The Old Tea Seller: Life and Zen Poetry in 18th Century Kyoto

Poet, Zen Buddhist priest, renowned thinker, and seller of tea — Baisao was all of these things, as well as being a bit of an eccentric. Known to carry large wicker baskets filled with tea utensils through the streets and surrounding hills of Japan's capital, Baisao set up shop wherever he ended up and brewed tea for those who came to enjoy the scenery with him. Establishing a quiet, simple life, Baisao spent his final years composing poetry, brewing tea, and teaching Zen, in the process becoming a well-loved figure. These poems, memoirs, and letters tell us more about this endearing person and trace his long life's profound spiritual journey. This comprehensive translation includes nearly all of Baisao's writings, giving us a deep look at this remarkable man.

Audience
adult
Length
medium · 208 pages

Click a tag to see books like this one that share it. Point at it (on a phone, tap it) for less of it instead.

Read it? Sign in to help tag it.

Liked The Old Tea Seller: Life and Zen Poetry in 18th Century Kyoto? Here’s where I’d start.

These suit anyone who liked The Old Tea Seller: Life and Zen Poetry in 18th Century Kyoto. Sign in and mark a few books for picks shaped around your own taste.

  1. Japanese Haiku: Its Essential Nature and History Shares poetry, Japan
  2. Basho's Narrow Road: Spring and Autumn Passages Shares poetry, Japan, Asia
  3. Matsuo Bashō Shares poetry, Japan, biography
  4. The Ink Dark Moon: Love Poems by Ono no Komachi and Izumi Shikibu, Women of the Ancient Court of Japan Shares poetry, Japan, Asia

“If you want more of the same (biography), start with these.”

  1. Masaoka Shiki: Selected Poems
  2. From the Country of Eight Islands: An Anthology of Japanese Poetry
  3. Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death
  4. The Penguin Book of Japanese Verse

“If it was the poetry that hooked you, try one of these.”

  1. One Robe, One Bowl: The Zen Poetry of Ryōkan
  2. In the Eyes of the Cat: Japanese Poetry for All Seasons
  3. Classic Haiku: A Master's Selection
  4. 100 Poems from the Japanese

“These start from a similar idea, even if they go somewhere else with it.”

  1. The Tea Ceremony
  2. Tea: The Drink that Changed the World
  3. The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide
  4. The Ancient Art of Tea: Wisdom From the Old Chinese Tea Masters