The Poetry of Zen

Translated & edited by
Sam Hamill & J.P. Seaton

A Zen poem is nothing other than an expression of the enlightened mind, a handful of simple words that disappear beneath the moment of insight to which it bears witness. Poetry has been an essential aid to Zen Buddhism practice from the dawn of Zen – and Zen has also had a profound influence on the secular poetry of the countries in which it has flourished.

Here, two of America’s most renowned poets and translators provide an overview of Zen poetry from China and Japan in all its rich variety, from the earliest days to the twentieth century.