What is the zen influence behind this Basho poem My eyes following until bird was lost at sea found a small island?

Zen philosophy is rooted in the belief of seeing the world purely as it is, or as it truly is, without any of our preconceived notions, values, or desires. Zen seeks to achieve this state of pure observation and interconnectedness through various techniques of meditation, mindfulness, and self-discipline.

The poem "My eyes following until bird was lost at sea found a small island" expresses several Zen principles.

Impermanence: The poem captures a fleeting moment in time, the flight of a bird and its disappearance into the vastness of the sea. It reminds us of the transient nature of life and its phenomena.

Simplicity: The poem uses simple and direct language, free from any unnecessary embellishments. This simplicity reflects the Zen emphasis on stripping away the unnecessary to reveal the essence of things.

Non-dualism: The poem blurs the distinction between the self and the external world. The poet's eyes follow the bird until it merges with the sea, suggesting a sense of unity and interconnectedness between the observer and the observed.

Letting go: The poem's final line, "found a small island," can be interpreted as a moment of realization, a discovery that arises from letting go of the bird's flight. This act of letting go echoes the Zen concept of non-attachment, which encourages freedom from desires and執著.

In essence, the poem embodies Zen principles by presenting a moment of pure observation, free from expectations and attachments, revealing the interdependence of all things and the interconnectedness of the self with the environment.