Zen Poems (Everyman's Library Pocket Poets Series) Hardcover – March 23, 1999

Perhaps these poems were steeped in the familiar images of mountain streams, rocky paths, boats across misty lakes, and secluded hermitages, but they are beautiful first, and traditional second. I was so struck by the very first poem that it was all I read in the first sitting with the book. I read the poem for at least an hour, over and over, letting the imagery and atmosphere flow gently about in the poetry loving recesses of my mind. I was entranced. I found other poems of equal quality soon. The other poems, those that didn’t mystify me totally, were great, too. I set the book down the first afternoon after reading for an hour or so, and ordered a gift copy sent to a protégé. You will love the true spirit of Zen embodied in these poems. I remember in the 60s discovering D.T.Suzuki’s hypnotic writings on Zen, and I can honestly say that these poems were evocative of that pure land specially balanced air of Zen that is unmistakeable when you approach. True Zen has a quality of excellence so obvious that everyone notices it immediately. I recommend this book fully. It is attractive, feels good in the hand (the hardback) and is beautifully designed.

For peaceful, thought provoking reading, this book is perfect. It is what it says ... a collection of poems by various Zen teachers, etc. throughout history. Each poem will speak to someone or provoke thoughts you hadn't considered. I definitely preferred some over others but am reading all several times. I'm a former Catholic turned Zen Buddhist and I find these speak to human nature and not religion and that is lovely. You will find sad & unsettling poems alongside peaceful, tranquil ones because each writer was a separate human being with their own unique way of looking at nature and the world around them as we all do. It promotes thinking about yourself and your feeling and your life which I feel is a worthwhile pursuit. It comes with me in my purse for those waits in doctors offices, etc. A sweet companion for a finely brewed tea and a quiet, private moment.

I gave this as a gift and the recipient loved it. The 'everyman's library' is a great resource for some really beautiful collections on all kinds of literary subjects.

Love the small hardback format -- selections are good to travel with - calming.

If you like poems you understand and that also have depth without being preachy, this might be the book for you. So many good poems!

small nifty pocket sized book with a great selection of poems. very attractive hard cover book and i love the front cover slip jacket

The book opens your mind to unexplored alternatives that will feed your soul.

Wonderful, peaceful.