Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death

Name: Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death
Price: 11.99 USD
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Rating: 4.7 (587 reviews)

4.7 of 5 Stars: Poetry - Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death

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Book Synopsis: "A wonderful introduction the Japanese tradition of jisei, this volume is crammed with exquisite, spontaneous verse and pithy, often hilarious, descriptions of the eccentric and committed monastics who wrote the poems." —Tricycle: The Buddhist Review Although the consciousness of death is, in most cultures, very much a part of life, this is perhaps nowhere more true than in Japan, where the approach of death has given rise to a centuries-old tradition of writing jisei, or the "death poem." Such a poem is often written in the very last moments of the poet's life. Hundreds of Japanese death poems, many with a commentary describing the circumstances of the poet's death, have been translated into English here, the vast majority of them for the first time. Compiler Yoel Hoffmann explores the attitudes and customs surrounding death in historical and present-day Japan and gives examples of how these have been reflected in the nation's literature in general. The development of writing jisei is then examined—from the longing poems of the early nobility and the more "masculine" verses of the samurai to the satirical death poems of later centuries. Zen Buddhist ideas about death are also described as a preface to the collection of Chinese death poems by Zen monks that are also included. Finally, the last section contains three hundred twenty haiku, some of which have never been assembled before, in translated English and romanized Japanese.

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Discover the profound beauty of Japanese death poems in our book, "Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death." Immerse yourself in this centuries-old tradition of jisei, where poets express their thoughts and reflections in the very last moments of their lives. With hundreds of translated poems, many of them being published in English for the first time, you'll gain a unique insight into the Japanese culture of embracing death. Don't miss out on this wonderful introduction to a fascinating literary tradition.

Experience the exquisite and spontaneous verse of Japanese jisei in our captivating book. Compiled by Yoel Hoffmann, "Japanese Death Poems" showcases the poignant and often hilarious poetry created by Zen monks and haiku poets in their final moments. With insightful commentaries providing a glimpse into the circumstances of each poet's death, you'll be captivated by their stories. Dive into the rich history of Japan's attitudes and customs surrounding death, and how they have shaped the nation's literature throughout the centuries.

If you're intrigued by Zen Buddhist ideas about death, our book offers a profound exploration of this spiritual practice. Discover how Zen monks expressed their thoughts and emotions about mortality through powerful poems, unraveled in our collection. Additionally, we've included a selection of Chinese death poems by Zen monks, offering a deeper understanding of this timeless tradition. Prepare to be enthralled by the beauty of death as expressed by these insightful poets.

Unearth the hidden treasures of Japanese haiku poetry with our remarkable book. With over 300 haiku verses, including ones that have never been assembled before, we offer a unique collection of translated English and romanized Japanese haikus. Let yourself be transported by the evocative simplicity of these three-line poems, where each word is carefully chosen to create a powerful image. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the profound beauty of haikus in our book, "Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death."

Ready to embark on a journey through the delicate and meaningful world of Japanese death poems? Embrace the beauty of mortality and explore the rich traditions of jisei with our captivating book. Get your copy now and immerse yourself in the profound wisdom of Zen monks and haiku poets.

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