Ikkyu Sojun
What are some of the major works written by or about Ikkyu Sojun?
Ikkyu Sojun was a prominent Japanese Zen monk and poet who lived in the 15th century. He is known for his rebellious and unconventional approach to Zen Buddhism, which was reflected in his writings. Some of his major works include:
"Crow with No Mouth" - This is a collection of Ikkyu's poems and teachings, compiled posthumously by his disciples. The title of this work is derived from one of his famous poems, in which he compares himself to a crow with no mouth, symbolizing his rejection of traditional teachings and his unique perspective on Zen.
"Wild Ways" - This is another collection of Ikkyu's poems and teachings, which was also compiled by his disciples. The poems in this collection reflect his unorthodox and sometimes controversial views on Zen and life in general.
"Skeletons" - This is a series of poems written by Ikkyu during his later years, when he was facing his own mortality. These poems are filled with introspection and contemplation on the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death.
"The Record of Ikkyu" - This is a biography of Ikkyu written by his disciple, Takuan Soho. It provides a detailed account of Ikkyu's life, teachings, and his impact on Zen Buddhism.
"The Zen Master Ikkyu" - This is another biography of Ikkyu, written by the renowned Zen scholar D.T. Suzuki. It explores Ikkyu's life and teachings in depth, and also provides insights into the cultural and historical context in which he lived.
Ikkyu's works were not limited to just poetry and teachings. He also wrote calligraphy and created artwork, which are considered to be an expression of his Zen philosophy. Some of his calligraphic works, along with his poems and teachings, are preserved in the Daitoku-ji temple in Kyoto, where he spent most of his life.
In addition to his own works, there have been numerous books and articles written about Ikkyu and his impact on Zen Buddhism. His rebellious and unconventional approach to Zen has inspired many, and his teachings continue to be studied and practiced by Zen practitioners around the world.
In conclusion, Ikkyu Sojun's major works include collections of his poems and teachings, biographies written by his disciples and scholars, as well as his calligraphy and artwork. His unique perspective on Zen and life has left a lasting impact on the world of Zen Buddhism, making him a revered figure in Japanese history.