Zen Haiku

One of the most unique forms of spiritual poetry is Zen haiku. Nancy Wilson Ross writes in The World of Zen that "this special poetic form concerns itself entirely with the simple, trivial, usually overlooked material of everyday life; with things which, however insignificant on the surface, are nonetheless 'precious treasures and inexhaustible riches' to anyone who has learned not only to look but to see."

The traditional haiku has an established form which is characterized by extreme economy. Yet, the successful haiku must not only evoke a mood but also convey a vivid picture which will stir the heart and imagination of the listener or reader.

 

It is spring In this hut   there is nothing   there is everything. - Ryoto   The old pond. A frog jumps in Plop!   - Basho   The falling leaves fall and pile up; the rain beats on the rain.      - Gyodai   Under the shade of cherry trees there are no strangers.      - Issa     Look, children, Hail-stones! Let's rush out! - Basho   No sky at all; no earth at all -- and still the snowflakes fall . . . - Hashin     Autumn -- even the birds and clouds look old. - Basho   The desolation of winter; Passing through a small hamlet, A dog barks.    - Shiki   The thief Left it behind -- The moon at the window.    - Ryokan

 

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