Hojoki: A Buddhist Reflection on Solitude
Kamo no Chomei
Discover the tranquil wisdom of Chomei's 13th-century masterpiece, Hojoki, as it unveils the beauty of imperfection and the serenity of a simple life amidst the chaos of existence.
Hojoki is an introspective poem written in the 13th century by the enigmatic Japanese hermit Kamo no Chomei, who as a young man served in the capital as official court poet but later in life withdrew from society.
Composed in a time of devastating fires, floods, earthquakes, droughts and famines, Chomei's masterpiece reflects on the impermanence of things, expressing life's mysterious beauty and the profound wisdom to be found in nature.
Chomei paints a vivid picture of the chaos and suffering of the human condition. Amidst this turmoil, he discovers an oasis of calm in a simple mountain hut, where he contemplates the virtues of nature and the wabi sabi beauty of imperfection in all things.
In their friends,
People like to find affluence and a ready smile.
Compassion and honesty,
Not so much.
So why not make friends with music and nature instead:
The moon; the flowers?
********
I know my needs,
And I know the world.
I want for nothing,
And do not labor to acquire things.
Quietude is all I desire:
To be free from worry is happiness enough.
This new translation by Matthew Stavros, presented along with the original Classical Japanese, captures the profound serenity of Chomei's writings. His poignant verses serve as timely reminders that amidst the uncertainty of this world, true contentment can often be found in the simple life, in embracing fleeting moments, and in seeking solace in nature's beauty.
Author - Kamo no Chomei.
Narrator - Brian Nishii.
Published Date - Wednesday, 03 January 2024.
Location:
United States
Description:
Discover the tranquil wisdom of Chomei's 13th-century masterpiece, Hojoki, as it unveils the beauty of imperfection and the serenity of a simple life amidst the chaos of existence. Hojoki is an introspective poem written in the 13th century by the enigmatic Japanese hermit Kamo no Chomei, who as a young man served in the capital as official court poet but later in life withdrew from society. Composed in a time of devastating fires, floods, earthquakes, droughts and famines, Chomei's masterpiece reflects on the impermanence of things, expressing life's mysterious beauty and the profound wisdom to be found in nature. Chomei paints a vivid picture of the chaos and suffering of the human condition. Amidst this turmoil, he discovers an oasis of calm in a simple mountain hut, where he contemplates the virtues of nature and the wabi sabi beauty of imperfection in all things. In their friends, People like to find affluence and a ready smile. Compassion and honesty, Not so much. So why not make friends with music and nature instead: The moon; the flowers? ******** I know my needs, And I know the world. I want for nothing, And do not labor to acquire things. Quietude is all I desire: To be free from worry is happiness enough. This new translation by Matthew Stavros, presented along with the original Classical Japanese, captures the profound serenity of Chomei's writings. His poignant verses serve as timely reminders that amidst the uncertainty of this world, true contentment can often be found in the simple life, in embracing fleeting moments, and in seeking solace in nature's beauty. Author - Kamo no Chomei. Narrator - Brian Nishii. Published Date - Wednesday, 03 January 2024.
Language:
English
Chapter 1
Duration:00:00:52
Chapter 2
Duration:00:13:19
Chapter 3
Duration:00:03:16
Chapter 4
Duration:00:02:26
Chapter 5
Duration:00:02:54
Chapter 6
Duration:00:01:52
Chapter 7
Duration:00:04:11
Chapter 8
Duration:00:05:10
Chapter 9
Duration:00:03:39
Chapter 10
Duration:00:02:23
Chapter 11
Duration:00:01:49
Chapter 12
Duration:00:05:03
Chapter 13
Duration:00:05:02
Chapter 14
Duration:00:01:49
Chapter 15
Duration:00:01:19
Chapter 16
Duration:00:01:29
Chapter 17
Duration:00:00:43
Chapter 18
Duration:00:01:17
Chapter 19
Duration:00:00:28
Chapter 20
Duration:00:02:39
Chapter 21
Duration:00:02:56
Chapter 22
Duration:00:02:08
Chapter 23
Duration:00:04:27
Chapter 24
Duration:00:06:17
Chapter 25
Duration:00:03:55
Chapter 26
Duration:00:02:19
Chapter 27
Duration:00:01:55
Chapter 28
Duration:00:05:23
Chapter 29
Duration:00:05:20
Chapter 30
Duration:00:02:06
Chapter 31
Duration:00:01:28
Chapter 32
Duration:00:01:23
Chapter 33
Duration:00:00:53
Chapter 34
Duration:00:01:28