Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World

Buddhist : Zen / Chan

9th Century

China
(East Asia)

Po Chu-i

Timeline (772 - 846)

Poems by Po Chu-i
Books - Links

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Po Chu-i was a gentleman poet and government official during the golden age of the Tang dynasty in China. He was born in Shansi, but later settled in Ch'ang-an in the north-west.

He held several government posts during his lifetime, including palace librarian and several provincial governorships. But, because of his willingness to openly speak out against government policies, he was also banished several times.

Po Chu-i eventually retired to a monastery when he was in his 50s. One of his legs was paralyzed at the end of his life.

His poetry often has the easy, retiring quality of Chan poetry of the time, but he also displayed a biting sense of humor often sharply critical of greedy government officials, military activity and overlooked social problems.

Poems by Po Chu-i

	Autumn's Cold
	Lute
	Staying at Bamboo Lodge

Recommended Books

A Drifting Boat: Chinese Zen Poetry, Edited by J. P. Seaton / Edited by Dennis Maloney

Amazon.com

The Poetry of Zen: (Shambhalla Library), Edited by Sam Hamill / Edited by J. P. Seaton

Amazon.com

Related Links:

	A Lute of Jade - Po Chu-i http://www.worldwideschool.org/library/books/lit/poetry/ALuteofJade/chap22.html Biographical sketch and several poem excerpts.
	Po Chu i http://www.humanistictexts.org/po_chu_i.htm Several poems online.

Please support the Poetry Chaikhana, as well as the authors and publishers of sacred poetry, by purchasing some of the recommended books through the links on this site. Thank you!

Poetry Chaikhana Sacred Poetry from Around the World

Po Chu-i

Daily Poem Email

Support the Poetry Chaikhana

Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World