#bussokuseki

Photo: found at nobbier.com Form: Bussokuseki (5-7-5-7-7-7) Repairnot in deepest nightneither daylight dalliancethey bubble to lifeas from an alchemists spooninto veined disappointmentsdreamer’s gold amongst the clay Copyright 2026 ©️Paul Vincent CannonAll Rights Reserved ®️

For Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge No. 74, Oh, to Dream! Yvette asks that we write a poem about a dream that came true or a dream that fell apart. Use a syllabic poetry form that works for you, and let your inspiration flow. Photo: found at getyourguide.com Form: Bussokuseki (5-7-5-7-7-7) Kintsugi Dayssomething first deniedhearts like shattered china clayalchemy of lovethat precious golden…

For Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge No. 73, bussokuseki Colleen is inviting us to write a bussokuseki. Image by Kanenori from Pixabay Form: bussokuseki (5-7-5-7-7-7) Nothingnessnight dream crescent floatsfills the horizon of heartsawakens desireconsciousness searches the expanseknowing nothing permanentghost moon illusion prevails. Copyright 2026 ©️Paul Vincent CannonAll Rights Reserved ®️

hounenin temple japan kyoto by Edwin Chang on Flickr.

Bussokuseki, the footprints of Gautama Buddha. This is actually a modern reproduction of the oldest Bussokuseki in Japan, located at Yakushiji temple (Been there!) in Nara. You can see the Dharmachakra in the center, and some of the Sanjuunisou, 32 auspicious signs of the Buddha. Here's a chart and explanation of the markings:

Man-Hanamon-sō 卍花文相. Lit. "Decorative Version of 卍 Symbol." 卍 is also known as Kyōji 胸字 in Japan.

Getsu-ō-sō 月王相.  Lit. "Mark of Moon King." Getsu-ō is the translation of Śaśāṇka, the Moon King, the ruler of an Indian kingdom known as Karṇasuvarṇa.

Kongōsho-sō 金剛杵相. Lit. "Mark of Vajra Pestle," the indestructible mallet.

Sōgyo-sō 双魚相. Sometimes also called Sōgyohō-sō 双魚宝相. "Mark of Double Fish." A Pair of Fish Facing Each Other.

Hōbyō-sō 宝瓶相. Lit. "Mark of the Jeweled Vessel, the Precious Vase."

Senbukurin-sō 千輻輪相. Lit. "Mark of the Thousand-spoked wheel."