan. But where can we find the true Saigyo? Perhaps in the "suffering spiritual flower" of his poems.

Poems by this Poet

Displaying 1 - 10 of 20
Poemsort descending Post date Rating Comments
As banked clouds 31 July 2013
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Having drifted apart 31 July 2013
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Having Seen Them Long 31 July 2013
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He made no promise 31 July 2013
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How wonderful 31 July 2013
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In a mountain village 31 July 2013
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In this wayside shrine 19 May 2014
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limitations gone 31 July 2013
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Mingling my prayer 19 May 2014
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Not Stopping To Mark The Trail 31 July 2013
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