Art, Dance, Poetry & Writing
Spiritual Greed and Gluttony – Dark Night of The Soul
I remember about a dozen years ago, I was going through a particularly challenging time that felt like a hopeless period In my personal and spiritual development. Among other things, my mentor suggested that I read and meditate on Dark Night Of The Soul by St. John of The Cross. She suggested I pay close attention to the teachings on spiritual greed and gluttony. I immediately became furious at her but pretended as if I was okay. Of course, she knew better. Like any "good student" who wants to prove to his mentor just how good a student he is, I left her and directly went to buy a copy of the book.
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Waka Poetry – Providence Zen Center
Waka Poetry at Providence Zen Center 10.11.14
I feel stillness now
Earth is alive as am I
Moment disappears
Life goes on moving freely
Wind does not know shaky mind
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Maya Angelou Phenomenal Woman
Many years ago, I gave a friend the book by Maya Angelou, Phenomenal Woman. I remember the first time she read it and watching her face light up as if an angel had just touched her; maybe she was, in a sense. I have always been a fan of Maya Angelou. I flinched this morning when I read that she had passed. Although we had never met, I felt like I lost an old friend. Amazing and phenomenal people have that effect on those who have heard or read their words. Along with being an amazing writer, Maya Angelou had as beautiful a speaking voice as I can remember hearing....
Waka Poetry Part II
More Waka Poetry. Each is its own poem, not necessarily related to the others.
"Waka translates simply to "Japanese poem," but for most of us with a passing acquaintance with Japanese poetry, we’re more likely to think of haiku as the true poetry of Japan. While it is true that haiku was the predominant form of Japanese culture and certainly most recognized by non-Japanese, waka inspired it. It was an art form, first begun in the 8th century CE, which continued in popularity through the modern era.
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Waka Poetry – Part I
I enjoy writing Waka Poetry. If you are not familiar with Waka, please read description below, followed by some Waka.
"Waka translates simply to "Japanese poem," but for most of us with a passing acquaintance with Japanese poetry, we’re more likely to think of haiku as the true poetry of Japan. While it is true haiku was the predominant form of Japanese culture, and certainly most recognized by non-Japanese, waka inspired it. It was an art form, first begun in the 8th century CE, which continued in popularity through the modern era.
"Waka translates simply to "Japanese poem," but for most of us with a passing acquaintance with Japanese poetry, we’re more likely to think of haiku as the true poetry of Japan. While it is true haiku was the predominant form of Japanese culture, and certainly most recognized by non-Japanese, waka inspired it. It was an art form, first begun in the 8th century CE, which continued in popularity through the modern era.
Like haiku, waka depends upon syllabic structure for each verse line. The two main types that remained popular are Choka and Renga. In Choka, the waka poem begins with two lines of five and seven syllables. It ends with three more lines that are 5-7-7....
