What is Buddhist poetry?

Buddhist poetry is a genre of literature that forms a part of Buddhist discourse. It is a literary form that expresses themes and ideas related to Buddhism.

Where can the earliest examples of Buddhist poetry be found?

The earliest examples of Buddhist poetry can be found in traditional scriptures, such as the Dhammapada. These ancient texts contain verses that are considered foundational to Buddhist literature.

What did Siddhartha Gautama proclaim upon reaching enlightenment, according to the Dhammapada?

According to the Dhammapada, upon reaching enlightenment, Siddhartha Gautama proclaimed verses that reflected his profound realization. These verses are preserved in the text as a testament to his awakening.

What is the original language of the verses attributed to Siddhartha Gautama in the Dhammapada?

The original language of the verses attributed to Siddhartha Gautama in the Dhammapada is Pali. The text includes both the original Pali verses and their English translation, offering insight into early Buddhist expression.

How are Buddhist sutras traditionally structured in terms of prose and verse?

Traditionally, most Buddhist sutras feature a prose component that is supplemented by verses, known as *gatha*. These verses poetically summarize and reiterate the themes presented in the preceding prose passages, serving as a poetic distillation of the teachings.

What was the functional role of *gatha* in early Buddhist discourse?

The *gatha* served as a mnemonic device, helping Buddhist practitioners commit doctrinal maxims to memory. This was particularly important as the texts were originally transmitted orally, making memorization crucial for preservation.

What does linguistic analysis suggest about the relationship between the prose and verse components of Buddhist sutras?

Linguistic analysis indicates that the prose component of the sutras likely underwent later editing, while the poems often contain earlier forms of language. This suggests the verses may represent older material, offering a glimpse into earlier stages of Buddhist thought and expression.

According to Hajime Nakamura, what is the significance of the verse components in the Pali Canon?

Japanese Buddhist scholar Hajime Nakamura stated that the verse components of the Pali Canon actually predate the prose components. He believed the verses were a method to facilitate memorization, as the Pali Canon was transmitted orally for approximately 300 years before being written down.

How is Buddhist poetry generally classified for the purpose of study?

For classification purposes, Buddhist poetry is distinguished into two categories: poetry attributed to the Buddha himself, which is considered part of "Buddha Speech" (Sk. Buddhavacana), and poetry written by Buddhists that is not included in the sutras.

Why is the study of Buddhist poetry considered part of the literary field?

The study of Buddhist text in general, and Buddhist poetry in particular, cannot be disengaged from the literary field because current Buddhology generally maintains that even liturgical scriptures are products of literary composition. This means poetic and literary analysis is essential for understanding these texts.

Who was Vangisa, and what is his significance in Buddhist poetry?

Vangisa was an early Buddhist monk considered by the Buddha to be foremost in spontaneity of speech because he could compose and recite poetry on the spot. He is credited with authoring the final and longest section of the *Theragatha*, known as the *Mahanipata* or "Great Section."

What is the *Therigatha*, and what does its name signify?

The *Therigatha*, often translated as *Verses of the Elder Nuns*, is a Buddhist text composed of short poems by early women who were elder nuns. The name combines *theri* (elder, feminine) and *gatha* (verses), highlighting its content and origin.

What is the historical significance of the *Therigatha* regarding women's literature?

The *Therigatha* is the earliest known collection of women's literature composed in India. Its poems date from a period spanning three hundred years, with some originating as early as the late 6th century BCE, offering invaluable historical and literary insight.

How is the *Therigatha* classified within the Pali Canon?

Within the Pali Canon, the *Therigatha* is classified as part of the *Khuddaka Nikaya*, which is a collection of short books within the *Sutta Pitaka*. This places it among other important early Buddhist texts.

What themes are explored in the *Therigatha*?

The *Therigatha* explores themes that reaffirm the equality of women and men in spiritual attainment. It also addresses issues of particular interest to women in ancient South Asian society, including passages from a mother whose child died, a former sex worker who became a nun, a wealthy heiress who abandoned her life of pleasure, and verses by the Buddha's own aunt and stepmother, Mahapajapati Gotami.

What other collection of scriptures discusses the role and abilities of women in the early Sangha?

The fifth division of the *Samyutta Nikaya*, known as the *Bhikkhuni-Sangha* ("Nun's discourse"), contains scriptures concerning the role and abilities of women in the early Sangha, complementing the poetic expressions found in the *Therigatha*.

Which collection of scriptures contains verses by some of the nuns whose poems are found in the *Therigatha*?

Some of the nuns whose verses appear in the *Therigatha* also have verses included in the *Apadana*, a book within the *Khuddaka Nikaya*, which is often referred to as *Biographical Stories* in English. This provides further biographical context for these early female practitioners.

What does the image of Mahapajapati, the first Buddhist nun, represent in the context of Buddhist poetry?

The image of Mahapajapati, the first Buddhist nun and the Buddha's stepmother, is presented as one of the first Buddhist poets and one of the first women in the Indian subcontinent to write poems. This highlights the early participation of women in Buddhist literary traditions.

What is the significance of Sanskrit in the history of Buddhist poetry?

A significant number of Buddhist poets composed their works in Sanskrit, contributing substantially to the genre. Sanskrit served as a major literary language for Buddhist philosophical and poetic expression across various traditions.

Who was Ashvaghosha, and what are the subjects of his major surviving works, the *Buddhacarita* and *Saundarananda*?

Ashvaghosha was one of the earliest and most renowned Buddhist poets writing in Sanskrit. His two complete surviving "Great Poems" (*mahakavya*) are the *Buddhacarita*, which narrates the life story of Gautama Buddha, and *Saundarananda*, which tells the story of Nanda, the Buddha's cousin, focusing on how Nanda was guided toward liberation by transforming his desire into a practice.

What is notable about the *Śāriputraprakaraṇa* attributed to Ashvaghosha?

Fragments of a drama called *Śāriputraprakaraṇa* are extant, and these are considered some of the oldest, possibly the oldest, examples of Sanskrit drama. This work showcases Ashvaghosha's versatility beyond epic poetry.

How does Ashvaghosha's poetry often convey Buddhist teachings?

Ashvaghosha's verses are often simple yet highly suggestive, using evocatively paced similes to cast key Buddhist teachings, such as impermanence, into memorable imagery. This makes complex philosophical concepts more accessible and relatable.

What does the verse from Ashvaghosha about birds in the evening illustrate?

The verse about birds meeting here or there from birth to birth illustrates the concept of familial bonds formed across different lifetimes, reflecting on the cyclical nature of existence as described in Buddhist teachings. It uses a natural image to convey a profound spiritual idea.

How does Ashvaghosha's verse about Nanda's indecision capture human emotion?

Ashvaghosha's verse vividly portrays Nanda's internal conflict, torn between respect for the Buddha and his love for his wife, illustrating human indecision and emotional turmoil through the simile of a royal goose pressing forwards on the waves. This highlights the psychological depth in his poetry.

What are the three types of Sanskrit poetry, and what is the distinguishing feature of literary diction in the Indic tradition?

Sanskrit poetry is subdivided into verse works (padya), prose works (gadya), and mixed works (campū). However, in the Indic tradition, versification is not the sole distinguishing feature of literary diction, as various types of works, including philosophical and medical texts, were composed in verse for ease of memorization.

Who are some prominent Buddhist authors who specialized in mixed verse-prose compositions based on Jātaka tales?

Among the authors writing on the basis of the Jātaka tales, Āryaśūra is considered most prominent. Other notable collections of literary Jātakas are by Haribhaṭṭa and Gopadatta, showcasing a rich tradition of retelling these stories in mixed prose and verse.

How does Haribhaṭṭa's verse about Māra's dejection contrast with Kalidasa's verse about Pārvatī?

Haribhaṭṭa describes Māra's defeat and dejection after the Buddha's victory using imagery of him sinking down and writing on the earth with a stick. This contrasts with Kalidasa's verse, which depicts Pārvatī playfully counting lotus petals while discussing her future husband, highlighting different emotional states and contexts through poetic comparison.

What is the *Nāgānanda*, and who composed it?

The *Nāgānanda* is an outstanding Sanskrit drama composed by King Harṣadeva, who was also a patron of the Chinese monk Xuanzang. It is based on the traditional story of Jīmūtavāhana, a prince of the Vidyādharas.

What Buddhist themes are present in Harṣadeva's *Nāgānanda*?

Despite being at ease with courtly conventions like depicting love, Harṣadeva's *Nāgānanda* is imbued with Buddhist reflections on compassion, the futility of hatred, impermanence, and the inevitability of death. These themes are woven into the dramatic narrative.

What is the genre of "good sayings" (*subhāṣita*) in Buddhist poetry, and what are some key examples attributed to the Buddha himself?

Subhāṣita, meaning "good sayings," is a genre of Buddhist poetry consisting of proverb-like verses that often deal with universally applicable principles, not always specific to the Buddhist tradition. Key examples attributed to the Buddha himself include the *Udānavarga* (Sanskrit), *Dhammapada* (Pali), and *Dharmapada* (Prākr̥t and Gāndhārī), which often use similes to exemplify Buddhist teachings.

What does the subhāṣita verse "There is no flood like desire..." illustrate?

This verse illustrates key Buddhist teachings by comparing negative states to natural phenomena: desire is like a flood, hatred like a possession, delusion like a net, and craving like a river, emphasizing the dangers of these mental states and the need for detachment.

Who compiled one of the largest extant anthologies of good sayings in Sanskrit?

Vidyākara, a Buddhist abbot, compiled one of the largest extant anthologies of good sayings in Sanskrit, known as the *Subhāṣitaratnakośa*. This collection preserves a vast amount of Buddhist wisdom literature.

What is the significance of the *Bodhicaryāvatāra* by Ārya Śāntideva?

Ārya Śāntideva's *Bodhicaryāvatāra* (Entrance into the practice of the Bodhisattvas) is a significant work that resembles a collection of good sayings but defies easy classification. It covers the six perfections and functions as a compendium of Mahāyāna practice, written in various literary registers, from courtly poetry to philosophical argument.

What are some examples of Buddhist guides to spiritual practice written in the form of versified letters?

Notable examples include Nāgārjuna's *Suhr̥llekhā* ("Letter to a Friend") and *Ratnāvalī* ("Garland of Gems"), and Candragomin's *Śiṣyalekhā* ("Letter to a disciple"). These works were influential in India and Tibet, offering guidance on the Buddhist path.

What is the purpose of hymns of praise in Buddhist poetry, and what is a notable example of such a work?

Buddhist poets wrote hymns of praise for the Buddha, Dharma, Saṅgha, Bodhisattvas, and meditational deities, often with didactic purposes to expound philosophical ideas or aid meditation. A notable example is *The One Hundred and Fifty Verses of Maitreya*, which uses accessible language and conveys devotion.

What are two notable works on Sanskrit prosody written by Buddhist authors?

Two notable works on Sanskrit prosody are the *Chandoratnākara* by Ratnākaraśānti and the *Vr̥ttamālāstuti* by Jñānaśrīmitra. Both authors were active masters at Vikramashila and exponents of Yogācāra thought.

What is unique about Jñānaśrīmitra's *Vr̥ttamālāstuti*?

Jñānaśrīmitra's *Vr̥ttamālāstuti* is striking because it consists of verses praising the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, Mañjuśrī, while simultaneously providing information about the verse form being exemplified, such as its name and caesura position. This makes it both devotional and instructive.

How does Pali poetry compare to Sanskrit poetry in terms of form and convention?

Pali poetry follows patterns very similar to Sanskrit poetry regarding prosody, vocabulary, genres, and poetic conventions. Many Pali authors were knowledgeable in Sanskrit and even wrote works in that language, indicating a strong cross-pollination of literary traditions.

What is Buddhist Tantric poetry, and what are the *Caryāgīti*?

Buddhist Tantric poetry is esoteric in character, often using evocative symbols understood through a relationship with a master. The *Caryāgīti* are notable examples, written in Apabhraṃśa rather than Sanskrit, and include authors like the mahāsiddhas Saraha and Śāntipā, representing a significant body of esoteric Buddhist literature.

Besides Pali and Sanskrit, in which languages has Buddhist poetry flourished?

Buddhist poetry has flourished in practically every language spoken by Buddhists, not being limited to Pali and Sanskrit. This demonstrates the widespread adoption and adaptation of Buddhist themes across diverse cultures.

What are notable examples of Buddhist poetry in the Tibetan tradition?

Works by Milarepa are notable examples of Buddhist poetry in the Tibetan tradition. His poetry, often inspired by Indian Tantric Buddhist poetry, is highly regarded for its spiritual depth and artistic merit.

How is the Chinese Buddhist tradition characterized in terms of poetic expression?

The Chinese Buddhist tradition is particularly rich in poetic expression. It often exhibits a tension between secular and Buddhist poetic expression, with some Buddhists viewing poetry as an attachment, despite the prevalence of poetic forms in scriptures. This tension led to unique philosophical approaches to poetry.

What expression is credited to Bai Juyi regarding poetic expression?

Bai Juyi is credited with coining the expression *kyōgen kigo* (lit. "deranged words and embellished language"), which, in his view, referred to the futility of poetic expression compared to Buddhist practice. This highlights a critical perspective on the role of poetry within a Buddhist context.

How did Chan Buddhism contribute to Buddhist poetry?

Chan Buddhism provided fertile ground for Buddhist poetry by developing a complex language that prized indirection, suggestion, ambiguity, paradox, and metaphor over straightforward explanation. Chan Buddhists believed poetry, as a special language, could point the way to enlightenment, even if enlightenment itself could not be fully transmitted in ordinary words.

What are some common images used in Chan poetry and their significance?

Images such as the moon, clouds, boats, water reflections, plum and lotus, bamboo, and pine took on complex connotations in Chan poetry, drawing from Chan ideas, famous verbal exchanges, and Buddhist texts. These images served as vehicles for conveying subtle spiritual insights.

What is the significance of the poem by Hanshan (Tang Dynasty) in illustrating Buddhist metaphor?

Hanshan's poem, with its imagery of the mind like an autumn moon and a jade pond, serves as an example of specialized Buddhist metaphor, illustrating the ineffable nature of profound realization and the difficulty of explaining such experiences. It captures a state of pure, unadorned awareness.

In what language did Korean poets primarily write their Buddhist poetry?

Korean poets primarily wrote their Buddhist poetry in Classical Chinese. This practice reflects the historical influence of Chinese literature and scholarship on Korean culture.

Who was Kūkai, and what was his contribution to Japanese Buddhist poetry and poetics?

Kūkai was a significant figure in Japanese Buddhism, founding the Shingon school. He contributed to Buddhist poetic tradition in Classical Chinese and inspired later poets. His major work on poetics, the *Bunkō hifuron*, included the work of the Chinese poet Jiao Ran, demonstrating cross-cultural influences.

What is the significance of the *Man'yōshū* in relation to Buddhist poetry?

The *Man'yōshū*, Japan's earliest extant poetry collection, contains a preface and poems that mention the Buddha Śākyamuni, Buddhist temples, monks, and nuns, indicating an early presence of Buddhist themes in Japanese poetry. One preface highlights the Buddha's teaching on parental love.

What are *bussokusekika*, and why are they considered important?

*Bussokusekika*, meaning "poems on stone imprints of Buddha's feet," are poems found on stone blocks from the Nara period at Yakushi-ji Temple. They are considered the oldest known Buddhist *waka* (Japanese language poems) and focus on the physical characteristics of the Buddha, such as the thirty-two marks of perfection.

What is *shakkyōka*, and who are some of the prominent poets associated with this genre of Japanese Buddhist poetry?

*Shakkyōka*, meaning "Poems of Śākyamuni's Teaching," is a genre of Buddhist *tanka* (short *waka*). Prominent poets associated with this genre include Saigyō, Jakuren, Kamo no Chōmei, Fujiwara no Shunzei, Jien, Nōin, Dōgen, and Ton'a, many of whom were also among the "Thirty-six Poetry Immortals."

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Origins

Ancient Roots

Buddhist poetry constitutes a significant genre within Buddhist discourse, deeply interwoven with the tradition's foundational texts. Its earliest manifestations are discernible in canonical scriptures, notably the Dhammapada. According to tradition, upon attaining enlightenment, Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) uttered profound verses reflecting his realization.

The Buddha's First Verse

The Buddha's initial proclamation upon enlightenment, as recorded in scripture, captures the essence of his awakening:

Anekajātisaṃsāraṃ,
sandhāvissaṃ anibbisaṃ;
Gahakāraṃ gavesanto,
dukkhā jāti punappunaṃ.

Gahakāraka diṭṭhosi,
puna gehaṃ na kāhasi;
Sabbā te phāsukā bhaggā,
gahakūṭaṃ visaṅkhataṃ;
Visaṅkhāragataṃ cittaṃ,
taṇhānaṃ khayamajjhagā.^[1]

Through the round of many births I roamed
    without reward,
    without rest,
    seeking the house-builder.
    Painful is birth
    again & again.

House-builder, you're seen!
You will not build a house again.
All your rafters broken,
the ridge pole destroyed,
gone to the Unformed, the mind
has come to the end of craving.^[2]

Form and Function

Verse and Prose

Traditionally, Buddhist scriptures (sutras) often feature a prose narrative supplemented by verses, known as gatha. These verses serve to poetically encapsulate and reinforce the preceding prose passages, functioning as a mnemonic device to aid practitioners in memorizing key doctrinal points.

Mnemonic Utility

Linguistic analysis suggests that the verse components of early Buddhist texts may predate the prose. This is consistent with the oral transmission of the Pali Canon for approximately 300 years, where verse facilitated memorization. Scholar Hajime Nakamura supports this view, positing that the poetic forms were crucial for preserving the teachings before written records.

Literary Classification

From a Buddhological perspective, Buddhist scriptures are recognized as literary compositions. For classification purposes, a distinction is made between:

Poetry attributed directly to the Buddha (Buddhavacana or "Buddha Speech").
Poetry composed by Buddhist adherents, not included within the sutras.

Pali Poetry

Vangisa: The Spontaneous Poet

The early Buddhist sources highlight Vangisa, a monk renowned for his spontaneous poetic composition, considered by the Buddha as foremost in this regard. He is credited with authoring the final, extensive section of the Theragatha, known as the Mahanipata or "Great Section."^[3]

The Therigatha: Verses of the Elder Nuns

The Therigatha, translating to "Verses of the Elder Nuns," is a collection of short poems by early Buddhist nuns. It represents the earliest known compilation of women's literature from India, with poems dating back to the late 6th century BCE.^{[4, 5]} This text offers profound insights into the spiritual attainments of women in early Buddhism and addresses societal issues relevant to women in ancient South Asia.

Diverse Voices

The Therigatha includes verses from nuns with varied life experiences: a mother mourning her child, a former sex worker, a wealthy heiress who renounced her life of pleasure, and even Mahapajapati Gotami, the Buddha's aunt and adoptive mother.^[5] These poems provide a rich tapestry of early Buddhist practice and perspective.

Sanskrit Poetry

Ashvaghosha: The Poet-Monk

A pivotal figure in Sanskrit Buddhist poetry is Ashvaghosha, credited with significant works like the Buddhacharita ("Acts of the Buddha") and Saundarananda ("Handsome Nanda"). These mahākāvyas (great poems) narrate the life of the Buddha and the spiritual journey of Nanda, respectively. Ashvaghosha also pioneered Sanskrit drama, with fragments of his Śāriputraprakaraṇa surviving.

His verses often employ evocative similes to convey Buddhist teachings:

vihagānāṃ yathā syāṃ
tatra tatra samāgamaḥ
jātau jātau tathāśleṣo
janasya svajanasya ca^[9]

Like birds in the evening
May meet here or there,
So too from birth to birth
One embraces one’s kin.

Ashvaghosha also captured human emotions with vivid imagery, such as Nanda's indecision between duty and affection:

taṃ gauravaṃ buddhagataṃ cakṛṣa
bhāyānarāgaṃ puna ācakarṣa
sa 'niścayān nāpi yayau na tasthau
turan tarangeṣv iva rājahaṃsaḥ^[10]

Respect for the Buddha pulled him away
love for his wife pulled him back;
undecided, neither he went nor he stayed
like a swan-king pressed between waves.^[11]

Mixed Genre and Drama

Sanskrit poetry encompasses verse (padya), prose (gadya), and mixed compositions (campū). Buddhist authors frequently employed these forms for narrative works, often retelling Jātaka tales (stories of the Buddha's past lives). Prominent among these were Aryasura, Haribhadra, and Gopadatta. Haribhadra's depiction of Mara's defeat after the Buddha's awakening exemplifies this:

evam ukte 'tha śākyeṃdre
'dhomukhaṃ kusumāyudhaṃ
hato 'ham iti kṛtsena
viṣasāda mahīmaṃ likhan

After the Lord of the Śākyas had said this,
the Flower-Arrows god, face downcast,
thinking "I am undone", sank down,
writing on the earth with a stick.

King Harṣadeva, patron of Xuanzang, composed the Nāgānanda, a drama suffused with Buddhist themes of compassion and impermanence. A poignant verse from the play:

krodhīkaroti prathamaṃ
yadā jātam anityatā
dhātrīva jananī paścāt
tadā śokasya kaḥ kramaḥ

Impermanence embraces the new-born,
like a midwife, first,
and the mother, afterwards:
what proper place is there for sorrow?

Subhāṣita: Wisdom in Verse

The subhāṣita genre, collections of "good sayings," features proverb-like verses often conveying universal principles. The Dhammapada and Sanskrit Udanavarga are prime examples, utilizing similes to illustrate Buddhist teachings:

nāsti kāmasamo hy ogho
nāsti doṣasamo grahaḥ
nāsti mohasamaṃ jalaṃ
nāsti tṛṣṇāsama nadī

There is no flood like desire,
There is no possession like hatred,
There is no net like delusion,
There is no river like craving.

Collections by Vidyākara and others further enriched this genre.

Guides to Practice

Works like Śāntideva's Bodhicaryāvatāra and Aryasura's Jātakamālā serve as guides to Mahāyāna practice, blending philosophical discourse with poetic expression. Nāgārjuna's epistles, such as the Suhr̥llekhā ("Letter to a Friend"), exemplify the master-disciple relationship through didactic verse.

Hymns of Praise

Buddhist poets composed numerous hymns praising the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, as well as Bodhisattvas and meditational deities. Matṛceṭa's Śatapañcaśataka is a notable example, transmitting devotion through measured diction:

samyaksaṃbodhibījasya
cittaratnasya tasya te
tvam eva vīra sārajño
dūre tasyetaro janaḥ^[29]

Seed of perfect awakening,
gem of your mind:
you, hero, know its essence,
others – are far.

These praises often served didactic purposes, expounding philosophical ideas or facilitating meditative focus.

Poetics and Meter

Buddhist scholars also contributed to the study of Sanskrit prosody. Works like Ratnākaraśānti's Chandoratnākara and Jñānaśrīmitra's Vṛttamālāstuti exemplify verse forms while simultaneously serving as didactic tools. Jñānaśrīmitra's praise of Mañjuśrī, for instance, illustrates poetic meters:

prasīda bhagavan
vilokaya manāk
jaḍaṃ janam imam
tvadekaśaraṇaṃ^[32]

Be well-disposed, Bhagavat!
Look a bit at this dull person,
whose only refuge is you.

Japanese Buddhist Poetry

Early Waka

The earliest Japanese poetry collections, like the Man'yōshū, contain Buddhist references and themes. Poems attributed to the Nara period, known as bussokusekika ("poems on stone imprints of Buddha's feet"), represent some of the oldest Japanese Buddhist waka.

Example of a bussokusekika:

misoji amari
futatsu no katachi
yasogusa to
sodareru hito no
fumishi atodokoro
mare ni mo aru ka mo

Rare indeed
are the footprints
where trod the man
who lacked none
of the thirty two marks
and the eighty signs [of Buddhahood].^[43]

Imperial Anthologies

During the Heian period, Buddhist tanka began appearing in Imperial Anthologies. The Senzai Wakashū notably established a dedicated genre, shakkyōka ("Poems of Śākyamuni's Teaching"), categorizing poems based on ten motifs, including Buddhas, monks, sutra passages, and Buddhist experiences.

Masters of Shakkyōka

Renowned poets such as Saigyō, Kamo no Chōmei, and Dōgen contributed significantly to the shakkyōka tradition. The Hyakunin Isshu collection includes several such poems, like Jien's Poem 95:

おほけなく
うき世の民に
おほふかな
わがたつ杣に
墨染の袖

Unworthy though I am,
I cast my black robe of a monk
Upon this suffering world,
Living here
On the Mount of Timber.^[46]

Haiku and Sabi

Later poetic forms like renga and haiku, derived from tanka, continued the Buddhist poetic tradition. Masters like Matsuo Bashō and Kobayashi Issa infused their works with Buddhist sensibilities. Bashō's haiku captures the aesthetic of sabi and yūgen:

菊の香や
奈良には古き
仏達
—Bashō

Kiku no ka ya
Nara ni wa furuki
Hotoketachi

In the city of Nara
Fragrance of chrysanthemums;
Buddhas of yore.^[48]

Issa's haiku reflects on impermanence and personal grief:

露の世は
露の世ながらさりながら
tsuyu no yo wa tsuyu no yo nagara sari nagara

This world of dew
is just a world of dew,
and yet...

Issa

Modern Expressions

East Meets West

As Japan modernized, poets began integrating Western styles. Miyazawa Kenji, a devout Buddhist, infused his poetry and fiction with spiritual convictions. His famous poem Ame ni mo Makezu draws thematic inspiration from the Lotus Sutra, a text he revered.^{[50, 51]}

The Iroha Poem

The Iroha poem, originating from the Heian period and attributed to Kūkai, is a Buddhist composition notable for using each Japanese kana character exactly once. It remains a foundational text taught in Japanese schools, primarily for its linguistic significance.

Global Reach

Buddhist poetry has flourished globally, adapting to various languages and cultural contexts. From the Tibetan songs of Milarepa to the Chan poetry of China and the diverse traditions across Asia, the genre continues to evolve, reflecting the enduring spiritual and artistic legacy of Buddhism.

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References

Ireland, John D. (1997). Vaá¹gÄ«sa: An Early Buddhist Poet. Buddhist Publication Society.

âReverence for the Buddha drew him forward, love for his wife drew him back again; from irresolution he neither went away nor stood still, like a royal goose pressing forwards on the waves.â Johnston (1932 :24).

âWhile the sage was speaking thus, PÃ¡rvatÃ®, who was by her fatherâs side, counted the petals of her sportive lotus with a down-cast look.â Kale (1917 :47).

More on Kukai's poetry, cf. R.Green: http://ww2.coastal.edu/rgreen/kukaipoetry.htm

For an alternative translation of this poem, see this site.

ITimes news

A full list of references for this article are available at the Buddhist poetry Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model and is intended for academic and informational purposes. It is based on publicly available data, primarily from Wikipedia, and has been refined to meet scholarly standards. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, users are advised that the information may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

This is not a substitute for primary source analysis or expert consultation. The interpretations and stylistic adaptations presented here are for educational context. Readers are encouraged to consult original texts and scholarly works for deeper understanding.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Whispers of the Dharma

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Origins 🌱

📜 Ancient Roots

🗣️ The Buddha's First Verse

Form and Function ⚗️

📖 Verse and Prose

🧠 Mnemonic Utility

📚 Literary Classification

Pali Poetry 🌿

🎤 Vangisa: The Spontaneous Poet

👩 The Therigatha: Verses of the Elder Nuns

📖 Diverse Voices

Sanskrit Poetry 🕉️

✍️ Ashvaghosha: The Poet-Monk

🎭 Mixed Genre and Drama

💡 Subhāṣita: Wisdom in Verse

🧭 Guides to Practice

🙏 Hymns of Praise

📏 Poetics and Meter

Japanese Buddhist Poetry 🌸

📜 Early Waka

📚 Imperial Anthologies

🖋️ Masters of Shakkyōka

🍃 Haiku and Sabi

Modern Expressions 💡

🌍 East Meets West

🔠 The Iroha Poem

🌐 Global Reach

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Origins

Ancient Roots

The Buddha's First Verse

Form and Function

Verse and Prose

Mnemonic Utility

Literary Classification

Pali Poetry

Vangisa: The Spontaneous Poet

The Therigatha: Verses of the Elder Nuns

Diverse Voices

Sanskrit Poetry

Ashvaghosha: The Poet-Monk

Mixed Genre and Drama

Subhāṣita: Wisdom in Verse

Guides to Practice

Hymns of Praise

Poetics and Meter

Japanese Buddhist Poetry

Early Waka

Imperial Anthologies

Masters of Shakkyōka

Haiku and Sabi

Modern Expressions

East Meets West

The Iroha Poem

Global Reach

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice