Review (PDF) The Poetry Of Zen
A Zen poem is nothing other than an expression of the enlightened mind, a handful of simple words that disappear beneath the moment of insight to which it bears witness. Poetry has been an essential aid to Zen Buddhist practice from the dawn of Zen—and Zen has also had a profound influence on the secular poetry of the countries in which it has flourished. Here, two of America’s most renowned poets and translators provide an overview of Zen poetry from China and Japan in all its rich variety, from the earliest days to the twentieth century. Included are works by Lao Tzu, Han Shan, Li Po, Dogen Kigen, Saigyo, Basho, Chiao Jan, Yuan Mei, Ryokan, and many others. Hamill and Seaton provide illuminating introductions to the Chinese and Japanese sections that set the poets and their work in historical and philosophical context. Short biographies of the poets are also included.
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Shambhala (February 13, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 159030425X
ISBN-13: 978-1590304259
Product Dimensions: 4.3 x 0.6 x 6.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #407,044 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #39 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Regional & Cultural > Asian > Chinese #65 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Japanese & Haiku #102 in Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > Asian > Chinese
I have had an interest in Zen and Asian poetry for more than forty years. This fantastic book begins with an introduction to how the philosophy of Zen can directly relate to a beautiful poem. This book has two sections. The first section covers Chinese poems taken from numerous sources. The second section covers poems from the Japanese poetry masters. In general, the Chinese poems are a little longer in length; nevertheless, all the poems in this collection are a joy to read. If you like Asian poetry, you will love this book. It is filled with beautiful and thoughtful poems that may provide you with Zen enlightement. Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Season of the Warrior: a poetic tribute to warriors)
This collection is very satisfying. There are useful and short essays on zen poetry, and the poetry is kernel sized but with outsized messages. And, like all good poetry, lets you gap fill and extrapolate. Pick up a copy of "Japanese Death Poems" to compliment this collection.
Hamill and Seaton produced a superb blend of Chinese and Japanese Zen poems in their text, The Poetry of Zen, is a lovely pocket-sized book that is suitable for pre-meditation reading, thoughtful consideration by a couple at a coffee shop, or an interesting peak into Zen by students and world literature readers.I enjoyed it in an afternoon sipping coffee and pondering the settings in which these authors wrote. These are amazing thoughts and words by what society would have often considered simple men and women.I especially enjoyed the information about the original authors of the poems. Hamill and Seaton included paragraphs about each author and the period and location of their writing whenever known. I found this work insightful and delightful, and I appreciate the authors' careful work in translating these poems into English.
I have really enjoyed reading this book of poetry.It is very well translated and is a wonderful read. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in poetry.It is full of wonderful poetry that anyone can enjoy, not just those interested in Zen, but everyone can enjoy reading this book.
Thing about Zen poetry, what's missing is as important as what's written. As such, these poems will leave your mind to freely wander places you didn't know existed.As always, Sam Hamill' s translations are delicious and elegant. Even if you are not a Buddhist--I am not--there is spiritual nourishment here, as well as some startling poetry.
"The Poetry Of Zen" is a beautiful little book...chock full of well-crafted and though provoking Zen poetry. It's easy to pick up and read a poem of two in a few minutes...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for anyone following a Zen or Buddhist philosophy.
Lovely Fairy Princess Aiko!Aiko! My girl.You are a princess and star.As it is fundamental.And responsibly at all times.Why are you not sleeping elephant?Over the following toys?That's on the side of the ball.In tennis, he plays the game.Barbie doll is that it?You did not learn again?You certainly grown.Interests and deeds.Love you always ballet.The violin is not even dispute."Dance Lesson", the Degas.After all, harmony is complex.That model fashioned.The robot in the future is beautiful.Planetarium you love.Sports always your dreams.Why do you love?Personality sing whole.Gallery!https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1061702203851441&set=rpd.100000350150320&type=3&theaterhttp://www..com/Red-Fuji-Hokusai-customs-ancestors/dp/1517351022/ref=sr_1_32?ie=UTF8&qid=1453318578&sr=8-32&keywords=Iliyan+Yurukovtp://www..com/Red-Fuji-Hokusai-customs-ancestors/dp/1517351022/ref=sr_1_32?ie=UTF8&qid=1453318578&sr=8-32&keywords=Iliyan+Yurukovhttp://www..com/All-best-children-education-computer/dp/1512074772/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1453318683&sr=8-60http://www..com/Accidents-races-religions-accidents-architecture/dp/1523306181/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453319190&sr=8-1&keywords=Iliyan+Yurukovhttp://www..com/Adam-Dobrzynski-religion-philosophy-diplomacy/dp/1519704496/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1453326314&sr=8-4&keywords=ILiyan+Yurukovhttp://www..com/East-medicine-philosophy-single-combats-ebook/dp/B013P1X8LI/ref=sr_1_36?ie=UTF8&qid=1453327348&sr=8-36&keywords=ILiyan+Yurukov
This is a wonderfully diverse collection of poetry. I've since purchased books by many of the featured poets, finding each a worthy read. The one aspect I didn't find all that interesting was the last few pages of haiku.
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