A dōka (道歌, "way poem") is an ethical Japanese waka with a lesson. Well-versed[clarification needed] poems of dōka contain the central dogma, appealing to Japanese people and easy to memorize.
There is a wide range of dōka and its contents are said to cover not only lessons but also worldly wisdom. The writers of dōka are recorded to be many, but some of them composed originally tanka and their tanka was interpreted by others as dōka.[1]
Anrakuan Sakuden (安楽庵策伝?, 1554 – February 7, 1642) was an Edo period Japanese priest of the Jōdo-shū (Pure Land) of Buddhism; and a poet. He wrote a book Seisuisho (醒睡笑, "Laughs to Wake You Up"), which is a collection of humorous anecdotes. In volume 3 of this book, the word Douka was first used.[2] However, the Japanese have liked composing Tankas with lessons from time immemorial. Later, Ishida Baigan started Shingaku (心学, "heart learning") and used Dōka in his religious movement. Dōka is remembered in everyday life of Japanese.
Shinran was determined to enter the Buddhist priesthood. Cherry blossoms were in full blossom. It was in the evening and his senior monk said the ceremony would be made on the next day. Shinran made the following Tanka which meant that it should be made right now; if otherwise, on the following night, a typhoon might blow and I might die, or I might change my mind.
If you put your mind to it, you can do it;If you do not, you cannot -- that is true for all things. When something cannot be done, you are the one to blame For not putting your heart into it. Uesugi Yozan
You should do it yourself before him, you should tell him to do it, you should let him hear it, you should let him do it, and you should praise him, then, you let him do it. Isoroku Yamamoto
You must be prepared to sacrifice yourself, then you will find a way, when you meet difficulties. Kuya
You have plenty of time playing something. You are not reading books saying you have no time. Why ? (Reading books is recommended)(Motoori Norinaga)[4]
The rumor that that person and I are in love is groundless, but what should I answer, if the question is to my conscience. (Unknown composer in Gosenshu)[5]
Your conscience is little by little benumbed without you knowing it. (Unknown composer)[6]
Don't bear a grudge against Kami. Wait some more time, and you will find fortune. (Kami of Kumano Shrine in Gyokuyo Wakashu)[7]
The heart with which one educates other persons is the same which educates myself. Learn by teaching someone else. (Moritake Araida from Yononaka Hyakushu)[8]
Someone who reminds you of your defects is precious, regardless of the position of the adviser. (Unknown composer)[9]
