John Stevens (1) (1947–2025)

"Who says my poems are poems?
My poems are not poems.
After you know my poems are not poems,
Then we can begin to discuss poetry!"

Ryokan is a famous Zen poet who lived on the west coast of Japan in the late 1700s and early 1800s. At 18 he was supposed to follow his father as village headman, and instead became a Buddhist monk. His poems, as ably translated by John Stevens in One Robe, One Bowl, are simple and moving.

First days of spring - blue sky, bright sun.
Everything is gradually becoming show more fresh and green.
Carrying my bowl, I walk slowly to the village.
The children, surprised to see me,
Joyfully crowd about, bringing
My begging trip to an end at the temple gate.
I place my bowl on top of a white rock and
Hang my sack from the branch of a tree.
Here we play with the wild grasses and throw a ball.
For a time, I play catch while the children sing;
Then it is my turn.
Playing like this, here and there, I have forgotten the time.
Passers-by point and laugh at me, asking,
"What is the reason for such foolishness?"
No answer I give, only a deep bow;
Even if I replied, they would not understand.
Look around! There is nothing besides this.

****

Here's another one:

My hut lies in the middle of a dense forest;
Every year the green ivy grows longer.
No news of the affairs of men,
Only the occasional song of a woodcutter.
The sun shines and I mend my robe;
When the moon comes out I read Buddhist poems.
I have nothing to report, my friends.
If you want to find the meaning, stop chasing after
so many things.

And a famous haiku:

The thief left it behind
The moon
At the window.

****

From Stevens' introduction: "While his hermitage was deep in the mountains, he often visited the neighboring villages to play with the children, drink sake with the farmers, or visit his friends. He slept when he wanted to, drank freely, and frequently joined the dancing parties held in summer. He acquired his simple needs by mendicancy, and if he had anything extra he gave it away. He never preached or exhorted, but his life radiated purity and joy; he was a living sermon."

People he visited "felt as if spring had come on a dark winter's day." This book of his poems conveys the same feeling. show less

Kodokan Judo, one of the most well-known martial arts in the world today, was originated by Jigoro Kano (1860-1938), a martial artist and career educator who developed the art after studying several types of jujutsu, sumo, and Western wrestling. Openness and refinement were hallmarks of his personal and professional style, and he relentlessly searched for the best way to practice, teach, and perform techniques.

This biography shows how Kano saw judo as a vehicle not just for self-defense, but show more for physical, spiritual,and moral development as well. His teachings clearly emphasize his ideal of judo as a way of self-cultivation that leads to physical health,ethical behavior, and, ultimately, a better society. Kano was a tireless activist who promoted the practical application of judo's principles in all realms of life-in one's personal behavior, for education, in work, for economic benefit, and in both the local and international political arenas.

Kano's students were a colorful, sometimes notorious bunch,and his book reveals how several went on to become famous-or infamous-in their own right. They include a prime minister of Japan, the leader of the Communist party in China, a famous novelist, a spy, high-level military leaders, and a media mogul, among many others.

John Steven's lived n Japan for thirty-five years. He was professor of Buddhist studies and Aikido instructor at Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai. Previously, he has written on the life and teachings of the Zen swordsman Tesshu Yamaoka; the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba; the hero of Zen and the Art of Archery, Kenzo Awa; and the Buddhist nun-martial artist Rengetsu Otagaki.

Contents

Preface
1 The public career of Jigoro Kano
2 Kano, the man himself
3 The challenge of creating Kodokan Judo
4 Kano and his students
5 The teachings of Jigoro Kano
Resources show less

This is a beautiful collection of poems in various styles by the zen poet Ryōkan, which I read with great pleasure. They are simple in style, describing the daily undertakings of the hermit as he sits around drinking saké, plays with the village children, and listens to the wind through the nearby bamboo forest. Their earnest quality is infused with the zen spirit, which makes them an interesting point of departure to deepen one's practice.

Over the centuries, Buddhism has responded to sexuality in a variety of fascinating ways, sometimes, suppressing the sexual urge, sometimes sublimating it, sometimes cultivating it, and, on the highest levels, transforming it. This book reveals how Buddhists, beginning with Shakyamuni Buddha himself, relate to the "inner fire" that drives humankind. Included are chapters on the Buddha's love life before his enlightenment and his later relationships with women, the tantric approach to sex show more among Buddhists of ancient India, Tibet, China, and Japan; Zen in the art of love; and a positive discussion of women and Buddhism. show less