Commemorate Shinran Shonin's 750th Memorial Observance with Poetry
Calling for Haiku and Tanka
As part of the 750th Shinran Shonin Memorial
Observance, the young and young at heart of the BCA Sangha are
encouraged to share Haiku and Tanka poetry. Like Shin Buddhism,
haiku and tanka offer an accessible gateway of expression and
celebration for most anyone to enjoy. And like Jodo Shinshu, haiku
and tanka encourage us to pause and appreciate the world and the
people around us. Therefore, the poems are to be based on the
theme “Peace and Tranquility.”
Haiku
is a short form of poetry that originated in Japan. For over 300
years, haiku have been enjoyed and written by large numbers of
Japanese of all ages and from all walks of life. And the same can
be said for haiku in this country, where poets of all skill levels
have tried their hand, and pen, at English language haiku, for
approximately the last 100 years.
In its most traditional form, haiku are three lines, the length of
lines predetermined by syllable counts of 5-7-5. The brevity of
the form forces us to slow down and to take note, to focus our
attention on a single moment, a particular encounter, out of the
myriad we experience day to day.
Haiku comes directly out of our lives and will usually refer to
the natural world, creating an image that conveys emotion in the
form of surprise, delight or joy; grief, pain or sadness.
The following is an example of a haiku:
watching the sunset
sitting on the grassy cliff
after father’s death -- -Ainslie Colness,
age 12
Tanka are related to haiku, an extended form that
might be said to be more lyrical. Also based upon syllable count
the traditional form is five lines, counting, 5-7-5-7-7. Tanka are
in the first person. Most often, lines 1, 2 and 3 can stand
independent of 3, 4 and 5. But the third line often acts as a
hinge that creates not only a cohesive poem, one with meaning well
beyond its juxtaposed parts. This is what draws us in to tanka.
the brief cloud of snow
as an axe strikes this oak
a staggering blow
after his diagnoses
I can’t hear the doctor’s voice -- -Denis M
Garrison
A collection of poems will be selected to appear in
the Wheel of Dharma and 2011 BCA Calendar.
Poem eligibility includes:
Completed poems must be submitted by
November 1, 2009.
DEADLINE DATE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO
DECEMBER 1, 2009
Include name, temple address and or email, and
phone number.
Or mail poems to: BCA Shinran Shonin 750th
Memorial
C/o
Jodo Shinshu Center
2140 Durant Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94704
Poetry through the words of Haiku and Tanka reveal expressions of
deep appreciation and gratitude towards our rich Jodo Shinshu
tradition. Sharing your compositions will complement the program.
Gassho.
