Customer Reviews

Cold Mountain Poems: Zen Poems of Han Shan, Shih Te, and Wang Fan-chih (Shambhala Library)

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3 star:		(1)
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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.

Just finished re-reading Cold Mountain Poems by Han Shan, this time as an adult. I get it now. When I realized that I finally understood I laughed and cried at the same time.

You have to read between the lines.
Sorry I just can't offer a better description than that, it is a great joy when you finally understand.

The content of the book was not what I expected it to be however the delivery and condition of the book was excellent.