Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World

Buddhist : Zen / Chan

14th Century

Japan
(East Asia)

Muso Soseki

Timeline (1275 - 1351)

Poems by Muso Soseki
Books - Links

Muso Soseki, Muso Soseki poetry, Buddhist, Buddhist poetry, Zen / Chan poetry, poetry, poetry

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Soseki first practiced Zen under the guidance of a Chinese teacher but he "failed miserably." He later studied with the Japanese Zen master Koho Kennichi and soon began to unfold into profound awakening, receiving inka or certification of enlightenment in 1339.

Muso Soseki went on to teach large numbers of students and, like many Zen practitioners, write poetry. He also became an advisor to the first Ashikaga Shogun and helped to re-establish trade and communications between Japan and China.

Soseki is perhaps most famous, however, for his profound influence in designing Zen gardens.

Poems by Muso Soseki

	At the Nachi Kan'non Hall
	Beyond the World
	Buddha's Satori
	Clear Valley
	No End Point
	Old Creek
	Snow Garden
	Temple of Eternal Light
	The Gate of Universal Light
	Toki-no-Ge (Satori Poem)

Recommended Books

East Window: Poems from Asia, Translated by W. S. Merwin

Amazon.com

Roaring Stream: A New Zen Reader, Edited by Nelson Foster / Edited by Josh Shoemaker

Amazon.com

Sun at Midnight: Muso Soseki - Poems and Sermons, Translated by W. S. Merwin / Translated by Soiku Shigematsu

Amazon.com

Related Links:

	Recall the Two Zen Masters http://facstaff.elon.edu/sullivan/ashikaga.htm Contains a brief section on Muso Soseki along with a couple of poems.
	JGarden - Historical Biographies http://www.jgarden.org/biographies.asp?ID=21 A biography of Soseki with an emphasis on his garden designs.

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

Muso Soseki

Daily Poem Email

Support the Poetry Chaikhana

Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World