Sosei
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/Sanj%C5%ABrokkasen-gaku_-_9_-_Kan%C5%8D_Tan%E2%80%99y%C5%AB_-_Sosei_H%C5%8Dshi.jpg/220px-Sanj%C5%ABrokkasen-gaku_-_9_-_Kan%C5%8D_Tan%E2%80%99y%C5%AB_-_Sosei_H%C5%8Dshi.jpg)
Sosei (Japanese: 素性 or 素性法師, c. 844 – 910) was a Japanese waka poet and Buddhist priest. He is listed as one of the Thirty-six Poetry Immortals, and one of his poems was included in the famous anthology Hyakunin Isshu. His father Henjō was also a waka poet and monk.
Sosei entered religious life sometime after his father, who took the tonsure after the death of Emperor Ninmyō in 850.
Waka Poems[edit]
Sokoi-naki fuchi-yawa-sawagu yamagawa-no asaki-seni-koso adanami-wa-tate (Kokin waka shu)
Translation: The deep pools do not have waves, but the shallow rapids of mountain rivers often have waves.
Interpretation of love: My deep love for you is unmoved. It is frivolous love that causes rumors.
Interpretation of a life lesson: The fine man is quiet, but the petty man is noisy.
External links[edit]