In the twilight of the Heian era, a poet and recluse named Kamo no Chōmei retreated to a tiny hut on a hillside, seeking refuge from a world consumed by fire, famine, and earthquake. From this ten-foot-square shelter, he wrote one of the most beloved meditations on impermanence ever composed. This modern-English edition renders Chōmei's classic essay in clear, inviting prose, preserving its poetic depth and spiritual urgency. Alongside the Hōjōki, this volume includes a selection of his other writings, offering a fuller portrait of a man who found freedom in simplicity. With an illuminating introduction, a glossary of key terms, and passages for reflection, this edition invites today's readers to encounter a timeless voice that speaks across centuries. This edition is a faithful rendering, true to the spirit of the original, and a perfect entry point for new readers. Part of The Founding Texts Library.