THE CREATIVE ACTIVITIES MADE WITH WORDS – Tanka and Japan: a way of looking at the physical world, looking for something deeper

The creative lifestyles, are characterized by nonconforming attitudes and behaviors. With the creativity, an idea or a musical composition, literary work or a painting, they are phenomenons whereby something new is formed. Haiku started out as a popular activity during the 9th to 12th centuries in Japan called “tanka.” It is a way of looking at the physical world and seeing something deeper, like the very nature of existence.

Haiku poems date from 9th century Japan to the present day. The first verse was called a “hokku” and set the mood for the rest of the verses. The three masters of “hokku” from the 17th century were Basho, Issa, and Buson. Haiku is more than a type of poem. A haiku poem consists of three lines of words. To understand Japan, try reading these short poems, but also looking at some paintings by Katsushika Hokusai.

Natsume Soseki – Over the wintry forest, winds howl in rage, with no leaves to blow. The crow has flown away: swaying in the evening sun, a leafless tree. Basho Matsuo – An old silent pond. A frog jumps into the pond, splash! Silence again. Autumn moonlight, a worm digs silently into the chestnut. Lightning flash, what I thought were faces are plumes of pampas grass. Yosa Buson – A summer river being crossed, how pleasing with sandals in my hands! Light of the moon moves west, flowers’ shadows creep eastward. In the moonlight, the color and scent of the wisteria seems far away. Kobayaski Issa – O snail, climb Mount Fuji, but slowly, slowly! Trusting the Buddha, good and bad, I bid farewell to the departing year. Everything I touch with tenderness, alas, pricks like a bramble.

Every day for the past six years, He has written a simple haiku about love. These heartfelt poems have attracted a large and loyal following around the world. This vibrant collection, reveals the intimate reflections of one of poetry’s most popular new voices. All the Words Are Yours: Haiku on Love – By Tyler Knott Gregson https://www.amazon.com/All-Words-Are-Yours-Haiku/dp/0399176004/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1479378620&sr=1-2

To pursue this issue, you can also read:

http://meetingbenches.com/2016/11/katsushika-hokusai-17601849-japanese-painter-long-creative-season-man-many-names/

http://meetingbenches.com/2016/11/mountain-perfect-shape-wonderful-images-mount-fuji/

http://meetingbenches.com/2016/11/waves-like-claws-hokusai-hiroshige-utamaro-palazzo-reale-milan/