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...
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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 i
"First published by John Weatherhill, in 1978"--T.p. verso
Includes bibliographical references
CONTENTS; Acknowledgments ix; Foreword by W. S. Merwin xi; Introduction xvii; Bashª's Life xix; The Development and Form of the Haiku xx; Haiku in English and the Form of This Book xxi; 1 The Old Pond 3; 2 The Mountain Path 8; 3 Autumn in Kiso 14; 4 Wisteria Flowers 20; 5 Quail 25; 6 Suma in Summer 31; 7 That 36; 8 That's Interesting 43; 9 The Shepherd's Purse 49; 10 This Road 55; 11 The Morning Glory and the Butterfly 60; 12 The Four-and-a-Half-Mat Room 65; 13 Bush Clover and the Moon 71; 14 The Go'i 75; 15 Traveler 80; 16 Hailstones 85; 17 The Cricket 92; 18 Dreams 97
19 Cherry Blossoms 10220 The Bagworm 109; 21 Blossom Viewing 114; 22 Birds Crying 119; 23 Miming 125; 24 The Beginning of Culture 130; 25 The Priest and Chrysanthemum Flowers 135; 26 Net of the Law 139; Glossary of Selected Terms 143; Notes 145
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