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Essays in Idleness
and Hojoki
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Check link for latest rating. ( 2,643 ratings, 328 reviews)
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Essays in Idleness
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Offers two works on life's fleeting pleasures by Buddhist monks from medieval Japan, but each shows a different world-view. This book includes ribald stories of drunken monks to aching nostalgia for the fading traditions of the Japanese court.
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Description
Essays in Idleness by Kamo no Chomei and Yoshida Kenko offers timeless reflections on Buddhism, nature, and the value of leisure.
These two classical Japanese texts, penned by Buddhist monks from medieval Japan, provide a profound glimpse into two contrasting yet deeply philosophical views of life. In the short memoir HΕjΕki, Chomei eloquently describes his retreat from the chaos of worldly affairs to embrace the solitude of a tiny hut in the mountains. He meditates on the transience of human existence, illustrating the impermanence of life through his serene yet thought-provoking narrative.
Contrastingly, Kenko's Tsurezuregusa (Essays in Idleness) captivates readers with its diverse collection of anecdotes, advice, and observations. From bawdy tales of drunken monks to a melancholic longing for the vanishing traditions of the Japanese court, Kenko's work remains an ever-surprising exploration of the human condition. His essays traverse the full spectrum of human experiences, blending light-hearted humour with poignant reflections.
The juxtaposition of Chomei's ascetic withdrawal and Kenko's worldly curiosity creates a rich tapestry of thought that addresses the impermanence and beauty of life. These timeless works offer a rare glimpse into the philosophical and cultural backdrop of medieval Japan, inviting modern readers to introspect on their own lives and the world around them.
Newly introduced to Penguin Classics, Essays in Idleness continues to resonate with readers, presenting contemplative musings on lifeβs fleeting pleasures and the enduring wisdom of Buddhism. Whether you are seeking solace in solitude or a deeper appreciation for everyday experiences, these essays are a testament to the enduring relevance of ancient philosophical thought.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Essays in Idleness is praised as a delightful book that has significantly influenced Japanese style and taste since the 17th century. The vignettes emphasise the beauty of fleeting, everyday moments, offering a reflective and personal insight from Kenko.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780141192109
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 05 December 2013
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Classics
Contributors:
- Translated by Meredith McKinney
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 13.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 169g
Pages: 224
About the Author
Kenko was born around 1283 in Kyoto. He probably became a monk in his late twenties, and was also noted as a calligrapher. Today he is remembered for his wise and witty aphorisms, 'Essays in Idleness'. Chomei was born into a family of Shinto priests in around 1155, at at time when the stable world of the court was rapidly breaking up. He became an important though minor poet of his day, and at the age of fifty, withdrew from the world to become a tonsured monk. He died in around 1216. Meredith McKinney is a translator of Japanese literature, both contemporary and classical. She lived in Japan for twenty years and is currently a visitng fellow at the Australian National University in Canberra.
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