Review (PDF) Cold Mountain Poems: Zen Poems Of Han Shan, Shih Te, And Wang Fan-chih
Popularized in the West by Beat Generation writers Gary Snyder and Jack Kerouac, T’ang-era rebel poet Han Shan is an icon of Chinese poetry and Zen. He and his sidekick, Shih Te, are known as the laughing, ragged pair who left their poetry on stones, trees, farmhouses, and monastery walls, calling others to “the Cold Mountain way” of simple, honest, joyful living. J. P. Seaton takes a fresh look at these poets, as well as at Wang Fan-chih, who followed in the outsider tradition a few centuries later. Forceful and wry, all three condemn the excesses of mind and matter that prevent people from attaining true enlightenment. With a comprehensive introduction and commentary throughout, this collection points to where, in a world that’s always moving and so full of suffering, stillness and clarity can be found.
Paperback: 136 pages
Publisher: Shambhala; Reprint edition (January 8, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1590309057
ISBN-13: 978-1590309056
Product Dimensions: 4.3 x 0.4 x 6.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #368,821 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #33 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Regional & Cultural > Asian > Chinese #87 in Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > Asian > Chinese #426 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Themes & Styles > Inspirational & Religious
J P Seaton has brought us a new Han Shan who has a spring in his rhythmic step and a quick, off-balance poke in his lines. And, of course, a grin. Seaton has obviously lived with these old outsiders--Han Shan, Shih Te, and Wang Fan-chih--for years and knows well their ways and explorations. These guys don't waste your time. Their poems come from their learning how to live lightly and well twelve hundred years or so ago. Hanging out with Han Shan, Shih Te, & Wang Fan-chih helps one stay sane. Go ahead. Compare translations--Burton & Snyder & Hamill & Red Pine & Seaton. It's fun. Unless you know Chinese, how else can one get close to the poems? "[G]aze into the emptiness; to the ends of the earth . . . / You're alone, with ALL within" (Han Shan, XXXIII). Go there! Stay or not; up to you!
I collect Han Shan. I started with Gary Snyder's, and moved on from there to about five different translations. Always rewarding, Han Shans translators make this wonderful poet come alive for us to enjoy. This little book though is very beautifully produced, and I just love having it around. The work itself is a joy and even if, like me you have a Han Shan or two around the place - this one will also bring joy. If you have never read much of his work then this book may be the place to start the journey, and climb the mountain and experience the peace and wisdom of this wonderful poet.
A very sweet and simple book of poems attributed to two old poor monks who wandered Cold Mountain (China) writing poems about life on the mountain on the rocks and nearby houses. It's a great little book to have by your favorite chair!
The poems in this slim and well designed book (built in bookmarks) will remind you of the basic perceptions one needs to experience a thoughtful and satisfying life. The notes on some of the poems are helpful and the fact that W.S. Merwin (poet and also a translator) recommends this book convinced me to purchase the Seaton translation. I am so happy with this book I think I'll look into the other poet who also praised it. Carolyn Kizer, obviously a poet with good taste should be explored.
A joy to read! I find myself rereading and highlighting on kindle my favourite poems, during dinner time I read them to my kids. The joy of the poems comes from on how much meaning we attach to them. As we know we can find meaning in anything we wish which can be a pleasure or pain yet Cold Mountain allows one to see and hear Han Shan laughing at us and encouraging us to go deeper.
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