Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death
May 2026 · Tuttle Publishing · Narrated by Marco Blasco
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7 hr 6 min
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About this audiobook
Discover the beauty and clarity of life's final moments through Japan's haunting tradition of jisei—poems written at the edge of death.
This moving collection brings together hundreds of translated death poems by Zen monks, haiku poets, and samurai warriors—many appearing in English for the first time. Compiled by renowned scholar Yoel Hoffmann, Japanese Death Poems offers more than exquisite verse: it explores Japan's deep-rooted cultural approach to mortality, impermanence, and spiritual release. With vivid commentary and historical insight, this volume reveals how clarity, humor, and grace can emerge at life's end.
A powerful and contemplative listen for poetry lovers, spiritual seekers, and anyone drawn to the mystery of death.
This moving collection brings together hundreds of translated death poems by Zen monks, haiku poets, and samurai warriors—many appearing in English for the first time. Compiled by renowned scholar Yoel Hoffmann, Japanese Death Poems offers more than exquisite verse: it explores Japan's deep-rooted cultural approach to mortality, impermanence, and spiritual release. With vivid commentary and historical insight, this volume reveals how clarity, humor, and grace can emerge at life's end.
A powerful and contemplative listen for poetry lovers, spiritual seekers, and anyone drawn to the mystery of death.
Discover the beauty and clarity of life's final moments through Japan's haunting tradition of jisei—poems written at the edge of death.
This moving collection brings together hundreds of translated death poems by Zen monks, haiku poets, and samurai warriors—many appearing in English for the firs...
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About the author
Celebrated author, editor, and translator, Professor Yoel Hoffmann (1937—2023) is known as one of the leading Western scholars of Zen Buddhism and of Japanese poetry. Hoffman wrote several books on Buddhism and comparative philosophy, including The Sound of the One Hand, Radical Zen: the Sayings of Joshu, and The Idea of Self-East and West. He was the recipient the inaugural Koret Jewish Book Award, the Bialik Prize, and the Prime Minister's Prize.
Marco Blasco is a Japan-based editor, writer and audiobook narrator. He edits and proofreads novels and writes articles about Japanese culture and travel. He also is an avid reader and writer of fantasy and science fiction stories.
Marco Blasco is a Japan-based editor, writer and audiobook narrator. He edits and proofreads novels and writes articles about Japanese culture and travel. He also is an avid reader and writer of fantasy and science fiction stories.
Celebrated author, editor, and translator, Professor Yoel Hoffmann (1937—2023) is known as one of the leading Western scholars of Zen Buddhism and of Japanese poetry. Hoffman wrote several books on Buddhism and comparative philosophy, including The Sound of the One Hand, Radical Zen: the Sayings ...
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