The Poetry of Zen

A Zen poem is nothing other than an expression of theenlightened mind, a handful of simple words that disappear beneath the momentof insight to which it bears witness. Poetry has been an essential aid to ZenBuddhist practice from the dawn of Zen—and Zen has also had a profoundinfluence on the secular poetry of the countries in which it has flourished.Here, two of America’s mostrenowned poets and translators provide an overview of Zen poetry from China and Japan in all its rich variety, fromthe earliest days to the twentieth century. Included are works by Lao Tzu, HanShan, Li Po, Dogen Kigen, Saigyo, Basho, Chiao Jan, Yuan Mei, Ryokan, and manyothers. Hamill and Seaton provide illuminating introductions to the Chinese andJapanese sections that set the poets and their work in historical andphilosophical context. Short biographies of the poets are also included.