From Hojoki: Visions of a Torn World by Kamo-no-Chomei (translation Yasubiko Moriguchi and David Jenkins)
And so with me.
I know my needs
and know the world.I wish for nothing
and do not work
to acquire things.Quiet is my only wish,
to be free from worry
happiness enough.People in the world
do not build houses
to suit their real needs.They build houses
for wives, children, retinues.
Or they build for friends
and those around them.Some build houses
for masters and teachers.
And even for their treasures,
oxen, horses.I have built for myself,
alone.You may wonder why.
The world today has its ways
and I have mine.
Extracts 