Dewdrops on a Lotus Leaf: Zen Poems of Ryokan
by Ryokan, John Stevens
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The Japanese poet-recluse Ryokan (1758 1831) is one of the most beloved figures of Asian literature, renowned for his beautiful verse, exquisite calligraphy, and eccentric character. Deceptively simple, Ryokan's poems transcend artifice, presenting spontaneous expressions of pure Zen spirit. Like his contemporary Thoreau, Ryokan celebrates nature and the natural life, but his poems touch the whole range of human experience: joy and sadness, pleasure and pain, enlightenment and illusion, love show more and loneliness. This collection of translations reflects the full spectrum of Ryokan's spiritual and poetic vision, including Japanese haiku, longer folk songs, and Chinese-style verse. Fifteen ink paintings by Koshi no Sengai (1895 1958) complement these translations and beautifully depict the spirit of this famous poet. show lessTags
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Selection of poems by the nineteenth-century Zen hermit and poet. Ryōkan is deservedly one of the most famous Buddhist poets from any period and any country. Includes a five-page introduction by translator John Stevens, and 15 ink paintings by the twentieth-century artist Sakuichi Saitō, who was much influenced by Ryōkan.
Nice pocket translation of Ryokan's poetry.
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John Stevens lived in 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 show more nun/martial artist Rengetsu Otagaki. show less
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Common Knowledge
- Important places
- Japan
Classifications
- Genres
- Poetry, Fiction and Literature
- DDC/MDS
- 895.6134 — Literature & rhetoric Asian Literature Literatures of East and Southeast Asia Japanese Japanese poetry Edo period 1603–1868 1772–1868
- LCC
- PL797.6 .A28 — Language and Literature Languages and literatures of Eastern Asia, Africa, Oceania Languages of Eastern Asia, Africa, Oceania Japanese language and literature Japanese literature Individual authors and works
- BISAC
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- 121
- Popularity
- 268,519
- Reviews
- 2
- Rating
- (4.10)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 4
- ASINs
- 1
