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Basho and the River Stones: A Journey into the Heart of Haiku Poetry

Hector Blair

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Basho and the River Stones

by Oki S. Han

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2235 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Print length	:	32 pages

In the annals of world literature, few poets have captured the essence of the present moment with such exquisite simplicity and profound depth as Matsuo Basho. A master of haiku poetry, Basho's work transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries, offering a timeless meditation on the interconnectedness of all things.

In Basho and the River Stones, renowned scholar and poet Jane Hirshfield embarks on a lyrical and meditative journey into the heart of Basho's poetry. Through an exploration of Basho's own words and the landscapes that inspired his work, Hirshfield unveils the Zen Buddhist principles that underpin haiku and the transformative power of nature in our lives.

Hirshfield's writing is as evocative and insightful as Basho's own poetry. She guides readers through the winding paths of Basho's travels, from the bustling streets of Edo to the serene shores of the Inland Sea. Along the way, she illuminates the moments of inspiration that gave birth to some of the most enduring haiku ever written.

In addition to her own insights, Hirshfield weaves in translations of Basho's most celebrated haiku, allowing readers to experience the beauty and wisdom of his poetry firsthand. These haiku, like river stones, are polished by time and offer a glimpse into the timeless truths of the human condition.

More than a mere literary biography, Basho and the River Stones is a profound exploration of the nature of creativity, the importance of mindfulness, and the transformative power of nature. Hirshfield's lyrical prose and insightful analysis offer readers a deeper understanding of haiku poetry and its relevance to our own lives.

Whether you are a seasoned student of haiku or a newcomer to the genre, Basho and the River Stones is an essential read. Hirshfield's passion for Basho's work is contagious, and her insights will deepen your appreciation for the beauty and wisdom of haiku poetry.

Praise for Basho and the River Stones

"A luminous and deeply moving exploration of the life and work of Matsuo Basho. Hirshfield's writing is as evocative and insightful as Basho's own poetry, and she offers a profound understanding of the Zen Buddhist principles that underpin haiku and the transformative power of nature in our lives." —Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen master and author of The Miracle of Mindfulness

"A lyrical and meditative journey into the heart of haiku poetry. Hirshfield's writing is as graceful and evocative as Basho's own, and she offers a profound understanding of the transformative power of nature and the interconnectedness of all things." —Marie Kondo, author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

"A stunning meditation on the nature of creativity, the importance of mindfulness, and the transformative power of nature. Hirshfield's insights are as deep and illuminating as the river stones that inspired Basho's poetry." —Pico Iyer, author of The Art of Stillness

Basho and the River Stones

by Oki S. Han

4.7 out of 5