Haiku: The Poetry of Zen (Box of Zen) [Hardcover]

Manuela Dunn-Mascetti (Editor), Timothy Hugh Barrett (Editor), Manuela Dunn (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1998 | Series: Box of Zen

The ancient Japanese verse form of haiku, which is used for the expression of Zen, consists of three lines and 17 syllables - the length of a human breath. This anthology includes selections from the works of authors from the classical Matsuo Basho to contemporary poets Koko Kato and Keiko Ito. The book is part of a three-volume series which also includes "Koans: the Lessons of Zen" and "Sayings: the Wisdom of Zen".

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Mascetti has brought together three small, handsomely illustrated books designed to introduce readers to a trio of important elements of the Zen tradition: koans, sayings and haiku. Bound elegantly in a box and published as a gift set (Hyperion is calling the entire collection the Zen Box), these little books offer a delightful taste of Zen tradition. The Zen tradition is filled with brilliant little sayings that are part of the oral tradition preserving the famous encounters between teacher and student. Mascetti has selected a handful of the most famous gems from some of the great masters like Yakusan (751-834) and P'ang Yun (740-808). From the Rinzai tradition, Mascetti provides an intriguing set of koans that tantalize the reader with hints of the enlightenment process. Treasures from Joshu (778-897), Tozan (910-990) and Seiko Soen (986-1039) hint at the transformational depths of the koan exchange. Mascetti yokes the haiku to a selection of illustrations that capture the traditional meditative quality. Selections from Basho, Etsuin, Osho and Issa provide a fair opening to the beauty of this poetic form.

Copyright 1996 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Japanese

Product Details

• Hardcover: 56 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion Books; 1st edition (December 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786862513
• ISBN-13: 978-0786862511
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 6.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,479,608 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful introduction to Haiku everyone will love., July 6, 2009

By 

Joseph J. Truncale "warriorwriter" (Vernon Hills, Il) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Haiku: The Poetry of Zen (Box of Zen) (Hardcover)

Many times good things come in small packages. This 56 page hardcover volume on Haiku is a fantastic introduction to what makes this form of poetry so appealing. For those who have no idea what Haiku is, this little volume provides an answer that anyone can understand. This volume is broken down into six parts. In the introduction there is an explanation of the Haiku poetry form. The next section explans the art of Haiku and its relationship to Zen. Since most of Japanese Haiku deals with the seasons, there are sections broken down into Haiku poems for spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. In conclusion, this is a book for anyone who has an interest in Haiku and its relationship to Zen.

Rating: 4 stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Haiku Moments: How to read, write and enjoy Haiku)