Haiku: The Poetry of Zen

by Manuela Dunn-Mascetti

The ancient Japanese verse form of haiku, which is used for the expression of Zen, consists of three lines and 17 syllables - the length of a human breath. This anthology includes selections from the works of authors from the classical Matsuo Basho to contemporary poets Koko Kato and Keiko Ito. The book is part of a three-volume series which also includes "Koans: the Lessons of Zen" and "Sayings: the Wisdom of Zen".

Genres: Poetry, Buddhism

64 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1998

Reviews

[Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is divided into six sections; “Intro”, “The Art of Haiku,” and each season, spring, summer, winter, autumn (accompanied by their respective Haiku). The first two sections of the book were informational and gave a brief background of haiku, while also explaining how to properly craft a haiku. As for what I took away from the book; there isn’t much to unpack the information is clear yet lacking. Even though the book was short, it touched on the history, the structure, and how haiku is an art form of relaxation. However, I felt as though there was a lack of theme and relevance from the haiku to the season or printed image on the page.

[Lenny Husen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impulse buy some years ago--at least 10 or 15--reread it again last night and today. This is a lovely little hardcover introductory book with selected Haiku.
First reading: only one or two Haiku stood out as being worthy of remembering.
Last night: found four
Today: found eight.
The meaning and significance of these little poems increase with each reading.

Here are two of my favorites:

Skylark
Sings all day
And day not long enough.
--Basho

Cofined within doors
A priest is warming himslef
Burning a Buddha statue.
--Natsume Soseki

[Cindy Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides a simple introduction to haiku. Accompanied by full color, traditional Japanese paintings of nature, this was a quick and pleasant read. I recommend sitting outside in a lovely spot to read this slim tome.

[Jack Syron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely will buy it

[Richard Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poems are good
The book itself is too short
Fifty-one pages