Book record
The Kanshi Poems Of Taigu Rykan Taigu Rykan Kanshish
Taigu Ryokan
Translated from Japanese by Larry Smith
The Kanshi Poems Of Taigu Ryokan, translated by Larry Smith, introduces English readers to Ryōkan’s Chinese-style poems, a crucial part of his literary and spiritual practice. Ryōkan is beloved as a Zen monk-poet, often associated with simplicity, humility, children, begging, calligraphy, and a life outside worldly ambition. Kanshi adds another layer: Japanese poetry written in classical Chinese forms, already crossing literary systems before English translation begins. I would read this book for its quietness and discipline. These poems are not loud about wisdom. They let poverty, weather, solitude, play, and spiritual practice gather in small measures. Translation here opens not just a language, but a layered tradition in which Japanese, Chinese, Buddhist, and poetic inheritances meet.
- Published
- 2009
- Publisher
- Bottom Dog Press
- Language
- Japanese
- Country
- Japan
- ISBN
- 9781933964256