Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death

Enriching and beautiful

Totally charmed by the book. But here is what I don't get - why are some poems transliterated in English while others are not? Strange.Overall - it is one of the most amazing books I have read, ever.

Such a magnificent collection of the purest poetry.

overall good poetry book I wished all the poems to be written also in Japanese

Great quality of research & compilation. Very interesting angle of view on Haiku. I recommend this book to any Haiku or Zen/Buddhism enthusiast. Well done Professor Hoffmann and thank you.

この本の成立に関わった方から紹介され手に取りました。筆者は今年の8月に亡くなられましたが、研究者として、作家として豊かな知性と感性をもって、若い人々を導き世に問いかけてこられました。今、彼の祖国の人々が苦しい状況にある中で、この本を通して、かつて日本に滞在し、日本の文学やそこに宿る精神を母国をはじめ広く世界に紹介しようとした彼の業績に思いをはせ、異文化への敬意と理性による共生社会への希望の光が広がる事を願います。

A very entertaining book. Sentiments shared are real life feelings felt by disciplined Buddhists leaving this life for the unknown evoke a harsh reality of Japanese spiritual beliefs. An interesting book.