Fishing Alone in a Pure Creek

人皆曰吾老　 我豈徒守愚　 讀書不甚解　 求道與誰倶　 自古天下士　 却作布衣徒　 悠然獨養志　 寄跡泉石區 People all say I must be getting old, But maybe I have been cultivating this stupidity! I read books, but do not know how to interpret them; I seek the Way, but have one to share with. From ancient times, truly world-class scholars Have been followers of the Way of Simple Clothes. Trancelike, alone I nurture my intentions; Visitors, please note this “region of streams and rocks.” Kodōjin also inscribed this prose: 此幅固非應需而既作也。自画自娯，聯以達真耳。不問巧拙不論家派，著吾家法直興化合矣。豈復他有哉々々 This work was certainly not done under any compulsion. I paint myself for my own pleasure, simply to achieve Truth. For me there’s no question of skill or clumsiness, no concern about Schools of Painting: I implement my own style under direct inspiration of harmonious transformation. How could there be anything more to it than that?