Classroom Talk
Winter 2002 Archive
Ways and Means Posted by Douglas on April 01, 2002 at 20:14:39:
Good day John:
(and sorry to interrupt your vacation)
Perhaps this should be an e-mail yet I suspect that other input would be more than valuable.
Since I sent you the poetic dialogue with Deirdre, there has been a growing suspicion that we have been at cross purposes. No, that
is not right, more at cross means than cross ends.
My motivation for exploring this website of “Mindfulness” or other sites of “Present Centred Mindfulness” was based on the belief
that:
Zen and Zen poetry is based on the simple idea — no not simple — that self contemplation is the key to understanding this life.
The subject and form of Zen poems must embody the teachings of the Buddha and demonstrate an intellectual skill beyond that
demonstrated in an orthodox poetic subject. Zen poetry believes that 'Zen is Poetry, and Poetry is Zen'. While forms such as
Buddhist poetry demand the poet writes solely about Buddhist subjects, the poem may have any subject, so long as it can be
suffused with the spirit of Zen. The basic formula of a Zen poem follows seven principles: asymmetry, simplicity, agedness,
naturalness, latency, unconventionality and quietness, and a number of other qualities which my own verse does not reflect.
R. H. Blythe on the subject wrote that the verse should mirror:
“1. The object perceived objectively;”
“2. The subject perceived objectively.”
He also suggested that in terms of aesthetics, a poem should be guided by the following:
1. Suggestion
2. Inequality
3. Simplicity
4. Perishability.
It is a tall order in seventeen syllables; a recipe that I seldom manage to negotiate. If I had any sense, I would restrict my
recipes to the kitchen for my Shrimps à la Grecque are probably more satisfying than anything I ever wrote.
At any rate, I suppose the question is: “How do we harmonize our approach?” for patently, I have not had much success as of late in
regards to harmony., although I seem to be quite skilled in regards to alienation.
“Lost” is the word that comes to mind at present.
Take all the time you want in reply as personally this is a “brick in my lap” as you so aptly describe it. Besides, I have my hands full
trying to mend a relationship with Sally which is more than estranged for reasons unknown.
Sincerely Douglas.
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Archived 05/02/2002