We were talking about Zen poetry recently, so I thought I'd post one of my favorite books / poets: Rengetsu - Life and Poetry of Lotus Moon - a translation and biography by John Stevens.
This book is about is the 17th century Japanese Nun (in the Pure Land sect): Otagaki Rengetsu. Rengetsu was a poet, calligrapher, potter, teacher, Go player, warrior, dancer, etc. She lost essentially all of her family (including two husbands) quite young. Her work is personal and often deeply tinged with loss.
Some favorite poems follow.
As a Nun, Gazing at the Deep Colors of Autumn
Clad in black robes, I should have no attachments to The shapes and scents of this world But how can I keep my vows Gazing on today's crimson maple leaves?
Violets
In Kasuga Field The ancient place, Little purple violets Gather again Like old friends
Field of Wild Grasses
Rather than cutting them down To spread out or gather up, Let the wild grasses of autumn be - I want to enjoy the field Just as it is. . . .
Water by an Old Temple
The sound of pure water Dripping down The moist walls Of the temple Also proclaims the Law of Buddha
I'm assuming another translation could simply be "Also proclaims the Dharma".
Heart
Coming and going, Without beginning nor end Like ever changing White clouds This heart of mine.
Nadeshiko
Gazing at the nadeshiko Flowers covered with dew Makes me recall how I once smoothed out My children's tangled Morning hair on my sleeve.
Nadeshiko is a shrub with light pink flowers that bloom in late spring to early autumn. In poetry it is associated with tenderness, purity, love, and beauty.
Comments