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What? 108 Zen Poems
Throughout his eventful life as a monk, poet, novelist, political dissident, husband, and father, Ko Un has remained a traveler on the Way. The poems in this collection, though strictly within the true Zen tradition, are as witty and down-to-earth as they are contemplative. Described by Allen Ginsberg as “thought-stopping Koan-like mental firecrackers,” the poems reflect b...more
paper, 140 pages
Published
January 22nd 2008
by Parallax Press
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Apr 12, 2010
Frank Jude
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Zen students, serious poetry lovers
Ko Un, the Korean 'premier' zen poet and former Buddhist monk, presents 108 short "Zen Poems" which are meant to be read as 'koan--like mental firecrackers.' And while many most certainly do, there are also many that fall 'flat' for western ears with little fore-knowledge of Korean political, and spiritual history.
That said, I still appreciate his efforts, and savored many of the offerings in this little collection, and heartily recommend it for anyone feeling any affinity for Zen Buddhism.
That said, I still appreciate his efforts, and savored many of the offerings in this little collection, and heartily recommend it for anyone feeling any affinity for Zen Buddhism.
What?: 108 Zen Poems
, by Ko Un. Foreword by Allen Ginsberg. Introduction by Thich Nhat Hanh.
The Korean poet and former Buddhist monk Ko Un is one of the great masters of the playful insight. He deploys gentle humor, irreverent wit, Zen non-sequiturs, and compassionate tenderness—sometimes in a single poem! Best read quickly, the way you eat popcorn, or popcorn shrimp.
ECHO
To Mountains at dusk:
What are you?
What are you are you . . .
HOUSE
Grow high. The devil can't find you.
Grow deep. Buddha can'...more
The Korean poet and former Buddhist monk Ko Un is one of the great masters of the playful insight. He deploys gentle humor, irreverent wit, Zen non-sequiturs, and compassionate tenderness—sometimes in a single poem! Best read quickly, the way you eat popcorn, or popcorn shrimp.
ECHO
To Mountains at dusk:
What are you?
What are you are you . . .
HOUSE
Grow high. The devil can't find you.
Grow deep. Buddha can'...more
Perfect little snapshots of poetry. I am not a buddhist, but I can appreciate their brilliance.
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“HOUSE
Grow high. The devil can't find you.
Grow deep. Buddha can't find you.
Build a house and live there.
Gourd creepers will climb over it,
their flowers dazzling at midnight.
”
—
2 people liked it
More quotes…
Grow high. The devil can't find you.
Grow deep. Buddha can't find you.
Build a house and live there.
Gourd creepers will climb over it,
their flowers dazzling at midnight.
”
