Japanese Death Poems : Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death

Description

From the Publisher "A wonderful introduction the Japanese tradition of jisei , this volume is crammed with exquisite, spontaneous verse and pithy, often hilarious, descriptions of the eccentric and committed monastics who wrote the poems." — Tricycle: The Buddhist Review Hundreds of Japanese death poems, many with a commentary describing the circumstances of the poet's death, have been translated into English here, the vast majority of them for the first time. Compiler Yoel Hoffmann explores the attitudes and customs surrounding death in historical and present-day Japan and gives examples of how these have been reflected in the nation's literature in general. Review: Wonderful - Such a beautiful piece of work Review: Absolutely sublime - Absolutely sublime poems! The anecdotal stories hold your attention with rapture! Great gift as well!