Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Weatherhill (1979), Edition: 1st, 128 pages
Description
Zen Buddhism distinguishes itself by brilliant flashes of insight and its terseness of expression. The haiku verse form is a superb means of studying Zen modes of thought and expression, for its seventeen syllables impose a rigorous limitation that confines the poet to vital experience. Here haiku by Bashõ are translated by Robert Aitken, with commentary that provides a new and far deeper understanding of Bashõ's work than ever before. In presenting themes from the haiku and from Zen literature that open the doors both to the poems and to Zen itself, Aitken has produced the first book about the relationship between Zen and haiku. His readers are certain to find it invaluable for the remarkable revelations it offers.
User reviews
LibraryThing member aulsmith
The poetry was great, the translations interesting, the commentary was somewhat self-centered but okay. What drove me crazy was the zen lecture related to each poem, especially Aitken's comparing of Basho's wanderings to Aitken's students sitting around in a dojo. There are reasons zen practice
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makes me want to scream, "Wake Up!" Show Less
Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
128 p.; 5.5 x 0.75 inches
ISBN
083480137X / 9780834801370