The Open Gate: A Haiku Journal

by J.C. Greene

Book Overview

"These Haiku are an intriguing fusion of the best of Japanese and American poetic values." - Lane Nishikawa, poet, writer, actor, director of "Only the Brave", and former Artistic Director of the Asian Arts Company.

"An exceptional example of how the root of Japanese Haiku may sprout in foreign soil and produce magnificent blossoms in English." - Rabbi Marvin Tokayer, lifetime rabbi of the Jewish Community of Japan, and author of The Untold...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595408958
• ISBN13: 9780595408955
• Release Date: July 2006
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 132 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Six Stars- great for children and adults

Wonderful, inspiring book, which you'll want to read and reread. I bought it at San Francisco's Japanese Tea Gardens and am recommending it to friends of all ages and backgrounds. If you're interested in philosophy, poetry, history and revealing insights into culture, The Open Gate is for you. This gem of simplicity contains some of the deepest observations into life and death, war and peace that you'll ever read. Everyone with a loved one in the army, and every veteran should read it.

Should be on Every Bookshelf. A Hidden Treasure

Whether or not you've heard of haiku -- this witty little book is loaded with wisdom. It's spiritual, uplifting and timeless. Should be on every bookshelf. I read this haiku to my yoga teacher: "While each mind Hosts a universe Each soul waits alone." When I answer my rebellious teenager, I think of this haiku: "Saying no By describing the limitations On Yes." Whenever I visit my ill friend, I remember this: "Pain is the screen Through which truth Can be seen."

A Wonderful, meaningful, compelling new book

The smallest literary form--haiku -- is at its best in this powerful book. If you've ever wanted to improve your writing or understanding of life, read The Open Gate. This haiku journal presents amazing imagery drawn from intensely careful observations. The poems evoke an enormous range of moods and emotions -- from compassion to awareness of temporality. Some reveal a sense of mystery, others reflect a Zen Buddhist influence. Some are witty or sarcastic, others, achingly sad. Haiku of this quality in English are very rare. J. C. Greene is a modern master. Reading his poems is like Basho's famous leaping frog, plunging into water, each brief poem expanding in ever-widening ripples.

Profound. Deserves More than 5 Stars.

The haiku in this wonderful book are profound. They made me think, cry, laugh and above all, feel. They go right to the heart. it is packed with brilliant, original observations about life. The author is a wise philosopher. He sees and thinks clearly and feels a lot. Just 3 lines of his haiku contain observations that could take a 300 page book. I'm going give The Open Gate to my friends and relatives. I haven't felt so touched by words since I first read Walden Pond or poems of Frost and Emily Dickinson.

Moving, stirring. A rare gem. Great gift.

I lived in Tokyo for many years and a Japanese friend gave me The Open Gate. She told me: Like the Japanese masters, Mr. Greene makes haiku look effortless. Now my reading group is enjoying The Open Gate -- no matter your ages or background, this book is inspiring. Some of us are re-reading these poems -- because they are so full of deep, wise meaning. The Open Gate is a rare gem of a gift -- for adults, students, tourists to Japan, reading groups, anyone who has lost a loved one. Poem-by-poem brilliance. It's a pleasuure to discover this inspiring, award-winning Haiku poet. Just one example of a haiku you'll find in The Open Gate: Cloudy afternoon-- Into the empty bird nest Autumn leaves falling. (Mom's death)