Daily Zen Library

1989

Sun At Midnight – Poems and Sermons of Muso Soseki

Translated by W. S. Merwin and Soiku Shigematsu Soiku Shigematsu, W.S Merwin

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Long out of print, this reissue is the first translation into English of the work of Muso Soseki, the thirteenth-century Zen roshi and founder of the rock garden. A gorgeous introduction by co-translator W.S. Merwin sets the stage for 130 poems and six letters to the Emperor that combine delicacy and lightness with penetrating plainness. Essential for poets, gardeners, and students of Zen.

Related Journal Entries

West Mountain Evening Talk Part 4

Muso Soseki (1275-1351) The monk asked, "Zen masters these days give a koan to their disciples. This makes students study words, doesn't it?" The Master answered, "No, it... View Journal Entry »

West Mountain Evening Talk

Part 1 Muso Soseki (1275-1351) When the Master was living at Nanzen-ji as a head priest, Gen'no Osho said to him, "For the last twenty years, ever since you finished your study in the... View Journal Entry »

West Evening Mountain Talk Part 3

The monk asked, “Zen masters these days give a koan to their disciples.  This makes students study words, doesn’t it?” The Master answered, “No it... View Journal Entry »

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Muso Soseki (1275-1351) The Master said, “Bukko Zenji’s advice to his disciple Bukkoku goes:  ‘I doubt that many students in Japan will attain satori in their... View Journal Entry »

On Gardens and the Way

Muso Soseki  (1275-1351) From ancient times until now there have been many who have delighted in raising up mounds of earth, making arrangements of stones, planting trees, and hollowing... View Journal Entry »

West Mountain Evening Talk

Muso Soseki (1275-1351) The Master used to say to us when we were his students, “When I was twenty I became a novice at Kennin-ji. I never left the zendo at all but gave myself up... View Journal Entry »
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