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ORIGINAL MIND: IMAGINING IKKYU’S WILD WAYS
Ikkyu (1394-1481) was one of Japan's greatest poets. He was also a Zen priest and a rebel. Not for him just the serene silence of the meditation hall. He was more likely to be criticising the staid conformity of his Buddhist peers in the temples of Japan. Even more likely was his presence in the bedrooms of a whole host of women.
In this volume. Martin Stepek, himself a highly regarded and experienced teacher of meditation and poet, takes the reputation of Ikkyu and places him in imaginary situations. Subtly and sometimes not-so-subtly he lets the poetry flow from Zen minimalism to absurdity, nonsense to everyday pleasures, always curious, and always true to the real Ikkyu.
This volume is as unique as the grand master who inspired it.
In this volume. Martin Stepek, himself a highly regarded and experienced teacher of meditation and poet, takes the reputation of Ikkyu and places him in imaginary situations. Subtly and sometimes not-so-subtly he lets the poetry flow from Zen minimalism to absurdity, nonsense to everyday pleasures, always curious, and always true to the real Ikkyu.
This volume is as unique as the grand master who inspired it.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 15, 2019
This poetry book written by Martin Stepek imagines the ancient poet and Buddhist monk Ikkyu in modern situations. The poems reflect the highly unusual mix of his contrary worldliness and reverence in his individual search for zen.
I liked their quirkiness - and the fact I didn’t quite know what would come next. Early on, I felt there were echoes of Waiting for Guzlowski, a series of poems from John Guzlowski with responses from Stepek that I had previously enjoyed very much - and I was pleased to see that book, and Poland feature here.
Some poems were snapshots of Ikkyu in the 21st century. Others made me chuckle with references to particular songs, Paddington, the disappearance of the Whirlies roundabout, the Big Bad Wolf. And a few reflected Stepek’s mindfulness teachings and were reminders not to take love - or life too seriously. Well worth a read - and a ponder.
I liked their quirkiness - and the fact I didn’t quite know what would come next. Early on, I felt there were echoes of Waiting for Guzlowski, a series of poems from John Guzlowski with responses from Stepek that I had previously enjoyed very much - and I was pleased to see that book, and Poland feature here.
Some poems were snapshots of Ikkyu in the 21st century. Others made me chuckle with references to particular songs, Paddington, the disappearance of the Whirlies roundabout, the Big Bad Wolf. And a few reflected Stepek’s mindfulness teachings and were reminders not to take love - or life too seriously. Well worth a read - and a ponder.
January 20, 2023
As Deep as a Cup of Green Tea Need Be
Look out your window and see yourself
Look out your window and find your self
Look out your window
Awesome! Pleased to meet you, Mr. Stepek!
Look out your window and see yourself
Look out your window and find your self
Look out your window
Awesome! Pleased to meet you, Mr. Stepek!
September 25, 2019
Martin Stepek imagines the mad monk Ikkyu in a variety of wild situations in this humorous fast-paced collection of poems. Divided by centuries of time, Stepek channels the legendary Japanese poet's spirit in a conjuring that deserves multiple visits.
- Tim Heerdink, author of The Human Remains and Red Flag and Other Poems
- Tim Heerdink, author of The Human Remains and Red Flag and Other Poems
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews