A Zen Wave: Basho's Haiku and Zen (Paperback)

by Matsuo Basho (Author), Robert Aitken (Translator), W.S. Merwin (Foreword) "Ya is a cutting word that separates and yet joins the expressions before and after..." (more)
Key Phrases: gateless barrier, wisteria flowers, blossom viewing, Yamada Róshi, Mount Fuji, Professor Suzuki (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Zen masters have a long history of giving teisho--formal, playful Dharma talks--in which poetry is invoked. The works of the Chinese poets Su Shih and Han Shan are almost within the Zen canon. In the tradition of teisho on Han Shan given by earlier masters, Robert Aitken has given talks on the haiku of Basho that go straight to the center of Basho's work. This book shares those talks with all of us: it illuminates the angles and corners of lone-ness and community, plainness and beauty, in the homey, homeless way of Zen. It's a superb book on Basho real life, and poetry all at once. I'm grateful."

Product Description
Zen Buddhism distinguishes itself by brilliant flashes of insight and its terseness of expression. The haiku verse form is a superb means of studying Zen modes of thought and expression, for its seventeen syllables impose a rigorous limitation that confines the poet to vital experience. Here haiku by Matsuo Basho (1644-94) — the greatest Japanese haiku poet — are translated by Robert Aitken, with commentary that provides a new and deeper understanding of Basho’s work than ever before. In presenting themes from the haiku and from Zen literature that open the doors both to the poems and to Zen itself, Aitken has produced the first book about the relationship between Zen and haiku. His readers are certain to find it invaluable for the remarkable revelations it offers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Counterpoint (October 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593760086
• ISBN-13: 978-1593760083
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #228,897 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #11 in	Books > Literature & Fiction > Authors, A-Z > ( M ) > Merwin, W.S.
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  #26 in	Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Japanese & Haiku

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent insight into the translation of Zen haiku, January 15, 2008

By	Tassilli (El Dorado County, California) - See all my reviews

A Zen Wave: Basho's Haiku and Zen

This book provides an excellent insight into the editing choices that must be made in translating poetry (in this case Zen haiku) from another language into English. I found the author's discussions and commentary to be compelling and answered many questions that had arisen in my mind concerning the interpretation of Japanese haiku. By providing the Japanese poem side-by-side with a literal word-by-word transcription into English, together with the author's translation of the poem into English, I was able to easily follow the author's rationale as to how best to express the essence of the poem.

This book is more, however, because it provides insights into Basho the man and Basho the poet, influences upon his life and the poems he wrote, and the context within which those poems were written. By way of further explanation and comparison, the author also provides haiku from other poets and alternative translations of the subject haiku by other translators.

2 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Zen Wave, November 4, 2006

By	Richard W. Pier (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is an early work by a respected and cherished Zen adept. For this reader it lacks depth and breadth but should appeal to a beginner.