Hojoki: A Buddhist Reflection on Solitude
Imperfection and Transcendence - Bilingual English and Japanese Texts with Free Online Audio Recordings
Kamo no Chomei author Matthew Stavros translator Reginald Jackson illustrator
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Tuttle Publishing
Published:7th May '24
Should be back in stock very soon
In this 13th-century poem by Kamo no Chomei, the beauty of imperfection and the tranquility of a simple life are explored, offering profound insights on solitude and nature amidst life's chaos.
Hojoki: A Buddhist Reflection on Solitude is a contemplative work by the 13th-century Japanese hermit Kamo no Chomei. Originally serving as a court poet, Chomei later withdrew from society to explore the deeper aspects of existence. His poem reflects on the chaos of life during a time marked by natural disasters and societal upheaval, offering insights into the beauty of impermanence and the tranquility found in simplicity.
In Hojoki, Chomei vividly illustrates the struggles of the human condition, portraying a world filled with turmoil and suffering. However, amid this chaos, he finds solace in a humble mountain hut, where he reflects on nature's virtues and the concept of wabi sabi—the appreciation of beauty in imperfection. Through his introspective verses, Chomei invites readers to contemplate their own lives and the fleeting nature of happiness, suggesting that true contentment lies not in material wealth but in the quiet moments spent in harmony with nature.
This new translation by Matthew Stavros, presented alongside the original Classical Japanese text, captures the essence of Chomei's profound wisdom. His poignant reflections serve as a reminder that amidst life's uncertainties, embracing simplicity and seeking solace in the natural world can lead to genuine fulfillment. Hojoki encourages readers to find peace in solitude and to cherish the transient beauty that life has to offer.
"This new translation is marked by the literary quality of Stavros's English. Choosing to render Chomei's prose into verse, the English is lyrical and sounds beautiful when read aloud…The text is complemented by beautiful photographs taken by the author around Kyoto." — Asian Review of Books
"The impermanence of the world is a thread that weaves its way through Hojoki. Three other Buddhist themes are used to group the 14 short chapters in Matthew's translation: Suffering, Detachment and Transcendence." —John Dougill: "Writers in Kyoto," author of Zen Gardens and Temples of Kyoto, Japan's World Heritage Sites, and more.
"Chomei's original text follows Stavros' translation to create a fully bilingual edition, and the book includes maps of the ancient capital so that the full scope of the tragedies Chomei records — pestilence, fire, earthquakes, raging winds — can be appreciated by readers, especially those who will draw parallels to their own experiences living amid a global pandemic." —The Japan Times, "Hojoki': The paradox of desire and detachment in recluse literature"
ISBN: 9784805318003
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 284g
192 pages