{"product_id":"the-poetry-of-zen","title":"The Poetry of Zen","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhat does it mean to capture enlightenment in a handful of words—to express the inexpressible, to point toward awakening through the simplest of images? \u003cem\u003eThe Poetry of Zen\u003c\/em\u003e is a wonderfully diverse anthology of Zen poetry from China and Japan, spanning over a thousand years from the earliest days of Zen to the twentieth century. Edited and translated by two of America's premier poet-translators, Sam Hamill and J.P. Seaton, this collection brings together the voices of masters and hermits, monks and wanderers—including Lao Tzu, Han Shan, Li Po, Dogen, Saigyo, Basho, Ryokan, and many others—whose poems bear witness to moments of insight, the beauty of nature, and the freedom of the enlightened mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt first glance, a Zen poem might seem deceptively simple—a few lines about moonlight, a mountain stream, or falling leaves. But these poems are not mere descriptions; they are expressions of awakening, fingers pointing at the moon of enlightenment. Poetry has been essential to Zen practice from its earliest days, serving as a way to transmit insight beyond words, to capture the immediacy of direct experience, to celebrate the ordinary as sacred. The poets in this collection—from Chinese Chan masters to Japanese haiku poets—show us what it means to see clearly, to live simply, to find freedom in each moment. Their verses invite us not to analyze or interpret but to experience, to wake up to the world as it is.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor readers seeking contemplative wisdom, \u003cem\u003eThe Poetry of Zen\u003c\/em\u003e offers a profound introduction to the Zen poetic tradition and its vision of awakening. Hamill and Seaton provide illuminating introductions and poet biographies that set the work in historical and philosophical context, making this collection accessible to newcomers while remaining rich enough for longtime students of Zen. This is a book for anyone who loves poetry that points beyond itself, who seeks wisdom in simplicity, who wants to encounter the enlightened mind through the beauty of language. It's a reminder that the deepest truths are often found in the simplest words, and that poetry can be a path to awakening.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat You'll Discover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComprehensive anthology of Zen poetry from China and Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorks by Lao Tzu, Han Shan, Li Po, Dogen, Saigyo, Basho, Ryokan, and many others\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpanning over a thousand years of Zen poetic tradition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTranslated by acclaimed poet-translators Sam Hamill and J.P. Seaton\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIlluminating introductions on Chinese and Japanese Zen poetry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShort biographies of the poets and historical context\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Translators:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSam Hamill\u003c\/strong\u003e (1943-2018) was an American poet, translator, and essayist who co-founded Copper Canyon Press and translated numerous works of Chinese and Japanese poetry. \u003cstrong\u003eJ.P. Seaton\u003c\/strong\u003e is a poet, translator, and professor emeritus of Chinese at the University of North Carolina, renowned for his translations of classical Chinese poetry. Together, they bring deep knowledge of the Zen tradition and poetic craft to this anthology, offering translations that honor both the spiritual depth and literary beauty of the original poems.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Readers seeking Zen poetry and Buddhist wisdom, students of Chinese and Japanese literature, those drawn to haiku and contemplative poetry, anyone interested in the intersection of poetry and spiritual practice, readers who love nature poetry and simplicity, admirers of Basho, Han Shan, and Ryokan, seekers exploring Zen Buddhism and enlightenment, students of translation and world poetry, those interested in the poetic expression of awakening.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShambhala Publications paperback edition. A rich, diverse anthology—offering the voices of Zen masters across centuries, expressing enlightenment through the beauty of simple words.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sam Hamill","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46595569975427,"sku":"BS-3QC-304259","price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/1583\/7571\/files\/the_poetry_of_zen_sam_hamill_j.p._seaton_book_cover.jpg?v=1772289061","url":"https:\/\/www.merceliarose.com\/products\/the-poetry-of-zen","provider":"Mercelia Rose","version":"1.0","type":"link"}