Customer Reviews

Triumph of the Sparrow: Zen Poems of Shinkichi Takahashi

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Shinkichi Takahashi's stormy life and spiritual journey are documented in his poetry without a single reference to "I." In early life, he was infected with the spirit of the european dada movement, and his poems reflect that wild spontaneity with surprising images and anti-linear leaps. Some poems also reflect a self-conscious Zen, trying to hit with a Rinzai Zen Master's directness but ringing almost a little preachy. Fascinating poetry thanks to Lucien Stryk, his first translator.

In the interview between Takahashi and his translator, Lucien Stryk, Takahashi responds to Stryk's inquiry about kensho (satori) creating a "great shift" in his poetry with "As if I'd been shot to another planet - one I've lived on ever since." And of course, such an experience informs his poetry - not your ordinary poetry by any means!

The best poem is saved for last:

Absence

Just say, "He's out" --
back in
five billion years!

This book has affected my life in the most profound yet subtle way-however cheesy that sounds, I don't care. Es muy verdad. Besides, what else do you have to do...play on the computer?

The book came quickly and in perfect condition. I would order from them again any day.

There were a few gems here worth reading. However, the Dadaist nature of the poetry really didn't please me nor did I feel like it did justice to offer 'Zen' insight.

If you get ahold of this book, and if it doesn't elude you like a slippery fish, and if the stars are aligned in your favor, and if you are ready to cross the line and fall happily into the abyss, read it. Then throw it back so that some other poor soul can take a look (like me--I lost my out of print copy).