Zen and Haiku

Paper Summary:

Haiku is a form of meditation or reflection strongly influenced by Zen tradition that can be used by men to attain enlightenment and simple understanding.This paper examines how Zen traditions influenced early haiku by encouraging the pursuit of natural awareness and simplicity without intervention. It reviews the methods that early haiku poets used to reflect the idea that what occurs in life and within the mind should be presented rather than reflected on. These ideas and emphasis on Zen's influence on haiku in Japan and how connected the tradition of Haiku is with Zen philosophy are also discussed.

Outline:
Introduction
Analysis
Zen's Influence on Haiku
Conclusions

From the Paper:

"Zen philosophy focuses on the importance of simple living, solitude and meditation and our impermanence or the lack of permanency in all that exists in the world. Adopting Zen morals one must assume that the simple path in life is the one filled with much reward and prosperity. Zen philosophy concentrates on achieving enlightenment, where one recognizes the Buddha nature and sees that this tendency exists in everyone (Lieberman, 2005). Enlightenment according to Zen tradition is possible by simply acknowledging that which is and recognizing that interpretation or analysis of events is not necessary."

More papers on Zen and Haiku:

• Comparison Essay # 6625 : "Haiku and Zen"
• Research Paper # 14689 : "Zen Buddhism and Art"
• Essay # 17918 : "Zen Buddhism & Japanese Arts"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: