Hōjōki is an extended reflection on the impermanence of the word, written by the recluse Kamo no Chōmei in twelfth-century Japan. The work is celebrated both for its poetic style and philosophical depth. The simplicity and consistency of the writing makes it ideal for teaching Classical Japanese. For its reflection on impermanence and non-attachment, Hōjōki is a model of Buddhist thought. Mindful of the fleeting nature of this world, Chōmei demands that readers reconsider what is most important in life. The message is as evocative as it is universal.