The Poetry of Zen (Shambhala Library) [Deluxe Edition] [Hardcover]

Sam Hamill (Editor), J.P. Seaton (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Shambhala Library | Publication Date: November 16, 2004

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. Sam Hamill and J. P. Seaton provide illuminating introductions to the Chinese and Japanese sections that set the poets and their work in historical context. Short biographies of the poets are also included.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Hamill, founding editor of Copper Canyon Press, and J. P. Seaton, a professor of Chinese, unite forces to translate and edit this collection of Zen poetry from China and Japan. More than an anthology, this is a little Zen primer with brief bios of all of the poets and insightful introductions that illuminate the collection in the context of Buddhist history and practice. As Hamill explains, poetry has long been part of Zen practice, and it seems not only to express deep philosophical and spiritual questions, but also to provoke them. Poignantly summarizing the "why" of creating this collection, Hamill states, "A good poem says more than the sum of its words, leading the reader into the practice of understanding the great unsaid that is contained, framed in a poem's rhythms, words, and silences." These poems indeed lead one to meditate on the quality of the mind, the nature of life. This may be a little book, but it is a major collection. Janet St. John
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

 "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


"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 --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; Gift edition edition (November 16, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570628637
• ISBN-13: 978-1570628634
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,546,123 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Skillfully translated and edited, June 9, 2007

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Poetry of Zen (Paperback)

Skillfully translated and edited by award-winning poet Sam Hamill and Professor of Chinese J.P. Seaton, The Poetry of Zen is an anthology of the poetic Buddhist expressions of enlightened minds. Collecting works by a wide variety of great authors, including Lao Tzu, Han Shan, Li Po, Dogen Kigen, Saigyo, and many more, The Poetry of Zen offers a cross-section of historical classics that all have in common a resonating theme conducive to meditation, reflection, and self-transformation. Highly recommended. "Everything must end. / Thus the day tries to begin / with the morning bell. / But the long night remains, / empty moon still in the sky."

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful volume, February 25, 2007

By 

Michael P. Maslanka (dallas, texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Poetry of Zen (Paperback)

This collection is very satisfying. There are useful and short essays on zen poetry, and the poetry is kernel sized but with outsized messages. And, like all good poetry, lets you gap fill and extrapolate. Pick up a copy of "Japanese Death Poems" to compliment this collection.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful and thought provoking book on the poetry of Zen., February 14, 2010

By 

Joseph J. Truncale "warriorwriter" (Vernon Hills, Il) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Poetry of Zen (Paperback)

I have had an interest in Zen and Asian poetry for more than forty years. This fantastic book begins with an introduction to how the philosophy of Zen can directly relate to a beautiful poem. This book has two sections. The first section covers Chinese poems taken from numerous sources. The second section covers poems from the Japanese poetry masters.

In general, the Chinese poems are a little longer in length; nevertheless, all the poems in this collection are a joy to read. If you like Asian poetry, you will love this book. It is filled with beautiful and thoughtful poems that may provide you with Zen enlightement.

Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Season of the Warrior: a poetic tribute to warriors)