This kind of inscription identifies Daruma with buddha-nature. The world, if perceived correctly, is full of wondrous sounds and beautiful sights. In his meditation, Daruma immersed himself in nature, and his Zen insight sharpened his senses.
Akai Giyu was his formal name, but he signed all his art "Daikyu," his monastic name. Daikyu was born in Shimane Prefecture, and became a Zen acolyte at age six. He was abbot of Empuku-ji in Shiga Prefecture for some years, and then served as abbot of Nanzen-ji, one of the major Zen temples in Kyoto. Daikyu was quite skilled as an artist but works by him are rare.
