The Poetry of Impermanence,Mindfulness, and Joy
Product ID: 51193635
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Over 125 poetic companions for all life's ups and downs. The Buddha once told a disciple that good spiritual friends are the whole of holy life. The poems expertly gathered here offer all that one might hope for in such spiritual friendship: wisdom, compassion, peacefulness, good humor, and the ability to both absorb and express the deepest human emotions of grief and joy. The Poetry of Impermanence, Mindfulness, and Joy offers a wide-ranging collection of 129 ancient and modern poems unlike any other anthology on bookshelves today. It uniquely places Buddhist poets like Han Shan, Tu Fu, Saigyo, Ryokan, Basho, Issa, and others alongside modern Western poets one would not expect to find in such a collection--poets like Wallace Stevens, Robert Frost, Elizabeth Bishop, William Stafford, Denise Levertov, Jack Gilbert, Ellen Bass, Billy Collins, and more. What these poems have in common, no matter whether they are explicitly Buddhist, is that all reflect the essential truths the Buddha articulated 2,500 years ago. The book provides an important poetic complement to the many prose books on mindfulness practice--the poems here both reflect and embody the dharma in ways that can't be matched by other modes of writing. It's unique features include an introduction that discusses the themes of impermanence, mindfulness, and joy and explores the relationship between them. Biographical notes place the poets in historical context and offer quotes and anecdotes to help readers learn about the poets' lives. A short essay at the back of the book on "Mindful Reading" helps readers approach the poems from an experiential, non-analytical perspective and illustrates the similarities between meditation and the mindful reading of poetry. Brehm also includes a guided meditation on sound that helps readers appreciate the sonic qualities of poetry and shows how the anthology might be used in ongoing spiritual practice. Review: Wonderful collection of poetry for life - I adore this book - it really helped me get through my parents’ illnesses and deaths and I still turn to it every so often for inspiration and comfort. Review: A great anthology with a lifetime of content - This is a great book of poetry, ranging from the profound to the quirky. I return to it regularly and find a new insight every time. I have given at least two copies as gifts to friends, and they say the same
| Best Sellers Rank | 61,223 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) 69 in Religious Poetry (Books) 100 in Poetry Anthologies (Books) 162 in Philosophy of Buddhism |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 370 Reviews |
K**E
Wonderful collection of poetry for life
I adore this book - it really helped me get through my parents’ illnesses and deaths and I still turn to it every so often for inspiration and comfort.
D**L
A great anthology with a lifetime of content
This is a great book of poetry, ranging from the profound to the quirky. I return to it regularly and find a new insight every time. I have given at least two copies as gifts to friends, and they say the same
I**S
lovely choice of material
loved this little book of wisdom
C**U
Poems from the spiritual sangha
I LOVE this little book. It keeps me calm and sane through crazy times. It also delights and inspires. I have bought this book many times over for friends to share its wonders. It is the spiritual sangha (or community) that editor John Brehm promises and it travels with me everywhere. I am very grateful to John Brehm for putting it together - thank you John!
R**Y
On Being, wonder & life!
So so beautiful x Thank you John Brehm for these poems gathered together. Such depth and lightness, joy, wonder and heartful wisdom, gentleness, humanity and truth. I carry these poems with me x
A**N
A Suckerpunch to the Soul
One of my favourite poetry books. A suckerpunch to the soul. So good.
J**G
Lovey book of poetry
A lovely book of poetry. Would buy a copy for my friends.
M**O
Awsome!
Arrived on time and in very good conditions as mentioned!
P**E
Lindo!
Sexta-feira Santa. Celebro a data lendo essa maravilhosa coletânea sobre poesia da impermanência, atenção plena e júbilo. Um livro lindo, da capa ao conteúdo, alimento para a alma, trabalho de gigantes. Passeiam por essas páginas mais de sessenta poetas, dos mestres japoneses do passado longínquo a Shakespeare, Pablo Neruda, Fernando Pessoa e nomes menos conhecidos da Polônia e Grécia, além da boa safra de poetas norte-americanos. Tanta beleza nessas páginas, difícil recolher amostras. Por questão de espaço, fico com os japoneses (e um chinês), que são mais econômicos com as palavras. Um pecado deixar de fora um poema espetacular intitulado “A alegria dos peixes”, de um poeta chamado Chuang Tzu, que viveu 300 anos antes de Cristo; o poema maravilhoso de Pablo Neruda sobre a morte de uma árvore- esse não resisto e copio um trechinho: “Fiquei lá olhando o que ainda ontem abrigava os sons da floresta e ninhos, mas eu não chorei porque meu irmão falecido foi tão bonito na morte quanto na vida..” Como diz o editor, este é um livro que pode ser lido como um único poema em múltiplas vozes. E arremata: “A consciência da efêmera natureza das coisas pode ter sido a primeira expressão poética”. ♣ Não diga que minha cabana não tem nada a oferecer: Venha e compartilharei contigo A brisa fresca que entra pela janela.
D**S
Thoughtful Poetry
A collection of poems from around the world that encompass the three themes mentioned in the title. A very enjoyable read that will help you think of each theme as different cultures look at them.
P**Y
Five Stars
A brilliant collection of poetry based on The principles of Buddhism.
T**.
Anything by Billy Collins is worth reading.
See the review of "The Rain in Portugal"
Z**.
Full of gems.
Full of gems. Such a great nightstand book to read before bed. Would make a lovely gift, too.
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