Joe Bloggs

Tsukubai at Ryoanji

In front of Zorokuan tea house in Ryoanji Temple, there is a famous stone water basin. This is for rinsing one's hands and mouth before entering the tea room. It is called "Tsukubai", which translates literally as "crouch," from the fact that one must crouch down to use it. Look closely at the water basin (click on the photo for an enlargement), it has a very unique description. There are four characters chiseled around its side.

This inscription translates as "I learn only to be contented" or "I just know satisfaction" or "The knowledge that is given is sufficient". The concept is of utmost importance in Zen philosophy. In Zen, learning and knowledge do not need to be for practical use as skills - knowledge for its own sake is sufficient unto itself. It also means that someone who learns to be contented is rich in spirit and character, whereas someone who may be materially wealthy is spiritually poor if they do not learn contentment. To be content is to be generous, and to be free from greed. Water trickles into the basin and if you are lucky enough to visit on a quiet day you will be able to hear the peaceful sound of water flowing in various locations within the grounds.

Taken in its entirety from this informative page.