The Poetry of Zen by Sam Hamill, Paperback, 9781590304259 | Buy online at The Nile
Departments
 Free Returns*

The Poetry of Zen

Author: Sam Hamill and J.P. Seaton  

Paperback

Sam Hamill and J. P. Seaton showcase the rich variety of Zen poetry from China and Japan by men and women, monks, royalty, and laypeople, from the beginnings of Zen to the early twentieth century.

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.

Read more
$42.01
Or pay later with
Check delivery options
Paperback

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Summary

Sam Hamill and J. P. Seaton showcase the rich variety of Zen poetry from China and Japan by men and women, monks, royalty, and laypeople, from the beginnings of Zen to the early twentieth century.

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.

Read more

Description

Sam Hamill and J. P. Seaton showcase the rich variety of Zen poetry from China and Japan by men and women, monks, royalty, and laypeople, from the beginnings of Zen to the early twentieth century.Awonderfully diverse collection of Zen poetry from China and Japan-including works by Lao Tzu and Han Shan-presented by two of America's premier poet-translatorsA 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.

Read more

Critic Reviews

“"This is a book to enrich our life and our practice, a collection that encourages us to be mindful, to keep at it. Read it, and sit."-Tricycle "There is no need to be mystical or religious to enjoy this writing."-The Bloomsbury Review "This may be a little book, but it is a major collection."-Booklist”

“This is a book to enrich our life and our practice, a collection that encourages us to be mindful, to keep at it. Read it, and sit.”
Tricycle

“A major collection.”
Booklist

“The poets in this superb collection pay attention to the wonders of the natural world, the signs of precariousness of life in all living beings, the little changes that comprise each day, and the small details that are often missed by those who are less observant.”
Spirituality & Health

“These evocative poems capture the ephemera of nature with uncanny starkness.”
Buddhadharma

“There is no need to be mystical or religious to enjoy this writing.”
The Bloomsbury Review

Read more

About the Author

Sam Hamill has translated more than two dozen books from ancient Chinese, Japanese, Greek, Latin, and Estonian. He has published fourteen volumes of original poetry.He has been the recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Guggenheim Foundation, the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, and the Mellon Fund. He was awarded the Decoraci n de la Universidad de Carabobo in Venezuela, the Lifetime Achievement Award in Poetry from Washington Poets Association, and the PEN American Freedom to Write Award. He cofounded and served as Editor at Copper Canyon Press for thirty-two years and is the Director of Poets Against War.J. P. Seaton is Professor of Chinese at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He is the translator of numerous books, includingThe Poetry of ZenandThe Shambhala Anthology of Chinese Poetry, and his poetry translations have been widely anthologized in such books asThe Anchor Book of Chinese Poetry,The Norton Anthology of World Poetry, andThe Vintage Book of Contemporary World Poetry.

Read more

Product Details

Publisher
Shambhala Publications Inc
Published
13th February 2007
Pages
208
ISBN
9781590304259

Returns

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.

$42.01
Or pay later with
Check delivery options